THE HARDCORE FARMER

[Officially Retired]

I've heard it said/read that most of what you describe above is the difference between breeders and "action" men. I agree with that to some degree. Most things are not absolute. I know men that are both of those things. True, honest dogmen that I am proud to have known.

I think "action men" also can very easily subscribe to what I have written.

Earl Tudor, for example, made the statement, "I am not betting on his being game, I am betting on his winning."

You don't have to think a dog is dead game to believe he has a shot at winning.

A dog also doesn't have to be dead game to be a great producer either.

Hell, for that matter, what I said applies to EVERY trait a dog can have (mouth/air or any other trait).

NO trait has to be 100% for the dog to be a valuable animal, either as a producer or a performer

Breeders are more interested in preserving and perpetuating the breed and are genuinely concerned about the well-being and care given to the dog to make it all come together. They are the ones who painstakingly plan breedings and search out the traits that they feel will give the produced results the best chance to shine. They love the dogs, first and foremost, and take pride in them. It is very hard to part with any of them.

Again, I believe providing optimal care benefits both breeders and competitors.

It is hard to part with them for many reasons. For the most part it is because of people like you describe above. Fuckin' imbeciles that waste dogs. Imbeciles that do not love the dogs or care for them in any way other than to gain some kind of quasi-pride or ego trip. Retards that cannot understand or recognize a good dog even when the evidence is glaringly obvious. I cannot stand them or being around them, and it makes me into a bulldog recluse..lol...

We are definitely on the same page here

I do not breed dogs very much any more because I simply don't know enough good dogmen to place them where they need to go. I cannot trust people to do right by them and it really matters to me. I've had too many bad experiences and seen too much. It really is a sad commentary on my part and I hope it is just me and my experiences.....but I don't think it is.

No, it is not just you, by any stretch.

This is exactly why I will never put myself in a position to be dependent on dog sales for income again ... it is too easy "to talk yourself into" a sale, and regret it afterward

If I get back in, I will have my income generated from other ventures, and be as selective with who gets my dogs as I am with which dogs I breed together.

Thanks for your input!

Jack