[ Post a Response | Leavitt Bulldog Association ]
Posted by Mathias
on November 5, 2009, 2:58 pm, in reply to "Here's Why"
188.103.31.152
David,
i agree with most of the things you've said. Especially your words about the genetic problems are absolutely right, there is no doubt.
But i think that the main reason for that problems is the small genetic base of the breed. If you look on the pedigrees of most of our dogs you can see, that most of them are closely related.
For me the only way to get that genetic base wider is an outcross program. Under supervision of the LBA it would be a very valuable supplement for the breed. I don't think we need to worry about to get additional serious health problems into the LB if there is a responsible supervision by the LBA. I think all the health problems you've described are already here. We only can try to select the best of breed for breeding. But... if you don't have a base which you can select from 
You've said: there are too many dogs bred
I can't understand what you mean, sorry. We here in europe don't have many 100% LB's. And not all of the LB's we have are used for breeding. Only a few. If you do a responsible selection and if you want to use only the best you can only use a few. As Sita said before: We need help here in europe. If we don't get fresh blood we will have a big problem. That's one of the main reasons i think an outcross is absolutely necessary.
You've said: The only reason to throw open the studbook would be to help owners of crossbred dogs with marketing, as the LB name has sales advantages in Europe. I’m not saying don’t register these Bulldogs, just call them what they are called here; Olde English Bulldogge
David, i can't agree with that. Sorry to say that. Nobody want's to open the LBA-studbook for getting bigger sales, especially not An and Sita. As far as i know they want to register the outcrosses with the EKC, not with the LBA. And believe me, it's not easier to sell a dog with ekc-paperwork.
And by the way... what is about the outcross-dogs which are registered with the LBA today? Are they different? Are they better? I don't know.
Another thing: today here in europe most people already use the name Olde English Bulldogge. Most people around don't know the differences. Some people ask for the percentage of leavitt-blood in the dogs. But for the most uninvolved people the whole confusions around the Olde Bulldogs are only annoying. There are two associations in america, which one is the right one? And that's not enough, now there are two institutions in europe too. Again: which one is right one? Who can declares? And from a view of a puppy buyer: Who is the one with the truth?
If you are a breeder here in europe and you want to get bigger sales - just call your dogs OEB, nobody can understand the background and nobody cares.
The only people which are really interested to improve and protect the breed are a small group of breeders and enthusiasts.
And here is my central belief:
If our fantastic breed should have a future here in europe, there are two things which are most important:
First: We have to make the genetic base wider. Therefor are two options: We can import a lot of dogs (if we can find some really healthy and perfect ones which are unrelated to our dogs). Or we can start an outcross program. For me it would be best if such an outcross program would be done under supervision of the LBA.
And the second important thing: All involved people should do it together. Like a big family. At the moment we have no unity between all involved people. I thought we all are adult people. Why can't we all talk together like adults? We all want the same thing: a healthy LB. For me the perfect bulldog ever. But i can't close my eyes: the LB has some problems. And especially here in europe we have problems.
And I’m sure that we can't get a solution for those problems if we don't work together.
You have talked about the conti breeding program. And i'm sure - you know, that the continental bulldog is a big competitor for the LB here in europe. One of the reasons for the big success of the continental bulldog is, that all people which are involved are strictly organised in one big association. That's a fact. And i think, if we can't do it all together the future for the LB here in europe is not the best. Sorry, it just my opinion.
Mathias.
Life without Bulldog is stupid. 104
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