Simply put, my desire is to breed healthy PONs who have congenial
temperments, and are conformationally sound.
To me, these three essential elements are the keys to maintaining and improving the breed. However, developing a strong breeding program that strikes a balance between these three elements seems to be much easier said than done. I don't think breeding is for wimps. It has tried my patience, challenged my knowledge and made me evaluate my goals may times over. It is also one of the most rewarding paths I have ever walked.
Although my goals remain the same, my guidelines are ever changing as my knowledge base continues to grow.
So,with that in mind, what I believe and do today may be, and probably will be, abandoned for something better tomorrow. Further, my beliefs are formed primarily from past experiences. For instance, I recently lost a dog who had an autoimmune disease. I feel blessed that she lived for 13 1/2 years, but I must also admit it was heartwrenching to watch her struggle. She was diagnosed at 2 years old, and since that time, I have learned that autoimmune diseases frequently manifest around that age. Consequently, my first guideline is that I do not breed either a dog or bitch before they are 2 years old. With that said, it is also a 'given' that there are exceptions to every rule, and no rule is written in stone. This is particularly true for a rare breed, such as the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, where the gene pool remains rather small.
My current guidelines include:
1. As noted above, I only breed a dog/bitch after the age of two years old. All breeding stock has a permanent OFA rating reflecting no hip dysplasia.
2. All breeding stock has a current CERF number. Once bred, routine CERF exams are continued until the age of 8 years old.
3. I only breed AKC registered dogs who have sound temperments, no disqualifying hereditary defects, and are in good health.
4. I believe it is the right of prospective puppy parents to ask for references from past puppy purchasers. If requested, these references can be provided.
5. In return, as the breeder, I also want to "get to know" prospective puppy parents before they get a puppy from me. In this way, I can ensure a new puppy parent is getting the right puppy for them.
6. All puppies are sold with a written contract which clarifies the responsibilities of both purchaser and breeder.
7. Every new purchaser is provided with a reasonable time to get to know their new puppy. During this time, the puppy may be returned with a full refund if the purchaser is not satisfied, provided the puppy is returned in good heath and soundness. Further, the puppy should be taken to a veterinarian and checked for health and soundness during this time as well.
8. As a breeder, I have a lifelong responsibility for the dogs I breed.
9. It is also the breeder's responsibility to make sure the purchaser is comfortable in the care and grooming of their new puppy.
10. There should be cooperation among breeders, not competitition.
The wellbeing of the dog and the breed should be an essential
elememt of every breeding program.