Toy Fox Terriers O'BJ
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Pedigrees
are just names on a piece of paper. Some are
accurate and meaningful. Some are not. It is important to see a
lot of champions are on the pedigree but unless each mating was the result of
carefully selected, genetically compatible, healthy Toy Fox Terriers, the
pedigree is worthless.
Here's why. Top winners are frequently mated to each other with dismal results. Even AKC champions must be genetically compatible in order to pass on their good qualities. "Compatible" means the sire and dam do not share the same visible (dominant) or hidden (recessive) faults.
A knowledgeable breeder will have researched health, temperament, and structural faults in each dog in the first three generations. Having weighed the faults and virtues, seen as many of the dogs on the pedigree as possible, a good breeder can reach a decision that best insures a gorgeous, mentally and physically sound litter.
Just want a family companion? Okay, but you still want a dog that looks and acts like a Toy Fox Terrier and won't be plagued with health problems. That is why the pedigree is equally important to the pet owner. And why the breeder's sincerity and dedication is represented by the litter's pedigree.
Here's a good rule of thumb. A quality dog, puppy, or pedigree will have at least 50% Champions in the first four generations. Obedience titles are great but the ugliest dog on the planet can earn a CD. The pedigree should show a respected "bloodline" or kennel names and breeders who carefully matched each sire and dam for compatibility rather than just breeding to a top winner because his puppies would be saleable. A good pedigree means every dog in the first three generations was selected for the important features of Toy Fox Terrier type and since no dog is perfect, their faults have also been carefully weighed by the breeder.
Health certifications are good but not as important as Champion titles. Of course some will argue that point but that says something about the person. A dog that is virtually unrecognizable as a Toy Fox Terrier can get health certifications. In fact, disreputable breeders can easily substitute one dog for another... But it isn't easy to do that in the show ring where everyone can see a sickly, unsound, shy, or sickly dog that can't win! You hear a lot about DNA certification and it is valuable in specific health research or to resolve disputes regarding which dog is the actual parent of a litter. It has nothing to do with quality.
This is not meant as a lesson in genetics. It's not even about the Toy Fox Terrier breed. It is just that breeders don't always explain these things (for obvious reasons) but every potential owner should know how to "read a pedigree" and interpret it to fit what they are looking for. Pet or show quality, the right puppy will enrich your life for well over a decade.
So wherever you get your your puppy, don't be in a hurry. Take the time to (gasp) make an informed decision. Bill and I didn't sell to impulse buyers which is why over 275 O'BJ dogs have became AKC Champions, National Winners and/or Register Of Merit Sires and Dams. But much more important, pet or show, almost without exception, O'BJ puppies lived long, happy lives with families that treasured them.
(828) 286-9944 9 AM to 8 PM in the beautiful Smokey Mountain Foothills of Rutherfordton, North Carolina
Copyright © 2002 Barbara J. Andrews. All rights reserved. Except for brief reference quotations with source provided, no portions thereof may be stored or reprinted in any form, electronic or otherwise, without prior express written consent of Barbara J. Andrews