I have to say I'm shocked that anyone would think two carriers would be bred together! Why would anyone health test and ignore the results to then produce affected puppies? It just wouldn't happen IMO and I've never come across it.

For me temperament, health and conformation are of equal importance.

Well yup - but I have also seen on Aussie breeder websites them explaining about mating merle to merle and how to pick and cull the double merles from the litter asap - same thing - they want the merles to show and see no problem with the 25% odds on unhealthy puppies

I don't see that you have to make a choice
Healthy with a good temperament that conforms to breed standard can be achieved in the same dog.

You don't have to give away one to get the other.

Why settle for one, personally I `m greedy and want all three..........health/temperament/looks!!

Its not like its not out there, so why dismiss one over the other!

Hence the first part of my sentence. IF it comes down to a choice.

For example in a breed with a small gene pool. You wish to continue the line, you may well be faced with a choice of health over looks, and I would go for the former.

Health and temperament way over looks for me----but since I only twice have had the choice out of about 20 dogs I don't suppose I'll get it again! Since one of those two is the unhealthiest dog I have ever known, (barring a couple of GSD's), it doesn't always work out anyway!

rune

But you are more likely to get the "all" from a dog within a small gene pool, as with being so small they will be breeding to type.


There really shouldn't be any "IF" about it, responsible breeding should include all 3, breeding for dogs that look as they should be, with temperaments to fit into family life along with heath.

If I was looking for a dog, be it from a large or small gene pool, I would expect it to have all three.

I would nto buy a dog that was healthy, but was a poor example of its breed, I would not buy a dog that was typical of the breed but lacked temperament or health,

If I had to make that choice, then I would look elsewhere.

Would you expect all breeds to have the temperament to fit into family life?

rune

Again - good for you. Other may want a specific breed or type of dog and have little choice as to where they get it from.

I am waiting on a litter - but I will only get one if it is the right sex and the right colour. I will wait for the dog who ticks every box for me - and I am lucky enough to have the choice to do that within my breed.

All three for me too. They are all of importance. One does not out weigh the other, ideally it is a package.