well said!

The guide dog association started the practise and found it was impracticle and stopped!

But why would a reputable breeder of pedigree dogs want to produce a cross, apart from to produce something that looks different so they will sell for more money? Again this IMO does not make for ethical breeding again something we differ on.

Interest.
Fun.
Seeing the pleasure people gain from their pup.
Bettering the quality and choice available for people who want a pet.
Because people have asked you to because they admire your dog so much?
Countless reasons.

Stopped what????
Breeding crosses???

A good reason to breed cross breeds is because someone has asked you to?

As has already been said, some people just want a pet, some people want a dog to show. If a breeder can breed a litter with the aim of keeping one for the ring to be shown and the selling the others why can't they breed a litter for people that want a nice pet? People are always saying on here that if you breed properly there is very little profit if any, to be made. If this is true and people are breeding healthy animals the proper way, money isn't going to be the reason is it?

No spot, I wasn't answering you there, Becky asked why breed for the pet market.

This is going over old ground Moobli, you have your view, sure but I do find it grating to those that have what you call show lines, I have New zealand lined border collies but they stem back to ISDS lines anyhow from a breeder who has had borders for over 30 years. It's the New Zealand influence that have given them there longer coats and shorter muzzles. Does that mean my dogs are ruined?
I do find it a shame and will not get involved with the argument of the ISDS and the KC. As long as the dogs are healthy and of good temperament than that is all that matters.
As you and I have discussed previously, people who love the collie breed do not all have the facilities to work their dogs. You are able to work yours with your other halfs sheep, which is great and I love to see your pictures. Most people don't have that luxuary and have to find other outlets for their collies as it's kinder to not work the dog and bring out their instinct if you can't be consistent with the working of them.
I respect you sit on the fence of the ISDS as you work your dogs cos that's the main view from the working side and working is your passion and interest. But without actually researching the show lines and where most of them come from, to say they are ruined is sweeping and untrue.
Yes I agree there are dogs that would not do the job, but turning it on it's head and you would know this. Not every collie bred for working is capable of doing the job either by lack of instinct or poor temperament.
I think it's sad if you love a breed, then love all of it. I run my dogs with ISDS lines and working dogs and not one person has made comments regarding their registration or their pedigree.
Bear in mind also, it's not the KC that come up with the breed standards, it's in fact the club or breed councils made up or people in the breed for many years and that includes breeders of working lines.

So its ok to breed for the pet market because someone asked you to?

Not a good enough reason in my book sorry!

Spot, what about the other reasons Ramble gave? Do you think any of them are 'valid' reasons for breeding for people that want a pet?