
Serijules...
<< Why on EARTH would anyone support the breeding of a dog with such an obvious fault? >>
that is many years ago about late 1800's - sound like sports and need more professional dogs without faults - that's what the man's idea then the boards support that idea..read the AKC history
www.akc.org/history.cfm
<<...Deaf puppies are just as wonderful of pets as any other puppy, but they are not breeding quality, and breeding pet quality puppies is not an ethical practice..It takes more than excellent conformation to be a breeding quality dog. >>
I agree with this..we think deaf dog is equal with hearing dog...the AKC has struggled to understand deafness...One AKC rep said "Compeletely blind and deaf dogs have never been allowed in AKC competition. Partially deaf and blind dogs have been allowed in Companion Events (obedience, tracking, agility, and rally) for many years."
in 1998, the AKC boards finally allow deaf handler or owner..that's too long to wait for approving...almost 100 years later...I dont know who the groups did discuss the AKC boards
<< I totally support trying to get them to change the rules to allow deaf dogs to compete in agility, obedience, etc, but NOT for conformation. >>
yes and no - it is nice if deaf dog allow in conformation..otherwise one thing is problem from hereditary condition BUT sometimes, deaf dog is not genetic
..it's tough discussion for AKC - they are scared if deaf dog is disease but it's not true - some way other deaf dog comes from defect (albino)..we need more confront with them "looks bad with deaf dog" I've talked to AKC rep three years ago...she understood what I explain..she had to follow the AKC rule..that's sad
I tried to explain AKC rep that if deaf dog is doing good at conformation class then why not? his body shows beautiful - not worry what inside deaf ear..the judge could not see..for good example Heather Whitestone, first woman with a disability to win the Miss American Pageant 1995...we will not give up about deaf dog...ONE DAY!!