bckrazy

The example you gave is of a breeder who obviously is not in it for profit, and probably believes what she is doing is good for the maintenance of the breed. As a result of her caring she is very careful as to who gets the puppies- which is always important. You indicated she tests the dogs and relatives and then made mention of show activities and skills. But let's assume she also tests the sires for the common Border Collie faults which includes Deafness, a myriad of eye problems, and occasional hip dysplasia. Let's even assume she asks for the family history of the parents and siblings for the studs on these diseases.

The next time you run into her, ask if she inquires from the owners of the studs: Did any puppy of the parents of the studs (litter independent) ever get cancer (i.e. one or both of the parents of the current sires may be oncogene carriers)? How about the siblings of the parents of the studs? The point being (as I desperately try not to enter preaching mode ) there is a cancer epidemic in our pets. The only way to improve the situation will be for breeders to screen for it by having entensive family history databases. For those breeders who do it for the money, they will have to be prepared to take a possible huge hit. Your mentor probably would be prepared to take the hit for the sake of the breed. But be it Border Collies or some other breed there are many reputable breeders who would prefer to not acknowledge any problem outside of the major breed faults. It's just not economical for them to do so.