Elizabeth, you do not have to put a Bulldog under to x-ray the hips. If it was felt that was the only way to do it, then OFA should change their form to say that, rather than have blocks to note "IF" the dog was put under. Yes, some radiologists, and breeders (of other breeds) feel there is a difference in the x-ray when done one way or not. However, it is so minute, if any. So, you certainly will know if the hips are good or not.
However, comparing to the problems with German Shephards, let me point one thing out. The best GS, used for police work, etc, are ones imported from Germany. Why? Because they MUST pass on their hips to be bred. The quality of GS, Rotties, etc. from Germany are far better than the majority of them in the US. Here, anyone can breed, and when a breed becomes popular, then everyone DOES breed, without regard to the health. That is why there has been such a downfall on the hip health with some of these breeds. But using Germany, as an example, certainly proves the point that requiring these tests, and only allowing those that past to be bred, DOES better the breed.
As far as Bulldogs, I will agree, that I think we have far better health in the majority of show/breeders that we did 20-30 years ago. But what we are facing now is the internet, and now instead of breeding being done by people that "know" what they are doing, we are having so many Bulldogs with health problems, including lame, bad rears.
So, as custodians of our breed, we need to insure we have a good health database of our breeding stock. We need to be able to show prospective buyers, legislatures, etc, WHY it is better to buy from a reputable breeder, and to try to do away with the importers, puppy millers, pet shops, etc. We need to show the public there can be healthy bulldogs.
Posted on Jun 27, 2008, 12:36 PM from IP address 56.0.84.24
