>Some breeds like Cocker Spaniels, I have read, have a genetic defect that causes some to go nuts and attack. I blame the AKC and some poor breeding standards and practices for that.<
I believe you are referring to "rage syndrome" in English Springers. Even so, all the AKC does is keep records of the Stud Book and they sanction dog events such as shows, obedience trials, field (bird dog and hound) trials, etc. The AKC is not breeding 2 dogs that create genetically problematic pups, that's done by ignorant or dishonest breeders.
Fault the greedy, unethical breeders that use the AKC, not the organization. The responsible breeders that use AKC try and eliminate genetic problems. The AKC is not a police organization, nor can it pass laws.
"Even so, all the AKC does is keep records of the Stud Book and they sanction dog events such as shows, obedience trials, field (bird dog and hound) trials, etc. The AKC is not breeding 2 dogs that create genetically problematic pups, that's done by ignorant or dishonest breeders.
Fault the greedy, unethical breeders that use the AKC, not the organization. The responsible breeders that use AKC try and eliminate genetic problems. The AKC is not a police organization, nor can it pass laws."
Nice to give the AKC a pass. The problem is they parade around like they are so great at making great dogs. They are not. They do NOTHING to stop bad breeding. Obviously they would have no LEGAL standing - but they WOULD be able to greatly curtail the bad breeding by being STRICT both in shows and in breeding.
The Verien fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (SV - German Shepherd Club, in Germany) is EXTREMELY strict. Not that I don't suspect they are corrupt, or perfect (Lord knows that's no longer true), but their rules are practically from cradle to grave. Their shows are set up so character and work is most important and must be tested - conformation is secondary and comes later after passing the initial stuff. Only dogs who grade to so much level can have their pups registered. That cuts down real fast on how many poor dogs can get thru.
AKC - nor any other all-breed or breed org here - has nothing like this. Nor do they even do much about checking out people whose operations and practices have been alerted.
As I understand the issue, sometimes the AKC breed requirements contribute to undesireable traits since certain genetic traits are linked. Also sometimes requirements which are for "show" do not help or undermine preformance.
Frankly what I find the worst is the AKC breeds and breed requirements that have actually created medical problems such as breathing difficulties in pugs or skin problems in Sharpeis.
And yes, unscrupulous or dumb breeders are a big part of the problem too.
I believe Rage Syndrome was first identified in Cocker Spaniels, but it affects other Spaniels (breeds?) too.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
“Rage Syndrome” by Linda Ward
What is Rage Syndrome?
In the early 1980s the term “rage syndrome” was applied to serious uncharacteristic behaviour in certain breeds of dogs (particularly Cocker Spaniels). The Cocker Spaniel Council has never approved of the term “Cocker Rage”, regarding it as “uncertain temperament”. Rage is often misdiagnosed and used to justify euthanizing dogs.
Valerie O’Farrell (1989), a canine psychologist, describes it as follows: “This is a variant of dominance aggression particularly common in whole-coloured Cocker Spaniels, though it can occur in other breeds.” She describes an affected dog as attacking suddenly and savagely, without any preliminary threats. Because the victim has no warning and no chance to move away, the result is often a flesh wound, which needs medical treatment. During the attack the dog often has a glazed look and does not seem to be aware of its surroundings.
http://www.cockerspanielrage.org.uk/Rage%20Syndrome%20by%20Linda%20Ward.pdf