I work as a Vet nurse and today we had the hip score results back for a Labrador we Xrayed some weeks ago. This Lab was probably one of the ugliest Labs I have seen (from a show point of view, not that they are my breed) and she didn't have the kind of temprement I would ever have bred from. The pedigree was ...haphazard to say the least! Anyway, her hip score was a total of 2!! (0:2) Just how sickening is that? I had one of my dogs scored recently, many generations scored with lovely results, Dad had a very low hip score. My boy has really done me proud in the ring, wonderful temprement, hip score of 25!! I was very dissapointed and needless to say he will not be used at stud (our breed average is 19)
At least the owner of the Labrador did have the decency to have her dog xrayed and believe she is going to get eye certs done also but still...! Just thought I would share!

But how good a retriever was it? I mean, that's their raison d'etre. ;)

It wasn't even used as a working dog!

It wasn't used as a show dog either though, was it? What's the difference? The most beautiful labrador in the world could be considered worthless if it can't do a day's work.

I am sure some would beg to differ, many show gundogs wouldn't have a clue what to do if faced with a pheasant or rabbit (including one of mine!) Just pointing out that this owner had what most breeders strive all their lives to produce as far as hips ar concerned!!

>many show gundogs wouldn't have a clue what to do if faced with a pheasant or rabbit

Is that because they haven't been trained, or because the instinct's been bred out? If the former, no problem, if the latter, big problem. :( But it also shows that there's more to a dog than a pair of hips! ;)

.............. how very true JG, if you do not select for qualities they will disappear. If we only select for looks and hips, brains often go out the window.............

How can anyone say what is ugly and what isnot. Bet the dog is lovely

So you have never said/thought "what an ugly dog/cat/animal/bloke etc? :shock:

As I said, it did not have a good temprement and didn't have a lot going for it. Indeed, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I am talking from a showing point of view, it was ugly. I am sure other exhibitors will understand!!!!! The point I am trying to make here has been totally missed. I have not breached any client confidentiality issues here, just making a general comment!!

I know what you mean Setters4me; when I was at Discover Dogs I was watching one of the pet competitions, and in the ring was the most hideous Cavalier I've ever seen! I'm sure this dog was a loyal and loving pet and may well have had the most fantastic temperament in the world, but just from the showing point of view it was the ugliest Cav ever!!

I'm with you as well, Setters4me - in the same way that it's so darn sickening that puppy farmers and back yard breeders seem to churn out puppies with no problems and less thought, and those of us who put a bit more effort into it have all manner of problems.

In dogs, as in all walks of life, Sod's Law will rule! :D

M.

patients confidentiality glad I dont  use your Vet

Hip scores are actually published and in the public domain (including registration name which will lead to pedigree) so don't see why this should be a particular issue here?  There are no names given.

Not trying to be argumentative, just a comment.

M.

Hells teeth, I look in the mirror every day and think 'what an ugly bitch'!!! :D :D :D

;-)   ;-)

Hi Setters4me,
I do agree with you it is sickening,2!! When a dog is a goodlooker nice
coat, and Temprement, which is the MOST important. then a bad hip score,
life seems so unfair.
Regards
Denese