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Our Mission Statement
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Our goal at Argos, G & C is one that we will never fully realize, for each time we achieve to our satisfaction, it creates a new challenge. Our goal is to enhance the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed, and we are relentlessly focused on that goal.
Each time we whelp a litter that excels for health, temperament and conformation, we believe we can do just a little bit better. Maybe a little better posture, maybe a little more personality. While we proudly deliver puppies that meet or exceed expectations (ours and those of our adoptive families), we can never sit back and proclaim, "There, we've done it." Perfection is rarely achieved, but it is always worth the effort! And we can't do it alone.
We are active in the show arena not only for the satisfaction found in showing our dogs and earning acclaim, but to benefit from the knowledge and opinions imparted by judges, handlers, owners; and groomers. Animal husbandry is a science that is constantly evolving as new theories, new data, and new research surface.
Our minds are continuously open and absorbing new and often exciting information that flows the world over. Our support network includes Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders in South Africa, Europe, Zimbabwe, Australia and the USA. We share information with each other, learn from each other, and help each other in any way we can.
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A GLOSSARY OF SOME OF THE TERMS USED IN OUR INDUSTRY
INBREEDING: Most people react negatively to the term simply because people almost exclusively associate it with undesirable results and serious problems. But in the world of dog breeding, there are some advantages to this method. Of course, there can be problems, too.
At Argos, G & C, we opt not to employ this method, but thought you would find it interesting, so we'll introduce you to the subject.
Inbreeding, of course, is the mating of dogs that are related to each other; parent/offspring, siblings and half siblings, aunts/uncles, etc. Also known as "close mating," linebreeding is a type of inbreeding. The individuals to be mated have the best qualities, so that their characteristics are influential in the blood line.
It is very useful in livestock breeding (cattle, sheep, poultry), which is very different from companion animal breeding. When breeding livestock, which is valued as working stock, the matings are planned so that the productive indices of the offspring are increased, thereby raising the usefulness and value of the animal.
It has to be taken into account, however, that in the same way that desirable traits are increased, the undesirable traits are increased too. Undesirable traits that were hidden, like hereditary illnesses, can suddenly appear. That is why we choose not engage in inbreeding. As the saying goes, past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
OUTBREEDING: Also known as "open mating," this is when animals that are not related to each other are bred. The goal is to maximize two very important factors: heterosis and complementarity.
Heterosis or "hybrid vigour" is the term applied to the survival and reproductive indices common to the individuals produced by open mating. Hybrid vigor is maximized when two animals of different breeds are mated, but it´s also high when two animals of the same breed but different blood lines are mated. These animals are stronger, more fertile, and less prone to suffer from hereditary illnesses.
Complementarity is the term applied when mating two animals that have different but complementary characteristics, or that share desirable, observable traits. It is expected that an advantageous combination of characteristics and traits will be passed on to the progeny. This type of open mating is called "assortative mating."
Our experience in animal genetics indicates that it is not the only method of achieving desirable traits, and that it can contribute to severe genetic illnesses. From our point of view, inbreeding is OK for farm animals that sooner or later will end up as dinner, but we do not support, advocate or engage in inbreeding for companion animals bred to be members of a family.
PEDIGREE: The pedigree is the documentation of a purebred dog's family tree, going back for up to five generations. Information appearing in the document includes the official name of the dog, as well as its registration number and birth date. The document will include the dog's colors and markings, competition titles and information about the health of the line, including DNA data.
In our country the pedigree registry for purebred dogs is maintained by the Cinologic Federation Argentine, which is affiliated with the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). The FCI is the most important international institution dedicated to the regulation and promotion of dog breeding worldwide, and is located in Belgium.
Why The Pedigree Is So Important
- The pedigree is the buyer's guarantee that the dog is not the result of crossbreeding; meaning that nowhere in its lineage has any crossbreeding occurred.
- The pedigree documents that throughout its lineage, its ancestors have been checked for breed specific conditions, for example, hip dysplasia. The Certification Number that appears beneath the dog's name is recognized worldwide and is proof that the dog is free from the condition(s).
- The pedigree provides information about the origin of the line, information about this dog's breeder, and certain identifying markers, such as its tattoo or microchip.
- As an aide to the breeder, the pedigree is useful in deciding which two dogs can be safely mated.
- By knowing the bloodline information provided by the pedigree breeders can predict, with a high degree of accuracy, certain characteristics the progeny such as conformation, temperament, and health.
Why Should You Buy A Purebred Dog?
The purchase of a puppy should not be conducted casually. It is a commitment of your time and resources for the next 10-15 years or more and should be approached as seriously as if adopting a child.
A dog that is not purebred should be considered of dubious ancestry, breeding protocols, health, temperament and other characteristics. Selecting a purebred dog is the best way to ensure that your newest family member comes to you as the result of researched and documented breeding protocols that are as up to date as possible.
Buyer Beware!
Be wary of breeders who do not register their dogs or who say that pedigrees are unimportant. Unregistered dogs are usually not pure bred, and the purity of the bloodline can become compromised because their ancestors may have been crossed with other breeds, relatives, or even street dogs.
Usually, such breeders don't keep health records for the breeding animals, which can facilitate undesirable hereditary traits in their progeny. What's more, without the pedigree one cannot know whether any of the ancestors were inbred, and such indiscriminate breeding between close relatives can produce puppies with severe health problems.
You've Selected The Breed of Dog You Want, What Next?
Take the time and make the necessary effort to select a good breeder! Just as you would thoroughly investigate an adoption agency, so should you thoroughly investigate breeders that propagate the breed you have chosen.
When interviewing breeders, don't be afraid to ask questions, ask question, ask questions! Breeders expect to have their status and qualifications questioned by potential buyers, and will respect a prospective buyer who conducts a thorough interview. A competent, high quality breeder will welcome your challenges and appreciate the opportunity to highlight their credentials.
Ask about breed characteristics such as potential health issues and temperament, and by all means ask to see the sire and dam. Request a tour of their facilities and make note of cleanliness and sanitation, accommodations for the dogs, and environmental enrichment provided for the dogs.
Don't Be Offended When The Tables Are Turned
Just as you want to be sure that the breeder you entrust to provide your newest family member is of sound integrity, reputation and practice; a quality breeder will want to be sure that potential buyers of their puppies are of sound integrity, reputation and practice.
To that end, breeders will often ask about your family dynamics, occupation, hobbies & interests, financial security, living environment and other factors that will help reassure them that you are a suitable buyer for their puppies.
Unlike in conventional retail transactions, simply because the buyer is willing to buy doesn't mean the seller is willing to sell, or must sell. Breeders have a significant investment…in training, continuing education, time, resources and emotion in each of their puppies…and don't take lightly their release to the care and safekeeping of others.
But what a thrill it is…for the breeder and for the buyer…when a meeting of the minds transpires and final arrangements are made for the release of the puppy. Each party comes away in awe of the transaction that just took place.
But That Shouldn't Be The End of It
The breeder will be interested in your puppy for the rest of its life and will appreciate occasional updates and pictures throughout its life. By the same token, a quality breeder will always be at your service to answer questions, offer advice and provide moral support should you feel the need. You will both agree: anything to ensure maximizing the puppy's quality of life!
But That Shouldn't Be The End of It
Not necessarily. Registered puppies descended from well known champions may command a higher price, but not all registered pups are more expensive than unregistered dogs. A good breeder and the pedigree registration serve as your guarantee that the pups will resemble their parents when fully grown, and that they are not prone to severe hereditary conditions or illnesses.
The breeder cannot assure you that the dog will never suffer from any illness of course, but at least he/she has gone to great lengths and has engaged in the best contemporary practices to avoid it. Producing beautiful, healthy purebred puppies requires a sizeable financial investment…in quality breeding stock, sophisticated genetic medical testing, and conscientious veterinary oversight.
An unregistered dog is, by comparison, like a lottery. It can be handsome and healthy all its life, or it can become a heartbreaking headache and a drain on family resources. The money that may be saved by the purchase of an unregistered puppy will probably be more than spent at the veterinary clinic. We think you'll agree; it's not worth the chance.
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