KJ wrote:Any thoughts on why DNA testing is required for utility Breeder Awards (or VCs or VC Breeder Awards)? I really struggle to see the point.
I recently noticed that one of our litters from a few years ago qualified for a Utility Breeder's Award. I submitted the form, then heard back that I would need DNA on the dogs. I am not going to go back and ask the owners to DNA their dogs, so I just dropped it. We have a few other litters that have 2 qualified UT dogs, with the 3rd running this fall that could also qualify for UT Breeder's Award, although I am not sure if I will mess with the DNA. Yeah, it may only be $25 or so (I don't really know), but why require DNA for a performance testing award? NAVHDA isn't American Field with intense competition, or the need to outcross to a pointer to win.
So why? Personally, I think it is dumb idea to require DNA for a performance test award. No, it's not that difficult, but I have a hard time accepting rules that were added to just to be added.
Thoughts?
One Word: Ego. Pride, vanity and arrogance serve to slay gratitude, lay the foundation for deceit, and ignore established norms that others don't need to be told to abide by.
Parents lie about their kids age for little league. Danny Almonte threw 76 mph as a "12" year old (like 99 MPH from the short distance of the little league mound.) The problem was Danny was 14.
I've been to Crossfit competitions, where there is nothing to gain or win aside from a jug of protein powder, and seen guys competing that were very clearly taking steroids.
I've seen wealthy-ish Technology executives that took up cycling in their 20's, suddenly begin to crush their (amateur) competition as they decide to take the same path Lance Armstrong did, despite having nothing to win or gain except their own pride.
I've seen grown men, multimillionaires no less, cheat in friendly golf matches for $20. I've seen them sandbag the snot out of their handicap in preparation for the annual member-guest tournament.
Have you never seen anyone try and argue with a judge, explain away their dogs performance, feel they were screwed by the testing system? And what does the test really mean? What does a UT I vs a UT II mean to you? The point is to develop your hunting dog, is it not? The point is to evaluate your progress, and the dogs abilities, and the breeding in general, no? Does the Prize I vs the Prize II vs the Prize III really mean you're forced to get rid of the dog, or aren't allowed to hunt with it? No.
So, while it might only mean that a breeder can charge an extra $100 a puppy, having the means to keep people honest makes a lot of sense to me. I can absolutely see a breeder that sees something lacking in his dogs, in his program, and going rogue to correct it or goose the needle in the direction he needs it to. If people will go to great lengths to lie or cheat with no real measurable reward for victory, they will do so when there is a small reward and do so when there is a large reward.