Breeding Philosophy

The breeding philosophy at Dinda is very simple "the best I have to the best I can get". A very small kennel I attempt to make every litter count, my bitches only being put to dogs who cross-fault well and have plenty to give to their puppies. It is not considered an option to go to second rate dogs, nor is it considered an option to breed numerous litters in a year in order to get one or two show quality puppies. I believe that if this is occurring, then either unresearched, incorrect matings are being done; or breeding is being undertaken for financial gain and not the betterment of the breed.

At Dinda I am very critical of stock, and a sheltie is only retained if it is truly good enough in a majority of points. A bitch to carry on the female tail line from Ch Prosper Hi Phashion through Ch Dinda Masked Fashion was desperately sought. Revan had a bitch in each of her three litters, but none of them came up to my required standard, the breed standard as I see it, or were better then their dam. All were placed in good pet homes.

I believe that breeders must always be responsible for the dogs they have bred. They must stand by them and respond to the needs of both the dogs and their owners. Many breeders turn their backs leaving the problems to an increasing number of Breed Rescue Societies (an indictment in itself that these organisations are necessary), as the focus for the interest of the breeders remains riveted on winning ribbons, gaining status and puppy purchasers' cheque books.

Barbara Hearn