Posted by Duncan MacIntyre on February 16, 2004 at 21:32:54:
In Reply to: Re: Compulsory Bull Inspections ? posted by Rod Metcalfe on February 16, 2004 at 19:01:46:
Yes, Rod, I can see much in your point of view. But I would have to say that as an inspector many of the faults I would regard as serious are structural faults such as bandy legs, short jaws, severe cow hocks etc which tend to be heritable and regardless of the use to which the animal or its progeny is to be put are not good things. Faults in feet and legs are very common in Dexters especially in short legs and have to be watched carefully. Since Dexters are often in very small hobby herds many owners are novices and many(and here I include experienced breeders) tend to have rose coloured spectacles when looking at animals they have bred with great hopes for the future. Even in some cases which have won shows serious faults can be seen. To me inspection is about spotting faults which are likely to be detrimental to the animal or its offspring. Ocassionally something turns up which blatantly contravenes the breed standard and it is difficult to pass - eg if we say a white faced dexter what would we think? There is a great difference between judging and inspecting - the poor judge must pick the best from what is in front of him (or her) but the inspector has to assess the soundness of the animal without relying on comparisons to those around it. Neither job is very easy but both are necessary!
Any more necks for the chopping block - inspectors judges and council members sometimes seem a bit scarce when looking at the contributions to debate online. I am sure people must be fed up with my opinions all the time, don't all be shy!
Duncan