Shiloh Shepherd Founder
Tina Barber about Hips and Structure
by Shiloh Shepherd
Founder, Tina Barber
 TDP:
Please explain
your hip research, application, and results.
TMB:
I
think that my "hip" story" is covered in my LMX article (that few people
bother to read)
Hip Dysplasia, the LMX Formula .. I hate to 'admit' it .. but
basically I tried to see if the "coat res." and hip factors could work the
same way.
I kept watching the litters
that were producing coated pups (out of 2 smooth parents) and comparing
them to the hip problem dogs born out of OFA parents! Somehow I had this
strong feeling that there was a "link" there, so I kept digging until I was
satisfied that it DID make a difference!!
When I moved to Gainesville
(in 78) I was determined to go one step further & KEEP all of the pups from
some of my 3rd & 4th generation litters ... just so that environment,
nutrition, etc. would not influence the results! I built a special unit of
10 runs & raised the litters for 1 year .. same food, water, exercise, etc..
etc.. then compared x-rays!
LMX works!! No, it's not
perfect, but I have more confidence in a "borderline" pup with GOOD sibs,
then I do on a good with NO sib data!
People
used to think I was nuts, and that OFA was the only way .. but it doesn't
work!! I have noticed that now even the OFA is taking notice of sib data.
TDP: What does the breed
represent in overall physical structure and utilitarian ability and most of
all, character?
TMB: This is going to be
even longer!! I want sound structure, but I don't "push" for agility, or
even "high" drive. I like a more "laid back" dog that can THINK .. but is
willing to get the job done, if needed ... whatever it is!! Some of my dogs
are 'throw backs' and have "more drive" but those are the exception, not the
rule ... and in all honesty, some owners find them to be "too much" of a
handful.
I love the temperament
of the London dogs but I also know that
those dogs were a bit on the "spooky" side .... what I like to call "overly
cautious".
The modern day owner
can't deal with that .. so I have made sure that my Shiloh's are carefully
temperament tested!!
Another
reason why I get so upset with the slivers .. they don't bother to do that
.. instead .. they "make excuses" for the shy dogs & breed them to GSD
imports ... ending up with severe fear biters!!
Between
you & I ... my dogs (REAL Shilohs) would rather run then fight .. or they
will stand there ... sadly wondering WHY the decoy is acting like a nut! If
I explain to them that it's just a game .. they LOVE it .. and do a great
'fake attack' ... but never to *hurt* anyone!!!! This is hard to explain to
people ... but I keep telling them that these dogs are LOVERS not fighters
.. they are wonderful for therapy work (and I think they are great with
"special needs" children .. because they have this "thing" that draws such
children to them .. it's weird ... I can't explain it, but I have seen
it!!!!
I have
seen dogs (real Shilohs) that were NOT raised with kids .. maybe even teased
by neighbor kids .. be so gentle with children that it would blow your
mind!!! I have dogs in my kennel (ashamed to say) that will pull you down
the road if you snap a lead on them ... but will walk slowly next to a
child!!
https://www.thedogplace.org/Breeds/Shiloh-Shepherd/Int-Barber-0607.asp
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#0607 Page last updated Feb. 7, 2011
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