Breeding program

A few words on what breeding aspects are the most important to me.

 

Hela & Sabrann

 

I am a veterinarian by profession. Breeding dogs is my hobby. Helka appeared to be not only talented and very eager to work, but also pretty and healthy, so in 2011 I decided to register in ZKwP a kennel name Estimado.

Meaning of the word "estimado", according to one of the dictionaries, is someone precious, close to one's heart. It describes my attitude towards dogs. I wish that ACD's that I breed all found people that love and understand dogs. It is the essence of breeding: giving people and dogs a chance for an active and happy life.

For this to be possible ACD has to have the following qualities :

* Health and strenght. ( Verification based on veterinary examination and results in work/sports)

* Typical character. (The real ACD is intelligent, persistent, active, independent, but also willing to cooperate with humans. These two last things theoretically exclude one another, but an ACD working with cattle must be on one side very independent and able to make quick decisions on his own, and on the other side, he has to be very obedient. ACD is also a very talented and versatile dog, which makes him perform well in many roles. He can be a perfect family dog, he can work on a farm, he can perform well in sport competitions. Many ACD's are successful as rescue dogs.

* Silhouette characteristic for the breed. (I believe that one need to have a rational attitude towards breed model. ACD's body conformation must go hand in hand with the purpose of the breed. I don't understand focusing only on one single element, for example: a pretty head. A dog is a unity: body, character and health - all of this together tell us about what he's worth, also as a breeding dog.)

My true ambition is for all the bitches that are used (or that are going to be used) in my kennel, to be checked for their usability in work and sports. It is obvious I am not able to verify their effectiveness and bravery in cattle work, but many of the valuable qualities can be estimated in other situations. In modern days most of ACD's, especially in Europe, will never face a real bull. It however doesn't change the fact that we should try hard to preserve character and many talents of this breed, that can be useful in many areas of broadly understood working with dogs.





The second challenge for me is a thorough and thoughtful matching the worthy sires. I always try to know the dog as best as I possibly can, before I decide to use him for breeding. I highly value a possibility of personally meeting a dog. If it is not possible, for example because of the long road to travel, I base the verification of the dog on movies, photos, other breeders opinions and quality of his former offspring. I also ask for all the dogs documents for confirmation of his show achievements and also competition and work abilities or psychological tests results (certificates, diplomas, examinations, etc.)

Sires, as well as bitches, must have all the necessary breeding qualifications and also all the needed veterinary examinations (test BAER, PRA, elbow and hip joint RTG and others)

Another aspect of breeding is socialization of the puppies. My puppies are all born in my house and I take personal care of them and their mother. They have regular contact with other members of my family from the first day of their lives. They are lifted up, stroked, accustomed to touching the ears, teeth, paws and claws. It has been proven that it has a very positive influence on the later relationship of the dog with humans. It enhance the trust of the dog towards men and makes the schooling process easier, as well as all the necessary treatments. 

 

Giro Blue Estimado

Puppies are subjected to an early neurological stimulation. From the 3rd day of life puppies are sensitive to touching, warmth and movement. Short but regular sessions with these stimuli helps developing the nervous system, sustains circulatory system, accelerates the general development and enhances the resistance to stress and deceases.

Little puppies are also getting used to different noises, such as radio, vacuum cleaner, washing machine, etc. They meet strangers, including children. They also meet different pets. They discover unknown places in the house (inaccessible on the daily basis rooms like laundry room or bathroom), in the garden or in a barn. All this is to make it easier for the little puppies to feel good in their new homes and assimilate easily with their new families.