Temperament Testing questions for breeders

tunasmom · Apr 2, 2015

Coming from a different breed where temperament is imperative, I am wondering the importance breeders put on Temperament testing their French Bulldogs.
In looking at the ATTS for the breed there have been 42 Frenchies tested, 40 passed 2 failed.
I know that my good friend and breeder has tested 11 of her dogs and they have passed. That puts +25% of the French Bulldogs with their TT from her kennel, she also produces out of standard colours.
I am curious the importance that breeders put on their French Bulldog breeding stock when it comes to temperament in the breed, what they are doing to ensure that the breed remains stable.
For myself personally temperament is non negotiable. I put more stock into that then any other venue. I have seen CH dogs that cannot function and who's temperament should never be reproduced.

davidh · Apr 2, 2015

The problem is too many people breed just to anything to make a quick buck and don't pay attention to these things. All of ours have a great temperament, but if I ever had one that was not up to our standard, we would never breed it, as you can pass the bad temperament along to the pups. We uses to breed English and had a beautiful female from one of our litters that we kept to breed, but the older she got the more she would fight with the other girls. She was the sweetest thing to humans, and still is to this day, but just does not like other dogs. So needless to say, we had her spayed and placed in a pet home, and told the new owners she will be an only dog. This is what everyone that breeds should do, no matter how good looking or how well they would do in the ring.

tunasmom · Apr 2, 2015

I agree absolutely that many people are in it for the money, in my breed as well.
Any breed where people see pups going for prices at 2000 and up, they see dollar signs and a way to make a quick buck

I also agree that temperament is primarily genetics, although owners can and do play a role.
Unfortunately in many breeds people will excuse poor temperament when it comes to type. I have seen many breeds in the conformation ring that are fearful, snappy, and shouldn't be there, but there are always excuses.
Don't get me wrong, I have shown my dogs. I plan on showing my Frenchie, as controversial as that may become, but for me personally I would prefer to see more dogs getting titles that pertain to temperament then to looks.