Revised HBSA Appraisal Process -- Boerboel Breeders Info. Forum

[ Show ]

Support VoyForums

[ Shrink ]

VoyForums Announcement: Programming and providing support for this service has been a labor of love since 1997. We are one of the few services online who values our users' privacy, and have never sold your information. We have even fought hard to defend your privacy in legal cases; however, we've done it with almost no financial support -- paying out of pocket to continue providing the service. Due to the issues imposed on us by advertisers, we also stopped hosting most ads on the forums many years ago. We hope you appreciate our efforts.

Show your support by donating any amount. (Note: We are still technically a for-profit company, so your contribution is not tax-deductible.) PayPal Acct: Feedback:

Donate to VoyForums (PayPal):

[ Login ] [ Contact Forum Admin ] [ Main index ] [ Post a new message ] [ Search | Check update time | Archives: 1, 2, 3, 4 ]

[ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]

Date Posted: 08:47:10 05/12/04 Wed
Author: Jerry, USA HBSA Coordinator
Subject: Revised HBSA Appraisal Process

Before I go on to speak of the HBSA appraisal process, let me say there are no absolutes, there are no always and there are no nevers when dealing with any matter that is not math related.

First I will say the HBSA is 'not' in competition with any organization. Second the process, as any process should be, is in a continuous state of refinement. That is certainly the case regarding the temperament aspect of the HBSA's evaluation process. As has been stated many times, David Harris was asked, and accepted the position of technical advisor, specifically regarding temperament, aptitude, mental stability and work ethic. As any chairman worth their salt would do, David relied not only his vast years of experience and acquired knowledge, but sought input from a 'multitude' of 'respected' resources within the dog community. Months and months were spent, (and continues to be spent), by David speaking with by phone, visiting with in person, as well as countless electronic communications in his quest to developed a test that would be universally recognized, (as universal as possible that is), as a test with merit and value. It was asked, ',,,and how it was determined to be the working test for the breed'? The test that has been devised may not be 'the' test for the breed, it is, however, the test that the HBSA has accepted as a valid test in 'helping' to determine these attributes. I would like to add that the temperament, agility and working assessment is still a work in progress.

The current HBSA evaluation form primarily consist of the same major components of the dog as was on the previous form, (no need to name them here). The ease of interpretation of the gathered assessments is far easier to interpret and use as a tool when looking at a potential mate for a particular dog. Although the ability to easily interpret the gathered assessment is a bountiful in it's value, one of the major benefits of the revised evaluation process is the elimination of an averaged score. An averaged score can be extremely misleading when it comes to using the appraised value as a tool to determine breed worthiness in general and particularly in determining is this dog is the right dog to mate to a particular dog? An averaged score can camouflage a poor score of a particular component of the dog. Just as an example, a dog scores very well in all physical attributes but is either 'extremely aggressive' or 'extremely shy' when it's temperament is evaluated. An averaged score would potentially indicate this dog as having a breed worthiness score when averaged as we did in the past. The fact is a dog that demonstrated extremes of temperament in either direction should not receive a score that would indicate breed worthiness. Another example might be, the dog scored very well in all attributes but movement. Again the dog potentially gets a score indicating breed worthiness. The dog looks really great, but in fact the dog's movement was such that it should not have received a breed worthy score. Of course the examples one can create are endless. It is with this concept, (camouflaged faults in an averaged score), that the HBSA said. "how can we better 'our' system?" How can 'we' provide a useful, truthful tool which breeders and laymen alike can use to make better informed decisions? A major component in achieving that was to do away with averaging. Provide a single score for the single component of the dog. As mentioned earlier, there are multiple components that comprise the dog - head, coat/pigment, chest/thorax, front legs, movement and so on. In the revised HBSA appraisal process when each of these components are assessed, the value that component is given is identified unto it's self and is not averaged into a final single score. The result is the purchaser of a puppy can make a more informed decision as to the pups 'potential' outcome. Another result is you can look at the evaluation form of any dog and make a quick comparison of strengths and weakness that will '''''help''''' you make a more informed decision as to whether this dog will compliment your dog should you decide to breed.

As in life, the HBSA recognizes that variables of worthiness exist. As in cars, (or anything else), there are Ford Pintos and there are Ferraris. It is with this thought in mind that there are various registration categories. I will not try and explain them in detail but simply post them as written in HBSA regs.
1. Registration Certificate (Standard registration, 9 months plus) = For Boerboels with a registered pedigree, and an A+, A or B appraisal.
2. Developmental Registry = ONLY for bitches that do not qualify for Registration Certificate, but are not disqualified.
3. Breeder Awards (Although referred to as breeder awards the award directly recognizes the individual dog/bitch, indirectly the breeder) = The bitch must be a minimum of 18 months, the dog a minimum of 20 months and pass the following:
Breed survey:
- Meet specific appraisal for Type and Conformation
- Require veterinary Certification
- Advanced Temperament, Aptitude and Mentality tests
- Movement and Agility
- Not been bred prior to this evaluation
- Litter registration, identification and evaluation as prescribed

Silver Registration - issued to dogs/bitches meeting the above requirements. The Silver is issued for a maximum of two years. May be withdrawn if requirements are not met by owner or Boerboel.
Gold Registration - Boerboels that have successfully passed the Silver Registration requirements , received a second breed survey of the above requirements. Award issued for life.
4. Temporary Registration = Issued for specific reason where a second appraisal is needed because of possible genetic or temperament problems. This boerboel should not be bred before the registration has been approved.
5. Pet Award = Boerboels that failed Registration or Developmental Registration but has an acceptable temperament.

Regards, Jerry

[ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]

Replies:

Re: Revised HBSA Appraisal Process -- Ed Davis, 13:39:09 05/13/04 Thu
- I see no reason the owner should not have a copy. -- Jerry, 04:49:59 05/14/04 Fri
  - Re: I see no reason the owner should not have a copy. -- Ed Davis, 15:11:18 05/15/04 Sat