Greetings everyone and I'm so glad to have found this forum. I am not a breeder but am considering going into breeding once my two girls are a little older. I've recently fallen in love with Persians and Himalayans and have been doing some research on the breed. After many findings I've begun to get a little frustrated and, more so, confused. To my understanding, some breeders inbreed (or line breed) their cats so that their faces are flatter and the show judges seem to be the responsible parties in wanting flatter faced cats. I don't understand, when there are so many health complications and risks involved, why these judges would enforce such an opinion. I study ancient civilizations and took some college courses in Genetics and Microbiology and after humans have proved the disadvantages (lineage with heirs and royalty) I don't understand why anyone would even consider such a thing. I can't help but ponder what would happen if fashion shows wanted very specific qualities (see "World War 2" for examples) and people started inbreeding for these qualities, that there would be a complete outrage among the nation. In my mind, I don't really understand how these judges can impose such impossible standards that clearly defy nature and the natural order and then, in the end, convince all of these wonderful breeders out there who adore their animals and regard them as family, to put their beloved pets at risk for something as silly as "fashion". (it all boils down to looks) Since I've only my own opinion to go on and don't like to only see one side of the proverbial coin, I decided to ask the experts and see if perhaps there's another side to all of this (and there usually is) that I've not heard. Thank you so much for taking the time to listen and, in all hopes, respond to my quandry. Blessed be to you and yours,
Samadhi
Samadhi