What is "preservation breeding" and why is it important?

Why do we say preservation breeding? Why not just breeding? Or Purebred breeder? What is the critical component to be a preservation breeder?

Preservation breeding is a labor of love. There are many breeds that are on the verge of extinction. Each breed of dog that has been bred over the course of history performed a specific job, function, or task, that was vital to humans. Whether that be herding flocks, guarding livestock, hunting, pulling carts, vermin control, companionship, or any number of other tasks. But many of these tasks are no longer necessary, or are filled in some other way. What becomes of these dog breeds when they are no longer integral to human survival?

This is where preservation breeders come into play. Preservation breeders endeavor to maintain the physical, genetic, and instinctual traits in their breed. They see the value in the living history of these breeds and want to preserve that for future generations. Preservation breeders understand that the tasks these dogs once did may no longer needed, but that the dog should be able to do that task if it would ever be needful once again. This is why herding dogs are often tested on their herding instinct, or working dogs are often trained to weight pull or carry packs, and sighthounds are "coursed" - the act of chasing an artificial lure to showcase hunting instincts. While it is important that today's dogs are able to live in the world of dog parks and puppy play dates, it is also important that we maintain a breed's inherent instincts.