I've noticed a curious blind spot on Chaz. It's controversial, and some Chazzers carry it to greater extremes than others, but I thought I would bring it up for discussion.
Here's what you normally see on Chaz: "Backyard breeders and puppy mills are BAD! The dogs are unhealthy and not temperamentally sound. Go for a repudable breeder or a rescue." Some Chazzers even go so far as to tell new members with pet store puppies that their dogs will probably have temperament and psychological problems, and give advice on how to minimize it.
Lately, I find myself realizing how hypocritical that particular attitude really is. Think about it---I would bet that 99.9% of the rescue dogs we sing praises about come from BYBs and puppy mills.
How does that make sense? If we push BYB dogs as unsound, potentially psychotic messes, aren't we hurting our own campaign for the adoption of rescues?
I'm thinking maybe a more moderate course is in order. There are plenty of reasons not to adopt a BYB dog. They may be more likely to have temperament and behavior problems. You don't get the lifelong support of a breeder. And you're encouraging an industry that includes many unscrupulous people and practices.
But I don't think that the "OMG, your BYB dog is gonna be a health and temperament mess" is the right way to go.
Thoughts?
Here's what you normally see on Chaz: "Backyard breeders and puppy mills are BAD! The dogs are unhealthy and not temperamentally sound. Go for a repudable breeder or a rescue." Some Chazzers even go so far as to tell new members with pet store puppies that their dogs will probably have temperament and psychological problems, and give advice on how to minimize it.
Lately, I find myself realizing how hypocritical that particular attitude really is. Think about it---I would bet that 99.9% of the rescue dogs we sing praises about come from BYBs and puppy mills.
How does that make sense? If we push BYB dogs as unsound, potentially psychotic messes, aren't we hurting our own campaign for the adoption of rescues?
I'm thinking maybe a more moderate course is in order. There are plenty of reasons not to adopt a BYB dog. They may be more likely to have temperament and behavior problems. You don't get the lifelong support of a breeder. And you're encouraging an industry that includes many unscrupulous people and practices.
But I don't think that the "OMG, your BYB dog is gonna be a health and temperament mess" is the right way to go.
Thoughts?
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