I hope I don't offend anyone with this...
- Thread starter Scooter
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For many pet owners, yes this is true. A dog is a dog, no matter what suit it's wearing or how big that suit is. The dog's only requirement is to be a good pet.
For others, there is great importance in the breed they own. Most breeds were developed because the "generic dog" wasn't getting the job done. People selectively bred the best dogs in their line of work, and the product of these crossings ended up being a *breed*. The goal of breeding purebred dogs is to produce a dog that is the best at what it does, eliminating health problems and longevity, and getting/preserving the correct temperament.
My dogs cannot do what Planet Molosser's dogs need to do, Kase's golden retriever possibly can't do my dogs' jobs, RD's border collies might be miserable living with Suzanne and her Cavaliers. These are all radically different dogs for radically different lifestyles.
For others, there is great importance in the breed they own. Most breeds were developed because the "generic dog" wasn't getting the job done. People selectively bred the best dogs in their line of work, and the product of these crossings ended up being a *breed*. The goal of breeding purebred dogs is to produce a dog that is the best at what it does, eliminating health problems and longevity, and getting/preserving the correct temperament.
My dogs cannot do what Planet Molosser's dogs need to do, Kase's golden retriever possibly can't do my dogs' jobs, RD's border collies might be miserable living with Suzanne and her Cavaliers. These are all radically different dogs for radically different lifestyles.
The Fila is a very specialised breed, you don't want to get a pup from someone irresponsible who is breeding dogs with questionable temperaments. They're also not a breed that are easily adopted from rescue, if I have been correctly informed.
http://www.thefbca.com/index_files/Page380.htm
Cass.
http://www.thefbca.com/index_files/Page380.htm
Cass.
Scooter I have used this for year.
That is why I have pulled back from the show ring.
I used to do 15 shows a year and post every dam win photo.
And when i attacted the WRONG folk who wanted to make a working breed into a glorified pet I pulled back > I do about half that now and do NO promote them as show dogs.
Breeders need to show but to base a working dogs performance on the show ring just make a PET down the road.
All who breed MUST rescue those left behind.
IF we all did much much less rescues..
That is why I have pulled back from the show ring.
I used to do 15 shows a year and post every dam win photo.
And when i attacted the WRONG folk who wanted to make a working breed into a glorified pet I pulled back > I do about half that now and do NO promote them as show dogs.
Breeders need to show but to base a working dogs performance on the show ring just make a PET down the road.
All who breed MUST rescue those left behind.
IF we all did much much less rescues..
I thought I'd look up Buddy'sP ...original posting to see if I answered .....yup #33 ..... little did I know then that Chip was soon to go and Ollie , a rescue , would be in my life today . My daughter wanted a Golden pup for Nash and went the breeder's route for good breeding , health checks etc . back ground . This you cannot get with adoption . It really depends on why you want a dog and what age you're willing to work with . I echo Casey .....there's a time and place for one or the other .
Scoot,
You didn't offend me. I am kind of skimming at the moment and apologise for that. Serious lack of time these days so I didn't read all the posts in your thread. I bet you had some great ones though
From my POV, years ago, I had a beautiful (poorly bred, pet-shop bought) GSD. He had issues and I had issues and long story short (though if you care to search for it the full story is here somewhere), I had to send my beautiul boy 6,000 miles to a new home where I knew he'd be loved till the end of his days.
I didn't know what I was doing when I bought Max from a pet-shop and I didn't appreciate how deeply that particlular breed bonds. I loved Max so much and I guess, in honesty, I could say I made him desperately unhappy.
I have wanted another GSD for years but I will not get one till I know I am in a position to focus on that dog, 100%.
My next dog will probably be a shelter dog. I am looking forward to that but nonetheless, I dream about the day I can put my money down with a good breeder and take home my GSD. I spend my spare time trawling the internet to find GSD breeders that I might do business with in 4 years or so. How sad is that?
You didn't offend me. I am kind of skimming at the moment and apologise for that. Serious lack of time these days so I didn't read all the posts in your thread. I bet you had some great ones though
From my POV, years ago, I had a beautiful (poorly bred, pet-shop bought) GSD. He had issues and I had issues and long story short (though if you care to search for it the full story is here somewhere), I had to send my beautiul boy 6,000 miles to a new home where I knew he'd be loved till the end of his days.
I didn't know what I was doing when I bought Max from a pet-shop and I didn't appreciate how deeply that particlular breed bonds. I loved Max so much and I guess, in honesty, I could say I made him desperately unhappy.
I have wanted another GSD for years but I will not get one till I know I am in a position to focus on that dog, 100%.
My next dog will probably be a shelter dog. I am looking forward to that but nonetheless, I dream about the day I can put my money down with a good breeder and take home my GSD. I spend my spare time trawling the internet to find GSD breeders that I might do business with in 4 years or so. How sad is that?
Excellent explanations, everyone.
There is a place and purpose for reputable breeders and purebred dogs. They were already explained thoroughly, though.
My 2 current dogs are mixed breeds and my next dog will be a rescue. I want to rescue/adopt my next dogs, and as they are going to be my companions they don't need to be purebred.
One day I want a purebred BC but I plan on going to a rescue for that one, too.
edit- There are a few breeds i want because of the traits typical to the breeds- but I will rescue/adopt unless I need/want a dog from a reputable breeder in order to do a special task for a "well-bred" dog.
There is a place and purpose for reputable breeders and purebred dogs. They were already explained thoroughly, though.
My 2 current dogs are mixed breeds and my next dog will be a rescue. I want to rescue/adopt my next dogs, and as they are going to be my companions they don't need to be purebred.
One day I want a purebred BC but I plan on going to a rescue for that one, too.
edit- There are a few breeds i want because of the traits typical to the breeds- but I will rescue/adopt unless I need/want a dog from a reputable breeder in order to do a special task for a "well-bred" dog.
Well my first reaction to the post was that it's my $2,000, and if I earned it, I ought to be able to spend it on anything I darned well please. However, there is way more to it and I will not feel guilty about my choices.
For one thing, when you get a dog you are committing for a long long time if you are a responsible person, and throwing too many unknowns into the mix, particularly if you are not an experienced dog person is just not the way to do this. It could result in returns to shelters and a lot of heartache and expense that could have been avoided. I also wanted to know pretty much how big my dog was going to get and find a dog that would reach the maximum size that I could handle well.
I also chose my dog because of her trainability and intelligence. I have very little tolerance for stupidity. Sorry, but that's just the way I am. If a person is not up to perpetual mental stimulation, hanging around with me can really be a chore and I admit that.
I chose a dog that is generally known to have the temperament that is most compatible with me and my lifestyle, including my work with rescuing litters of kittens and adult cats under stress. I wanted to know the historical potential of my pet and the chances of that happening through selected breeding are far greater than they are at the local shelter. A cat aggressive dog would be a nightmare for me and DEFINITELY not acceptable in my home, not even for five minutes.
For another thing, I wanted a dog who was bred by a responsible breeder who took the time to understand genetics and the particular health issues that can cause a dog owner moutains of heartbreak and money. I also did not want the risk of bringing home a dog that might have a contagious disease such as distemper or kennel cough.
Furthermore, I wanted a dog that I knew on average could live a fairly long life for a dog if he was loved and well cared for. I have watched my entire family die, lost countless loving pets, including two last year before I got Tosca. I have spent my share of tearful nights, witnessed one too many painful conditions and euthanizations of pets that I cared about to the point of breaking, and I have spent far too many thousands of dollars to save animals with genetic illnesses and illnesses that come with poor attention to breeding, lack of love and care. In short, I feel I have had more than my share of that kind of pain and I don't think it is in any way wrong of me to want to try to increase the odds of minimizing that kind of pain for myself by not taking on another pet who is not healthy, or has temperament issues/isn't going to be compatible here.
No less important: After much research of dogs, and I DO MEAN MUCH,* I chose my dog because I wanted a Collie. Period. I waited longer than a year to find one. I researched and researched and researched and did not take my decision lightly. The important thing is I made the right choice and I do not regret it, nor can anyone make me feel badly about it. I also do not feel it is very important to me for other people to 'understand' my choice not to go to a shelter for a dog and to instead pay a lot of money for a dog I wanted. I have always felt that a person who cannot combine the heart with common sense can become a train wreck very quickly. It's just not my nature to do things without putting a good deal of thought into it and calculating the odds and possibilities of the unknown. One thing I have learned along the way is, whenever I have made a decision solely with my heart while ignoring the obvious that required logic, a disaster has occurred.
Ever practical, I also paid a good deal attention to liability issues. This is because I don't want to end up living in a box under the tracks because my unpredictable dog had a trigger from the past that caused him to bite a person.
I feel that too many people try to force/interject their opinions on other people's lives as it is, and it's getting worse by the day. I chose what I chose and I am one who has always preferred to live with my own choices instead of a choice someone else talked me into. I wouldn't buy a house without eliminating as many unknowns as possible first, I certainly wouldn't blindly adopt a dog without knowing my chances of compatibility-- and I see no reason why someone shouldn't interject some logic into their life choices now and then. I think if more people used it in combo with their hearts, their lives would be vastly different than they are. In the end, when it comes to life choices, it really doesn't matter what anyone else thinks or whether or not they understand your choices. For example, if I can't insure with the dog against liability, I will never own that breed of dog. That's just the way I am. If I had nothing to lose, I might not care, but I do and I have reached a stage in my life where I am not willing to start over. I just figure, life tosses enough things at us and there are plenty of things we have no control over, but paying attention sensibly to the things we can control can often make the difference between happiness without unnecessary stress and misery--in some cases, it can even make a difference between success and failure.
And so, I am very happy with my choice, contented with my dog, loving and enjoying her, and it really doesn't matter to me whether or not someone else approves.
For one thing, when you get a dog you are committing for a long long time if you are a responsible person, and throwing too many unknowns into the mix, particularly if you are not an experienced dog person is just not the way to do this. It could result in returns to shelters and a lot of heartache and expense that could have been avoided. I also wanted to know pretty much how big my dog was going to get and find a dog that would reach the maximum size that I could handle well.
I also chose my dog because of her trainability and intelligence. I have very little tolerance for stupidity. Sorry, but that's just the way I am. If a person is not up to perpetual mental stimulation, hanging around with me can really be a chore and I admit that.
I chose a dog that is generally known to have the temperament that is most compatible with me and my lifestyle, including my work with rescuing litters of kittens and adult cats under stress. I wanted to know the historical potential of my pet and the chances of that happening through selected breeding are far greater than they are at the local shelter. A cat aggressive dog would be a nightmare for me and DEFINITELY not acceptable in my home, not even for five minutes.
For another thing, I wanted a dog who was bred by a responsible breeder who took the time to understand genetics and the particular health issues that can cause a dog owner moutains of heartbreak and money. I also did not want the risk of bringing home a dog that might have a contagious disease such as distemper or kennel cough.
Furthermore, I wanted a dog that I knew on average could live a fairly long life for a dog if he was loved and well cared for. I have watched my entire family die, lost countless loving pets, including two last year before I got Tosca. I have spent my share of tearful nights, witnessed one too many painful conditions and euthanizations of pets that I cared about to the point of breaking, and I have spent far too many thousands of dollars to save animals with genetic illnesses and illnesses that come with poor attention to breeding, lack of love and care. In short, I feel I have had more than my share of that kind of pain and I don't think it is in any way wrong of me to want to try to increase the odds of minimizing that kind of pain for myself by not taking on another pet who is not healthy, or has temperament issues/isn't going to be compatible here.
No less important: After much research of dogs, and I DO MEAN MUCH,* I chose my dog because I wanted a Collie. Period. I waited longer than a year to find one. I researched and researched and researched and did not take my decision lightly. The important thing is I made the right choice and I do not regret it, nor can anyone make me feel badly about it. I also do not feel it is very important to me for other people to 'understand' my choice not to go to a shelter for a dog and to instead pay a lot of money for a dog I wanted. I have always felt that a person who cannot combine the heart with common sense can become a train wreck very quickly. It's just not my nature to do things without putting a good deal of thought into it and calculating the odds and possibilities of the unknown. One thing I have learned along the way is, whenever I have made a decision solely with my heart while ignoring the obvious that required logic, a disaster has occurred.
Ever practical, I also paid a good deal attention to liability issues. This is because I don't want to end up living in a box under the tracks because my unpredictable dog had a trigger from the past that caused him to bite a person.
I feel that too many people try to force/interject their opinions on other people's lives as it is, and it's getting worse by the day. I chose what I chose and I am one who has always preferred to live with my own choices instead of a choice someone else talked me into. I wouldn't buy a house without eliminating as many unknowns as possible first, I certainly wouldn't blindly adopt a dog without knowing my chances of compatibility-- and I see no reason why someone shouldn't interject some logic into their life choices now and then. I think if more people used it in combo with their hearts, their lives would be vastly different than they are. In the end, when it comes to life choices, it really doesn't matter what anyone else thinks or whether or not they understand your choices. For example, if I can't insure with the dog against liability, I will never own that breed of dog. That's just the way I am. If I had nothing to lose, I might not care, but I do and I have reached a stage in my life where I am not willing to start over. I just figure, life tosses enough things at us and there are plenty of things we have no control over, but paying attention sensibly to the things we can control can often make the difference between happiness without unnecessary stress and misery--in some cases, it can even make a difference between success and failure.
And so, I am very happy with my choice, contented with my dog, loving and enjoying her, and it really doesn't matter to me whether or not someone else approves.
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I completlly agree with you two, excellent posts.
Right now, I have a mixed breed/shelter dog, she is the best first dog I could ever ask for, and if I had to do it again, I would!
Now, I want my next dog to be from a breeder(I think I already have them picked out too) Because I have a certain thing I would like to do with this dog....Herding Trails, Agility, and Obedience Work. And you have to have a certain breed, bred from good lines to do Herding Trails and place.
But I do want to do Rescue/foster train dog from shelters and then find there forever home.
Right now, I have a mixed breed/shelter dog, she is the best first dog I could ever ask for, and if I had to do it again, I would!
Now, I want my next dog to be from a breeder(I think I already have them picked out too) Because I have a certain thing I would like to do with this dog....Herding Trails, Agility, and Obedience Work. And you have to have a certain breed, bred from good lines to do Herding Trails and place.
But I do want to do Rescue/foster train dog from shelters and then find there forever home.
Scooter,
I suspect this issue gets raised every few months, and it good that it does because before anyone breeds a dog, or even buys a dog from any source should consider the consequences.
My opinion, if you are offended by the question you should not own a dog.
Still it`s tempting to think, "its my money so I do what I want, don't poke your nose into my business."
That's fine, dogs are property, but don' criticize puppy mills or BYB's or designer dogs if you feel that way cause that's there business.
First put things into perspective, statistically the vast majority of shelter dogs come from accidental or not for profit BYBs (people who let their dog breed to fulfill some odd fantasy and give the puppies away).
Second, nearly all other breeders: puppy mills, designer dog BYBs and even "serious" breeders for show or work contribute significantly to the over-population problem. Any dogs that are not show or work champions from these serious breeders become pets, thus displacing shelter dogs that might otherwise be adopted.
Serious breeders do play an important positive role. I do not want to see all dogs become randomly bred mutts. Still, I would hope that any breeder or anyone who purchases a dog consider finacially supporting shelters or education programs to offset any negative consequences.
I suspect this issue gets raised every few months, and it good that it does because before anyone breeds a dog, or even buys a dog from any source should consider the consequences.
My opinion, if you are offended by the question you should not own a dog.
Still it`s tempting to think, "its my money so I do what I want, don't poke your nose into my business."
That's fine, dogs are property, but don' criticize puppy mills or BYB's or designer dogs if you feel that way cause that's there business.
First put things into perspective, statistically the vast majority of shelter dogs come from accidental or not for profit BYBs (people who let their dog breed to fulfill some odd fantasy and give the puppies away).
Second, nearly all other breeders: puppy mills, designer dog BYBs and even "serious" breeders for show or work contribute significantly to the over-population problem. Any dogs that are not show or work champions from these serious breeders become pets, thus displacing shelter dogs that might otherwise be adopted.
Serious breeders do play an important positive role. I do not want to see all dogs become randomly bred mutts. Still, I would hope that any breeder or anyone who purchases a dog consider finacially supporting shelters or education programs to offset any negative consequences.
Wow I've been absent from this board for months and this is the thread I decide jump into
One day in the far, financially stable, future I will own a pet quality GSD from German working lines. My dog will come from an excellent breeder who will have bred her dogs in order to improve the breed and create GSD's that have the drive and temperament to be working dogs.
However there will be, as in any litter, a puppy or 2 that doesn't quite have what it takes to be a police, schutzund, SAR dog. Yes I want "just a pet" but I want a pet that has the socialization, temperament, health testing, and yes looks that will come from a good GSD breeder. I hope to have 2 dogs in the future and yes one will be a friendly mix from a shelter but the other will be a expensive, purebred pet and I see nothing wrong with this.
Even the pet quality puppies go to screened homes, and usually the people who buy these from breeders who are that stringent in their requirements have done just as much research as anyone looking for a show/working dog. BYB's put out too many puppies, and uncaring individuals buy those animals on a whim and dump them when their new item loses it's appeal. Neither of these groups have anything to do with good breeders and the people who seek dogs from them.
One day in the far, financially stable, future I will own a pet quality GSD from German working lines. My dog will come from an excellent breeder who will have bred her dogs in order to improve the breed and create GSD's that have the drive and temperament to be working dogs.
However there will be, as in any litter, a puppy or 2 that doesn't quite have what it takes to be a police, schutzund, SAR dog. Yes I want "just a pet" but I want a pet that has the socialization, temperament, health testing, and yes looks that will come from a good GSD breeder. I hope to have 2 dogs in the future and yes one will be a friendly mix from a shelter but the other will be a expensive, purebred pet and I see nothing wrong with this.
Even the pet quality puppies go to screened homes, and usually the people who buy these from breeders who are that stringent in their requirements have done just as much research as anyone looking for a show/working dog. BYB's put out too many puppies, and uncaring individuals buy those animals on a whim and dump them when their new item loses it's appeal. Neither of these groups have anything to do with good breeders and the people who seek dogs from them.
I wouldn't pay a HUGE amount of money for a dog. Huge is in the eye of the beholder, I guess. I am dirt poor, but I consider $500-$600 a very fair price from parents that were worked, shown, and health-tested. I'll scrimp and save if need be. I really enjoy training dogs, and I don't like being limited by a dog who can't compete in the sports I want to do, which will include conformation in the future.
I don't look down on mixed breeds or purebred rescues by any means. I think its a great thing to have those kinds of resources available to those who are interested. But I don't think people should be guilted into adopting when its their decision to live with and feed for the next 10-15 years. Its important to spread awareness about rescue, but equally important to respect the decisions of those who choose not to. If they want to seek out a good breeder, go through the interrogation... err screening, and get on their waiting list, more power to them.
I don't look down on mixed breeds or purebred rescues by any means. I think its a great thing to have those kinds of resources available to those who are interested. But I don't think people should be guilted into adopting when its their decision to live with and feed for the next 10-15 years. Its important to spread awareness about rescue, but equally important to respect the decisions of those who choose not to. If they want to seek out a good breeder, go through the interrogation... err screening, and get on their waiting list, more power to them.
ok i'm not trying to be super negative... but lets be serious. yes there are people who want a predictable dog... have certain traits.. but a large amount of the population is more a 'hey i like their dog... must have one just like it.
also i think there are a lot of negative myths about rescue/shelter dogs. i know when i walk yoshi and people ask where i got her and i tell them a lot of them are shocked at how nice of a dog she is.
now for the dog owners who want to be responsible yes then i can see why getting a certain breed is desirable especially if they have certain situations they have to think about or if they want to compete or maybe show dogs in the future...
i also think that people want to be responsible some tiems but wanting to be responsible and being responsible are two different things.
there are certain breeds i have always wanted and that would fit in my lifestyle..
but every time i look for a dog a shelter mutt always catches my eye i'm a sucker for their sad looks and that's what i always get and probably will always get.
also i think there are a lot of negative myths about rescue/shelter dogs. i know when i walk yoshi and people ask where i got her and i tell them a lot of them are shocked at how nice of a dog she is.
now for the dog owners who want to be responsible yes then i can see why getting a certain breed is desirable especially if they have certain situations they have to think about or if they want to compete or maybe show dogs in the future...
i also think that people want to be responsible some tiems but wanting to be responsible and being responsible are two different things.
there are certain breeds i have always wanted and that would fit in my lifestyle..
but every time i look for a dog a shelter mutt always catches my eye
i'm a sucker for their sad looks and that's what i always get and probably will always get.
Really? Could you please supply me with these statistics?
We have a lot of accidental litters here, but I think the number of accidental litters in my entire COUNTY per year is matched or exceeded by a single puppy mill. Some mills pump out as much as 3,000 puppies per year, and there are hundreds of mills in the country. Now, keep in mind that these puppymill dogs do not come with a spay or neuter contract. That's where the oops litters come from. Then the people with the oops litters let their dogs do whatever, and so on. This is the source of the problems. Without puppymills or breed-for-profit BYBs, we would not have an overpopulation problem. Period.
I see this used all the time as an excuse to put responsible breeders down. It holds no merit as far as I am concerned. If someone has the sense to seek out a puppy from a reputable breeder, go through their screening process and be approved for one of their dogs, chances are that a shelter mutt or badly bred purebred simply will not do. Sometimes pet owners will only buy dogs from breeders because they insist on knowing the background of their dogs.
I'm not putting down shelter dogs at all, but in my breed alone, the dogs I've seen in shelters were of "questionable" breeding, at best. Some were downright pitiful examples of the breed. None would have fit into my household, even with extensive training. At the risk of sounding callous, I would not want to get a dog with a purpose in mind and later realize that the dog's genetic potential would never allow it to be anything more than a pet. I know I don't want to do this, because I've done it before. I got my papillon as an agility dog, and physically/mentally, he cannot do it. He has hit his limit for performance. I don't care anymore, he's just my little buddy, but keep in mind that poorly bred dogs cannot always fulfill the wants and needs of some people.
Oh, and one more thing . . . If breed rescues want more people to adopt unwanted dogs instead of going to breeders, perhaps they should be a bit more pro-active. Educate people rather than turning away the masses and making them feel like they aren't worthy of owning a dog. I consider myself a responsible dog owner yet I was turned down to adopt from a local all-breed rescue because I've rehomed a dog in the past. Things like that don't sit well with me. Obtaining a rescue dog should be easier than it is if rescues ever want to be "out of business".
We have a lot of accidental litters here, but I think the number of accidental litters in my entire COUNTY per year is matched or exceeded by a single puppy mill. Some mills pump out as much as 3,000 puppies per year, and there are hundreds of mills in the country. Now, keep in mind that these puppymill dogs do not come with a spay or neuter contract. That's where the oops litters come from. Then the people with the oops litters let their dogs do whatever, and so on. This is the source of the problems. Without puppymills or breed-for-profit BYBs, we would not have an overpopulation problem. Period.
I see this used all the time as an excuse to put responsible breeders down. It holds no merit as far as I am concerned. If someone has the sense to seek out a puppy from a reputable breeder, go through their screening process and be approved for one of their dogs, chances are that a shelter mutt or badly bred purebred simply will not do. Sometimes pet owners will only buy dogs from breeders because they insist on knowing the background of their dogs.
I'm not putting down shelter dogs at all, but in my breed alone, the dogs I've seen in shelters were of "questionable" breeding, at best. Some were downright pitiful examples of the breed. None would have fit into my household, even with extensive training. At the risk of sounding callous, I would not want to get a dog with a purpose in mind and later realize that the dog's genetic potential would never allow it to be anything more than a pet. I know I don't want to do this, because I've done it before. I got my papillon as an agility dog, and physically/mentally, he cannot do it. He has hit his limit for performance. I don't care anymore, he's just my little buddy, but keep in mind that poorly bred dogs cannot always fulfill the wants and needs of some people.
Oh, and one more thing . . . If breed rescues want more people to adopt unwanted dogs instead of going to breeders, perhaps they should be a bit more pro-active. Educate people rather than turning away the masses and making them feel like they aren't worthy of owning a dog. I consider myself a responsible dog owner yet I was turned down to adopt from a local all-breed rescue because I've rehomed a dog in the past. Things like that don't sit well with me. Obtaining a rescue dog should be easier than it is if rescues ever want to be "out of business".
Well, I think the simple answer to this question for me is when we bbought our papillon we wanted a papillon. It sounds dumb and obvious, but it makes sense.
We were looking into a purebred- not originally for sowing, although we ended up getting involved with that. We had researched and fallen in love with the papillon. If you look at papillon rescues, the vast majority of them are horribly bred papillons from mills. Nothing wrong with them, but if I were to get a purebred, I'd want it to be a good example of the breed. We liked the traits of a papillon, and they fit into our life perfectly, but we wanted to make sure our dog would have those traits. We also wanted our dog to look like a papillon- it sounds shallow but oh well.
When we got stinky, we knew his lines, we knew the healt of them, we knew they were up to scratch conformation wise and were trainable in agility and obedience, in case we wanted to pursue any of those sports. We knew thye had great temperaments- many in his line had CGCs and did therapy work. His breeder put a lot of time and effort into making sure he was a great dog and a great example of his breed which is something we deemed important.
I think Bahamutt said it right... I've seen so many times on forums (not this one as much) when people are looking for a dog from a reputable breeder that well meaning rescue people are very disrespectful of their decision. Rescues are not for everyone and would not have a dog that suits everyone's needs. I think it's perfectly fine to purchase a dog from an ethical breeder- even if it is just for companionship. It just depends on what qualities are important to the pet owner and how much priority they give those qualities.
We were looking into a purebred- not originally for sowing, although we ended up getting involved with that. We had researched and fallen in love with the papillon. If you look at papillon rescues, the vast majority of them are horribly bred papillons from mills. Nothing wrong with them, but if I were to get a purebred, I'd want it to be a good example of the breed. We liked the traits of a papillon, and they fit into our life perfectly, but we wanted to make sure our dog would have those traits. We also wanted our dog to look like a papillon- it sounds shallow but oh well.
When we got stinky, we knew his lines, we knew the healt of them, we knew they were up to scratch conformation wise and were trainable in agility and obedience, in case we wanted to pursue any of those sports. We knew thye had great temperaments- many in his line had CGCs and did therapy work. His breeder put a lot of time and effort into making sure he was a great dog and a great example of his breed which is something we deemed important.
I think Bahamutt said it right... I've seen so many times on forums (not this one as much) when people are looking for a dog from a reputable breeder that well meaning rescue people are very disrespectful of their decision. Rescues are not for everyone and would not have a dog that suits everyone's needs. I think it's perfectly fine to purchase a dog from an ethical breeder- even if it is just for companionship. It just depends on what qualities are important to the pet owner and how much priority they give those qualities.
Baha, I very much appreciate this comment from you. The USA seems to be riddled with too many people trying to tell everyone else how to pray, how to live, who to love, what to eat, who to give all your money to, who to pray to, how to pray, and how to vote. It's getting worse here by the minute. Adding, "where your dog should come from" is just one more example. The truth of the matter is anyone who chose to get a dog from a breeder has every right to tell anybody else who doesn't like it to go ****in their hats. It just plain isn't anybody else's business.
I also do not see the relationship between my getting a dog from a genuine breeder and puppy mills. I WILL criticize puppy mills any time I want to and not be told I can't because I have a dog from a bona fide breeder. That is also my right. If puppy mills didn't abuse the animals and pet stores were as selective as good breeders about who they gave dogs to, I wouldn't be criticizing them. I really do not like to be told what to think, how to live, or even where I should get my dog. Can you tell? I see it this way. When someone writes me a check every week, they can tell me what to do.
I also do not see the relationship between my getting a dog from a genuine breeder and puppy mills. I WILL criticize puppy mills any time I want to and not be told I can't because I have a dog from a bona fide breeder. That is also my right. If puppy mills didn't abuse the animals and pet stores were as selective as good breeders about who they gave dogs to, I wouldn't be criticizing them. I really do not like to be told what to think, how to live, or even where I should get my dog. Can you tell? I see it this way. When someone writes me a check every week, they can tell me what to do.
RD, The statistics I got from where shelter dogs originate was from the link below. It looks credible to me but if someone has better stats please post them:
http://www.geocities.com/s_u_n_pa/ShelterFacts.html
Some key points:
Approximately 8-12 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year and approximately 5-9 million are euthanized (60% of dogs and 70% of cats)
Only 10% of the animals received by shelters have been spayed or neutered. 75% of owned pets are neutered. (My comment- If you care enough to neuter your pet then you probably care enough not to take it to a shelter!)
25% of dogs that enter local shelters are purebred.
About 65% of all pet owners acquire their pets free or at low cost. The majority of pets are obtained from acquaintances and family members. 15 - 20% of dogs are purchased from breeders, 10 - 20% of dogs are adopted from shelters and rescues, and 2 - 10% are purchased from pet shops.
This survey does not distinguish serious breeders or puppy mills....but it indicates that the biggest contributor to shelters is the dog acquired from a neighbor or family member, probably on a whim.
The link I referenced indicates that serious dog breeders and owners are not the fundamental cause of this problem. However, 7 million euths a year is too many. I think anyone considering breeding, or leaving their dog unneutered should consider that. Anyone who buys a dog should know that they do have the option to save a dog instead, and that they can often get the breed they want through a rescue.
http://www.geocities.com/s_u_n_pa/ShelterFacts.html
Some key points:
Approximately 8-12 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year and approximately 5-9 million are euthanized (60% of dogs and 70% of cats)
Only 10% of the animals received by shelters have been spayed or neutered. 75% of owned pets are neutered. (My comment- If you care enough to neuter your pet then you probably care enough not to take it to a shelter!)
25% of dogs that enter local shelters are purebred.
About 65% of all pet owners acquire their pets free or at low cost. The majority of pets are obtained from acquaintances and family members. 15 - 20% of dogs are purchased from breeders, 10 - 20% of dogs are adopted from shelters and rescues, and 2 - 10% are purchased from pet shops.
This survey does not distinguish serious breeders or puppy mills....but it indicates that the biggest contributor to shelters is the dog acquired from a neighbor or family member, probably on a whim.
The link I referenced indicates that serious dog breeders and owners are not the fundamental cause of this problem. However, 7 million euths a year is too many. I think anyone considering breeding, or leaving their dog unneutered should consider that. Anyone who buys a dog should know that they do have the option to save a dog instead, and that they can often get the breed they want through a rescue.
- Status