Originally posted by mugsy
that brought another question to mind. Why is a dog considered "ruined" if it breeds with another breed and produces a litter of Heinz57s, or breeds with a member of the same breed that doesn't quite measure up?
Mugsy, I am not sure where the assumption that a dog is "ruined" if it breeds with another breed or a member of the same breed that doesn't quite measure up came from. I do not feel that way at all and don't know anyone else who does either.

If by "ruined" you are referring to the fact that they can not be shown in the breed ring, I can only say that the minority can. There are more dogs registered with the AKC that are not breed standard perfect than there are that are. Many of them compete in many avenues of dog related fancies. My Dixie is one of them. She would not make it in the breed ring but excels in obedience, field, and agility.

In some ways the Heinz 57s are healthier and less prone to breed problems because they are not subjected to the unethical imbreeding that some breeders do for the almighty dollar they get from selling dogs "with papers". These kind of breeders introduce weakness into the breed and actually do more harm than good to the purebred dog. But not all breeders are unethical.

In short, just because a dog can not be shown in breed does not make them "ruined". It just means they can not be shown in the breed ring. All of my dogs have been pets first and working in different venues with them has just been the icing on the cake. If someone has a dog that loves them unconditionally no matter what the breed, perfection, or mix then they are truly blessed!

I'll use this analogy to close: Because you drive a car, you do not have to race in NASCAR. Because you own a dog, you do not have to show your dog in Conformation. It's only a small percentage that actually do.

I hope this has answered your question. Let me know if you have any others.