Purebreds & Why People Buy Them

[sasvermont]

Well, I can see/hear the negative tones and judgements and I am not going to post to this topic again. I think it is disruptive, misdirected and negative.

[Power Lounger]

Sorry if you feel that way, I've always wanted to ask that question. And I thought this to be the perfect forum. And, perhaps, maybe, there will be someone who reads these many posts & think twice about going to a breeder and go to a shelter or rescue organization. I fail to understand how that could be construed as negative. But I don't understand a lot of things...

[pupper-lover]

One more note:

Powerlounger, I do understand your frustration of seeing so many needy animals, and so many people that refuse to adopt them. There are indeed some people that are snobs and dislike rescued animals because they feel these animals are dirty, sick, have "muddled" bloodlines, and are untrainable. I do believe that most people that have purebreeds have them because they either fell in love with a particular dog (like I did with Jake) or they have a love for the breed (like I do with Goldens).

Everyday, I am haunted by the many helpless, hopeful, thrown out dogs that I have come across. Tears came to my eyes, just the other day for two dogs that I didn't adopt, when I was looking for Addie. My thoughts are also filled with two other dogs, I played with at a shelter a few weeks ago. The hope in their eyes when I took the time to love them, was agony. I could not take them home, but they refused to believe this. In my heart, I feel those dogs were/will be put to sleep. I wish that I could help them all, but I can't. I want so so badly to go out and bring home the sweet pups I see at shelter's. However, my life and my dogs lives would suffer if I did so. I do not have the property or the resources to take on any more animals right now.

Powerlounger, I know that your words are based on love for animals and frustration with their seemingly helpless situation. I'm sure you have looked into the eyes of a death row animal, and your heart has broken. I have, too.

I think we will get much further in life if we look towards what we can do to help, not to what others are doing that we don't like. I think everyone here at pettalk is all for helping homeless animals. I'm sorry your entry to this group seems to have been a negative one. The people here are all really wonderful, we just get a bit nippy, when we feel we are being attacked.

[Presley]

sasvermont Well said!
It is this topic that had made me rethink even bothering posting here. I hear the bashs about purebred dogs all the time from many different people here and it bothers me to no end. Not all of us can handle it anymore.. rescueing animals.. Not all of us are prepared for adopting a animal and have no history given on it and it having a hord of health problems.
I went with a pure bred dog so i would know what i was getting into. I went with a breed that i LOVE and I have not got into something that isn't wrong in the slightest..
If people would get their animals fixed then there wouldn't be shelters filled with unwanted,abused,and sick animals. This goes for breeders as well. I only agree with breeding a dog if you are going to better the breed. I don't agree with breeding when it is distroying a breeed and you know what. I am allowed to have a pure bred dog. And if i paid loads of money for my dog then SO WHAT. She is my dog. I love her to pieces and no matter what nothing would change that. And i am glad i have her and thats all that should matter. Not everyone has the strength to go and save animals . And don't go thinking i or others havn't saved animals. Many of us have but we can't take the heartbreak anymore.

I would also like to add this.. I looked for a dog for a long time 2 years. I even went to our SPCA to look. I knew that i wanted a lab. But when i got PResley i wasn't even going to get a dog. Something drew me to her. This i am thankful for, She has brought so much joy to my life it is amazing.

[ParNone]

Hi there... newbie jumping into the fray here...

Although in many instances a mutt would be all any family
or person needs. Let's not forget that a lot of dogs unlike
cats are bred for more than being a companion of leisure.
They're bred to be man's companion in work.

I someday in the near future plan on having a farm and
I want a specific type working dog with me on that farm.
From my research, I'm leaning towards a Bernese Mountain
Dog. The breeding of purebreds for specific reasons is why
I'm able to figure out what dog would fit my specific need.
Now I have every intention of looking at a shelter first to
find that breed or a breed with a majority of that mixture.
But if we eliminate purebreds, how would I ever know if I'm
getting the right dog for my circumstance? I'm sure there's
many a blind person who's mighty glad for the breeding of
goldens, labs and german shepards.

Par...

[Power Lounger]

Thanks, pupper-lover. And to everyone else, if I've offended you, my apologies.

[pupper-lover]

Originally posted by ParNone
Hi there... newbie jumping into the fray here...

Although in many instances a mutt would be all any family
or person needs. Let's not forget that a lot of dogs unlike
cats are bred for more than being a companion of leisure.
They're bred to be man's companion in work.

I someday in the near future plan on having a farm and
I want a specific type working dog with me on that farm.
From my research, I'm leaning towards a Bernese Mountain
Dog. The breeding of purebreds for specific reasons is why
I'm able to figure out what dog would fit my specific need.
Now I have every intention of looking at a shelter first to
find that breed or a breed with a majority of that mixture.
But if we eliminate purebreds, how would I ever know if I'm
getting the right dog for my circumstance? I'm sure there's
many a blind person who's mighty glad for the breeding of
goldens, labs and german shepards.

Par...

I was thinking the same thing.

[Dixieland Dancer]

Originally posted by aly


I completely understand where you're coming from. I just don't think anyone here could answer that. Its awful, isn't it? I often ask myself those very same questions.

By the way, welcome to Pet Talk

I will attempt to answer that question! But first I need to clarify that RESPONSIBLE owners of purebred dogs are not responsible for the overpopulations in shelters. Realizing why this problem exists is part of the answer to your question.

Unfortunately, many people purchase a puppy on impulse, without pausing to consider its eventual size, appearance and personality—traits that are well-established and largely predetermined by breed. We can all agree that a cute little puppy (purebred or mixed) is irrestable. So they take fido home and he becomes too active or requires too much time to train and keeps piddling on the good carpet, or grows to big for their lifestyle, or sheds too much, etc. etc. etc.. So in our disposable society, we have a way to "correct" that problem. We will just take Fido to the shelter and dispose of him. After all, someone else WILL adopt them and make a loving home for them. And that is only part of the problem!

You also have the same impulsive buyer (purebred or mixed) that never gives Fido love or attention. He is left to wonder or be chained up in the yard day in and day out. He never gets any routine vet care and is never fixed. Girl dogs are even worse because the males come from miles away when she is in season to have their way with her. Litter after litter of puppies are born but Mr. Irresponsible doesn't worry. After all he has the shelter to drop the pups off at or to sell them and then not care what happens to them after he collects his money.

Don't get me wrong. I support rescue and shelters on a regular basis. I realize the problem but don't blame it on people who want a purebred dog. I blame it on Mr. Irresponsible who doesn't take the time to figure out what kind of dog will work for him.

NOW, why would anyone want a purebred dog??? Purebred dogs are found in an impressive variety of sizes, shapes, colors and personalties. All these breeds have been molded over time to serve humanity in some capacity. Thus we have hunters, guards, trackers, shepherds, sled dogs, and above all, companions. We have energetic dogs, sedate dogs, extroverted dogs and those that prefer the fellowship of one or a few familiar faces.

Choosing the dog that's right for you requires some work. There is no substitute for making a careful study of each breed's characteristics and narrowing down the field until you are left with the one that best suits your temperament, lifestyle, accommodations and taste. Will the adult dog be large and/or require extensive grooming? Is it likely to need lots of outdoor exercise? Don't forget to ask yourself whether its temperament will be appropriate for your family, especially younger members. This is critical in considering a mixed breed as well since all mixed breeds have purebred traits in them. Example... someone may have a doberman/lab mix. Now you need to understand if two different breeds will work for you and what personality traits this combination will produce.

Now that you have considered what you want, you now need to know what breeds exhibit that behavior. You can check the web for 100's of varieties of dogs. You determine you are interested in Labrador Retrievers. You can determine the standard of the breed to verify YES this works for me or NO it does not!

WHY do I own purebred Golden Retrievers? I am a hobbiest. I don't just have my dogs for companions although that is the foremost reason I have dogs. I train and show them competitively in various venues such as obedience, agility, field and soon conformation. I can pretty much already know the basic characteristics of my dogs because they are purebred. I know they are strong athletic dogs with high drive and outgoing personalities. They are excellent hunters with a strong sense of smell and they love water. They are happy and trusting and very loyal. They learn quick and are very gentle. This makes them excellent guide dogs or household companions for families with small children. I know they are going to be around 60 - 75 pounds and eat around three to four cups of food a day. I can go on but I think you get the idea.

I want a GOLDEN RETRIEVER. I want to know the pedigree of the dog to determine the working or showing ability of the dog and more importantly it's personality potential. I want to be able to see the parents and say ok, that is the personality trait I am looking for. I want to be able to look at a litter and know what puppy will match my needs in field, obedience, etc. I can love any dog but I choose to own a GOLDEN because it fits all of my wants, expectations, and desires in a dog. And I AM a responsible dog owner and am not a part of the problem with over flowing shelters.

One last thought.... Did you know that by owning a Golden Retriever, I actually do own a mixed breed? The development of this retriever is attributed to Lord Tweedsmuir in Scotland, just north of the English border, along the Tweed River. He was said to be breeding to produce the ultimate gun dog. In 1952 a descendant published documents of his breeding from 1835 until about 1890. In 1865, he acquired his first Yellow Retriever, named Nous, who was bred to a type of dog called the Tweed Water Spaniel (now extinct), commonly found in the Border country, whose traits and qualities, subsequently influenced the development of the Golden Retriever dog. Nous and Belle produced 4 yellow puppies in 1868, Crocus, Cowslip, Primrose and Ada. From the four, followed additional crosses to the Water Dogs, an Irish Setter and sandy colored Bloodhounds. Then followed some line-breeding, unusual for those days, and Nous and Cowslip appear several times in pedigrees. This line breeding eventually created the Yellow or Golden Retriever dog, later becoming popular in Britain towards the end of the 1800s. First shown in 1908, they were granted breed status by the Kennel Club in 1913, and became known as the Retriever (Golden and Yellow). In 1920 the name was changed to Golden Retriever.

I think we need to all concentrate on promoting responsible dog ownership, be it purebred or mixed. Through educating the unkowledgeable about proper considerations when aquiring a dog, be it a shelter worker or a responsible breeder, we will all be doing our furry friends a service. We all need each other to succeed.

[aly]

I have so much to say but know I'm going to forget half of it. Anyway, Dixie - I don't think Power Lounger was blaming anyone here for the problem. She was just asking why not try to fix it instead of add to it. NOT that you are adding to it but I don't know how else to word that. I respect you as a breeder and I know you know your stuff. Unfortunately, you are a minority in the breeder world. I do want to say though that shelters are full of animals with better temperaments and health than the best breeders' champions. Adopting a dog or cat is not a death wish. Adopting a dog or cat does not mean you are getting a worthless, sick, or ill tempered animal. Also, Power Lounger wasn't knocking anyone for wanting a pure breed. She pointed out that they do exist in shelters too.

For those of you who can't take the risk of adopting a dog with a history, shelters also have puppies... and lots of them. Many shelters and rescue groups also have extensive history on their adult dogs. You have to fill out a 5 page background form (front and back) when surrendering a dog to my shelter. After that there is an extensive temperament test the dog has to pass. When adopting a dog, you are informed EVERYTHING we know and counseled on how to deal with it. Yes, there's a chance that there may be something we missed but a lot of the time there's not. And if there is, you are encouraged to come to us for free counseling. There are several rescue organizations like this who want to do everything possible to help you.

I hope no one will become defensive to this post. I simply want to share my opinion and encourage everyone else to share theirs too. There is a lot of emotions on all sides behind this topic so I can see how it might get out of hand. But we are all friends and I hope can all speak our minds without arguing.

[Slave of 15 Dogs]

Power Lounger,

As owner of 15 rescue dogs (and I wouldn't have it any other way either), I respect everyone's opinion as to where they get their animals, as long as they are well taken care of.

We have acquired our dogs from various shelters around Northern and Central Indiana and we have rescued a few off of the street.

I do agree whole heartedly that rescue is the only way to go and that shelters are the place to go to get a dog and that perhaps if more people went to shelters instead of breeders there wouldn't be as many dogs/cats that have to die. HOWEVER, there are some people, for what ever reason, want a purebred dog. Some hunters are willing to risk getting a dog that won't hunt (and I don't advocate hunting either), or show people who want the very best of a certain breed.

I also agree that the stupid irresponsible pet owners are the reason that shelters are full to the brim all the time. I think that educating the ignorant (not a slam here) public of proper pet care is essential. I would advocate everyone who wants to own a pet of any kind (breeder or shelter) should have to take a pet care class before they are EVER allowed to own an animal. (Pretty radical eh?)

Unfortunately, we belong to a throw away society that feels that once you get tired of something, you get rid of it. Which leads to many dogs being dumped.

All of our dogs are happy and healthy and well loved. Incidently, we have both pure breeds and Heinz57s. Everything from a Toy American Eskimo to 2 Great Danes, and everything in between.

I also would like to welcome you. But please don't judge...that's what makes Pet Talk great, even if we don't hold the same opinions (because there are many rescuers here as well as QUALIFIED breeders), we get along and share stories of heartbreak and joy. I have never belonged to a board that is this nice. So, enjoy!!! And come back often.

Do you have pictures of your babies?? We LOVE pictures!!

[Dogz]

I have a purebred pug and I also got my black lab from a shelter, I don't know if he is a purebred or not, but I use to have another black lab, and I got her as a present... and she had puppies with the other black lab. We gave homes to all of the puppies exept one of the yellow ones. I was still living with my parents, and they wouldn't neuter the male black lab that we got from the shelter.
The purebred pug we got from a breeder, but I don't know why, but I kind of did save him.
He had a really bad eye infection that started out as a white cloud in his eye. The breeder wouldn't have spent the money for surgury like we did.

[Slave of 15 Dogs]

Well put Aly, I think that people are reading into what Power Lounger is saying. She is asking a viable question that she was hoping to get an answer to. I know that I can't get into her head, but I didn't think she was attacking anyone, just wanting to ask a question.

Perhaps because I feel the same way in many aspects, I wasn't offended by her post, but I still don't think she was attacking anyone. Just an opinion on this side!

Candy, I agree with Aly, you take care to send your pups to good homes and you take care of them until they go to homes and you don't overbreed your dogs, BUT, I also agree with Aly, that you are in the definite minority. I respect your choices and am not judging you for your choice, but I have chosen another path as has Aly, PowerLounger, and many others. I also understand the choice that you made, until I got into rescue, I was dead set on a Weimaraner pup, but then I met Sox and the rest is history. I might add, I did FINALLY get my Weim (number 14) about a month ago.

[mary_jsn]

After reading a lot of people's opinions I'll give my reasons why I don't have a mutt.
First, here in Chile, there are no rescue organizations or shelters so mutts live in streets were they get load of infections.
Second, here, in my country most mutts are aggressive because they pick fights with other dogs in streets.
Third, it would have been more expensive to cure a pet that has many diseases that what I paid for Leika.
Fourth, I know mutt dogs are harder to train and unfortunately I don't have enough pacience.
Fifth, It's not that I don't like mutts it's just that I'm more attracted to breed dogs.
Six, I bought Leika at a Pet store and she had been separated from her brothers and sisters a week ago and she was sad and scared, the minute I saw her I fell in love with her.
Seven:I'm just a kid and I wasn't looking for any speacial dog, any breed, but it had to be small because we had a few problems with the other dog that we had, and Leika was the perfect dog for me!
I respect everyone's opinion and I am so glad that there are shelters that actually take care of dogs and they don't have them lying on the street.
And now that I remember, when I was a baby we had a mutt dog, we didn't pay for it and we took care of him and one day he ran away and never came back.
I hope nobody gets angry at what I said, but, I think we should be happy with the pets we have and not to encourage other people to buy more dogs that could end in shelters because of problems with other dogs etc...
Let's take care of our pets and not fight wether they are purebred or not.

[Presley]

Actually reading these posts have really turned me off this place..
I am annoyed at how people here look so down on someone for wanting to own a pure bred... Anyways take care all... Sorry i ever brought my beautiful girls pictures and stories and concerns here... I thought this place had open minded people...

[aly]

Presley, don't leave over this. I know everyone here enjoys your stories and pictures... I sure do. No one is coming down on you and if you felt like I was, I appologize because that was not my intention. I would like to have the opportunity to get to know you further and hear more about your animals. Please please please don't leave. I don't think anyone would be happy if you did