Purebreds & Why People Buy Them

[aly]

I am sorry that I was so misunderstood. As I stated earlier, this is a highly emotional topic that probably prevents some from reading the true message that is actually here. I don't care if you want a pure breed, mixed, or alien from outer space. I just wanted to point out that yes, shelters have dogs just as good and better than breeders' dogs. No, I did not say a majority of them are better, but you would be surprised. Champion bloodlines mean nothing to me but we have had dogs in the shelter with their fancy bloodlines, papers, etc. We've also had cats that have won several cat shows. I take it personally when people look down on shelter dogs. I don't look down on pure breeds. I do look down on most (not all) breeders.

This topic isn't about "my mutt is better than your pure bred". As pupper-lover pointed out, a question was asked out of frusteration, not hatred. After you see so many homeless faces on a daily basis, you do get frusterated. This question wasn't a personal attack on anyone. I am sorry some took it that way. I have nothing against pure breeds and may have one someday if one turns up at the shelter that I fall in love with. I never judge by breed anyway, always personality. There are so many exceptions to the rules that I really hate to make generalizations about any breed. Just as you guys were offended by people making comments about non-rescued dogs, I am now offended by the comments about shelter dogs. I stand by the statement that we have many that are better than the breeders'.

[aly]

Originally posted by Sara luvs her Tinky
I think the reason that people may go a breeder instead of a shelter to get a pure bred dog is that they want the experience of raising a puppy.... Many people choose a pure breed based on color, personality, etc. and the chances of a shelter having that specific puppy I'm sure is slim to none...

Actually we always have a WIDE selection of puppies. You should see some of the cuties we get

[Power Lounger]

Aly,
You articulated everything I have felt. I feel like I'm being attacked for what I thought was a legitimate question. I do NOT look down on purebreds, I love all dogs (all animals, actually). I just see too many thrown away. And I feel that many breeders have contributed to that sorry situation. But, that's my opinion, & all who disagree, that is certainly your right. And I don't hold it against you. You all have your unique stories. And I have mine. I would think that sharing them wouldn't bring such an onslaught of negative commentary.

[Dixieland Dancer]

Originally posted by Power Lounger
I just don't understand why someone would get a purebred dog over a dog in a shelter or rescue organization. I couldn't care less if purebreds ceased to exist, I would take a mutt any day over it. And I'm just not getting someone saying "I'm going to a breeder because I HAVE TO HAVE THIS TYPE OF DOG, when there's a precious life at a shelter that will DIE because of someone's ego ("Look at my Doberman, Weinmaraner, Portuguese Water Dog,etc."). It seems to me, that these dogs are status symbols, a lot like a new car. I don't get it, & I never will.

Perhaps Power lounger needs to reread her own words near the beginning of this thread to realize why some of us who owned purebred dogs felt attacked. And as I stated earlier, I did answer why I want and have purebred dogs. My dogs are not status symbols to me. And you don't need to get it.... ever! All you need to do is love your dogs and let the rest of us love our dogs!

While I love my Goldens, I would never make a statement such as I couldn't care less if mutts ceased to exist, I would take my purebred over it anyday. Those words are bitter and hurtful and not words that should be written to inflame others. Besides that is not how I feel at all. I LOVE ALL DOGS!

It would be convienent for the tables to be turned here and have it that the purebred dog owners are attacking the mixed breed owners but I reread the posts and do not see anywhere where that was done. Personally I think this post has gone on long enough and I will not add anymore to it. I just hope we can all move past this to realize we all have a stake in making the world a better place for all dogs to live!

[Slave of 15 Dogs]

Well, as I said before...I'm not quite sure why there has to be such dissention in the ranks. The intent here is to post about our dogs, whether they be pure breeds from a breeder, or a pure breed from a shelter, or a mutt from a farm, or a mutt from a shelter, it really doesn't matter as long as they are loved and well taken care of.

Power Lounger, I think your question was a legitimate one, and I have had the same question, and I think that it has been answered here. I don't think that the intent was to make people take sides on the issue, simply to get an answer to a question. Another reason that I choose to get my dogs from a shelter is the cost involved. I'm not willing to pay the money for a pure breed from a breeder...shoot I do that for everything...I'm a bargain shopper!! lol The most we have spent on a dog is 100 dollars and that was for Max, and some of them have been "free." Sox, Tigger, George, Billy, Dudley, Daisy, and Jessie have all come to us at no cost.

While I understand that some people get their dogs from breeders for temperment, I'm unclear how it is guarenteed that they will be of good temperment, Candy, could you explain that to me? I've never figured that out. Is temperment genetic?? That would be another interesting idea if it is...if temperment is genetic in dogs, could it be genetic in humans?? I would think it would since every living thing on earth has the same basic DNA. HMMMMM....I just came up with a good Science Fair project!!! Yep, that's me, forever the teacher brain!!! lol

Anyway, Candy, or any other breeders out there, could you explain it to me?? I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks

Ok, now back to what I started to say before I started blithering...I think that because Pet Talk was founded on the principle that we share stories about our PETS, that we should just agree to disagree on some points and move on! It seems to me that each "side" is trying to convince the other, and that's not what it's about.

I'm done now, I've said my peace and I feel better now...thanks for listening to me babble.

[Pam]

Candy, I think you hit the nail on the head to explain why this thread went the way it did. It was this quote from Power Lounger....

I couldn't care less if purebreds ceased to exist, I would take a mutt any day over it.

This is not the type of thing we are accustomed to reading here at Pet Talk. We are a loving community and welcome all pet lovers to join us in raving about our pets, no matter what type they are. I really think this thread has outlived its usefulness!

[pupper-lover]

Since you all are still talking, I guess I cannot retire from this thread yet, as Saversmont and I were the ones being "attacked" from the beginning.

Originally posted by Slave of 15 Dogs
Power Lounger, I think your question was a legitimate one, and I have had the same question, and I think that it has been answered here.

I agree that the question was a valid one. Powerlounger's response to the question, whether intended to be harsh and hurtful or not, was very offending to those of us who have or have had purebreed animals. When someone flat out tells me they wish my dog didn't exist and I am responsible for all the poor creatures on death row, I get mad, as we all would.

This argument escalated, not because a question was asked, but because, the original posts to the question, including mine were ignored for their good intentions and answered with cruel words.

We have answered the question of why people go to a breeder to get purebreeds and why people rescue. We all have to live with our pets, and we must do what is best for ourselves and our family. Some people find their perfect furry mate at a shelter, some find it at the breeder. I found mine both places. There is nothing wrong with providing a loving home for an animal. It's bloodline does not determine it's worth. We all know that.

Let's take all of the frustration and information, we have built up on this thread, and use it to make animals lives a bit better. We are responsible pet owners. We love our pets and give them the chance to appreciate wonderful lives. They do the same, if not more, for us.

[Power Lounger]

So, let me understand, I cannot have that opinion that I, personally, couldn't care less if purebreds ceased to exist, I didn't say DOGS, I said purebreds. I've read threads here that out & out said they won't go to the shelter because they're not sure of the temperament, health, etc. of a dog.

Because one will go to a breeder, that dog at the shelter will CEASE TO EXIST. That's a fact. Now, some look at that as an attack on them personally. Too bad.

I am merely pointing out to you there are perfectly good dogs at shelters & rescues, why not check that out. You don't want to, that's your choice.

But I'm done here. Clearly, I'm a horrible person & shouldn't have come to a dog forum to ask this question.

[Dixieland Dancer]

Originally posted by Slave of 15 Dogs

While I understand that some people get their dogs from breeders for temperment, I'm unclear how it is guarenteed that they will be of good temperment, Candy, could you explain that to me? I've never figured that out. Is temperment genetic??

I will try to answer. Yes, I do believe that temperment is genetic. I also believe that it can be influenced by environment to a degree so both genetics and environment play a part in the outcome of the temperment. For that reason you can not guarentee the temperment 100%.

When the puppies are 49 days old they are temperment tested to a strict set of guidelines established by the Golden Retriever Club of America to determine strengths and weaknesses in temperment.

Case in point is the one dog in the same litter as Dusty that I recently was informed was aggressive. There is not another dog in the litter that is aggessive and his temperment test at 49 days did not show any of these traits either. But his environment has influenced him to become food aggressive since he was not getting enough to eat and then was teased by the children in the family. He is in a new home now and doing well.

A responsible breeder trying to better the breed will investigate the line of the potential mate for health, temperment and conformation. The goal is to attempt to breed as close to or better than the standard. Knowing my girls faults to the standard and her strong points, I attempted to find a male that could compliment her strong points and enhance her weak points but not add any traits that would create weakness in the offspring.

Bottom line....Temperment, health and conformation can not be guarenteed 100% but the breeder can attempt to come as close to 100% as possible through selective and careful mating.

[Kfamr]

Originally posted by mary_jsn

Fourth, I know mutt dogs are harder to train and unfortunately I don't have enough pacience.

Simba has to be the most patient, trained, SMARTEST, and easiest to train dog I've EVER known..... I'm surprised HE has the patients to put up with ME!!!:P





I LOVE pure breed dogs. I think people want them for their beauty and for the chance they might be better then thoose mutts at the shelter.... I used to walk a pure bred chocolate lab... I tell you he was living HELL. I loved him to death though..a real cyte lil (or should a say big) boy. I used to work with trying to train him and stuff....

Anyways... I myself would never go to a breeder for a dog. I find mutts or shelter dogs much more unique and well behaved.

THIS POST WAS NOT MEANING TO OFFEND ANYONE, IF IT DID, I APOLOGIZE.

[pupper-lover]

Originally posted by Power Lounger
So, let me understand, I cannot have that opinion that I, personally, couldn't care less if purebreds ceased to exist, I didn't say DOGS, I said purebreds. I've read threads here that out & out said they won't go to the shelter because they're not sure of the temperament, health, etc. of a dog.

Because one will go to a breeder, that dog at the shelter will CEASE TO EXIST. That's a fact. Now, some look at that as an attack on them personally. Too bad.

I am merely pointing out to you there are perfectly good dogs at shelters & rescues, why not check that out. You don't want to, that's your choice.

But I'm done here. Clearly, I'm a horrible person & shouldn't have come to a dog forum to ask this question.

No one called anyone a horrible person.

Everyone knows there are tons of dogs that need homes or they will die. I am not going to pack my apartment with animals, that I don't want and can't handle. It is wrong for someone to get a pet they either don't want or cannot handle, whether it's purebred or mutt. One of the major reasons there are so many animals in shelters, is because people dispose of pets they were not prepared for. A pet is a lifelong commitment. Not a decision based on pity. We must make a decision based on what is right for us. I love animals. I have saved lives, but I am not capable of saving every pet out there. I will do what is right for me, my family, and my dogs.

Those who think shelter animals are dirty disgusting creatures are as wrong and hurtful, as saying you would like it if purebred's ceased to exist. Pet Talk is open to all people who love to talk about animals. We all have different opinions, we are entitled to have these opinions, and welcomed to share these opinions. However, if one cannot share opinions in a way that is not derogitory to other people on this site, than that person is not upholding the wonderful values that makes this site such a great place to visit. Saying you could care less, if you hurt our feelings, degrade our choices, and insult our loved ones is completely against what we stand for as productive members of society. Respect for each other is essential.

[Presley]

Puppylover this topic has attacked many people and it has for a long time.. Like i said it is really hard for someone to come and want to post when they see the jabs towards a pure bred dog. I don't understand why people need to do that. It would be like me coming on and making jabs at anyone who has a mixed breed. I am sure some of you would feel the same way we are feeling when we see the comments that are made about pure breds.. We all got our animals and we all love them and are taking care of them the best we know how pure bred or not. And i think it is a pretty sad thing to be fighting about. I for one am sick of the whole topic and I wish these jabs on this thread or any other threat wouldn't take place.. No breed is better then another just like mixes are no better or worse then a mixed or pure bred.. Also just like no one person is better then another.
can we all just drop it please.

[pupper-lover]

Originally posted by Presley
Puppylover this topic has attacked many people and it has for a long time.. Like i said it is really hard for someone to come and want to post when they see the jabs towards a pure bred dog. I don't understand why people need to do that. It would be like me coming on and making jabs at anyone who has a mixed breed. I am sure some of you would feel the same way we are feeling when we see the comments that are made about pure breds.. We all got our animals and we all love them and are taking care of them the best we know how pure bred or not. And i think it is a pretty sad thing to be fighting about. I for one am sick of the whole topic and I wish these jabs on this thread or any other threat wouldn't take place.. No breed is better then another just like mixes are no better or worse then a mixed or pure bred.. Also just like no one person is better then another.
can we all just drop it please.

I completely agree with you.

[Karen]

Okay, I'm closing this thread now. We've gone over the same points over and over.

Let us agree:

Dogs are great.

We love dogs.

We love pets.

We love all animals, and we try hard to see that, from this point forward, any and all animals we can help are treated with love and respect.

We agree to disagree about somethings, but still be respectful of eacxh other's opinions.

Anybody who wants to disagree with this, Private Message me. Or email me - [email protected].

So be it, amen and amen.

Karen