One of the strangest things I've ever heard

[Ginger's Mom]

I, too, was thinking that she misinterpreted what was said. What may have been said is something to the effect of, mixed breeds don't suffer from the effects of over-breeding that are common in many dog store or local breeders (euphenism for backyard breeders) dogs. And Alicea, there are many non-breed specific rescues in this area, and I don't think they were promoting the breeding of mixed breeds but just the encouraging people to not overlook a dog simply because it is not a pure bred.

[sasvermont]

Breeding often keeps the good and bad genes within the same few pools. Thus, mixed breeds mixes up the pools, having a less concentrated set of genes for each pup. Whatever that means. It is the same theory behind not marrying your cousin (first or second generation)...... Hey, I think you can marry your second cousin? Beats me.

Anywho, I think I am correct on this one....but could be wrong, as always!

[lizbud]

I know you can never expect any dog to "get only the good genes"
from a breeding. It is true that mixed breed dogs generally are healthier
and tend to outlive most purebreed dogs.

[chocolatepuppy]

Anyway, my co-worker said this morning that the woman in this rescue group told her that actually mutts make better dogs because they get only *the good genes* from the dogs in their ancestry. They have no faulty genes (i.e., that lead to health problems since only the good genes are passed along).

I've heard that before. My RB Mandy had SAS, a genetic disease common to Newfies and Goldens. Lacey has had ACL surgery done on both back knees, common to certain breeds. So they won't sell me on that story.

a little research...

Subvalvular aortic stenosis, also referred to as subaortic stenosis or SAS, is a common heart defect in dogs, especially Newfoundlands, Golden retrievers, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds.

certain breeds of dogs are more susceptible than others to developing a ruptured cruciate ligament. Most commonly, these breeds include the rottweiler and cocker spaniel. The Labrador retriever, German shepherd, mastiff, golden retriever, miniature and toy poodle, Lhasa apso, and bichon frise are likely to suffer from the problem as well.

[Pam]

a little research...

We did talk about dog breeds and common faults in some particular breeds. The main thing that boggled my mind was her thinking that the bad genes just sort of *went away* when there was a mixed breeding and only the good genes survived. What a great thing that would be for the human race too if it was true! LOL!

[Pam]

I, too, was thinking that she misinterpreted what was said. What may have been said is something to the effect of, mixed breeds don't suffer from the effects of over-breeding that are common in many dog store or local breeders (euphenism for backyard breeders) dogs. And Alicea, there are many non-breed specific rescues in this area, and I don't think they were promoting the breeding of mixed breeds but just the encouraging people to not overlook a dog simply because it is not a pure bred.

Joyce, I am thinking that you are probably on the right track here and I did discuss BYB breeders with her and she had never heard of such a thing. She was familiar with puppy mills though. As I said before, this whole idea of adopting a dog is fairly new to her and her daughter so she probably misunderstood and the woman was probably saying just what you said. I am glad she is rescuing. I, and my other dog-loving co-workers, will try our hardest to provide encouragement to her should she wind up with a dog. We have already been encouraging her to go with crate training rather than just locking the dog up in the kitchen. My SIL years ago locked up her GSD puppy in the kitchen and she chewed all of the corners of her kitchen cabinets! I gave this as an example why confining a dog to a kitchen often does not work. This girl also works full-time so the housebreaking process would be a slower one. I hope she can find one who is already housebroken. I just don't want her to give up on this dog because of ignorance on her part. I know it is silly, but I am worrying about this dog even before she has it.