|
Pull up a chair and
sit a while!
This page is intended to help
educate and inform people that are thinking of purchasing a puppy or
older dog. The advice here is inclusive of all dogs, purebred or mixed
regardless of age. Purchasing a dog or puppy on impulse can lead to
frustration for buyers. The fact is if all buyers educated themselves
before buying a new dog or puppy there would be no need for dog
shelters. The countless numbers of dogs and puppies would not be
destroyed as they are now. Dogs found in dog pounds or dog shelters are
the result of irresponsible breeding practices, impulse buying and dog
owners neglecting to educate themselves before purchasing a puppy. I
hope the contents of this page help you make a wise decision when
purchasing your next puppy or dog.
A RESPONSIBLE
BREEDER:
A responsible breeder
breeds one or two breeds of dogs. A responsible breeder continues to
supply the puppy buyer with help and advice after the sale of the puppy.
They sell purebred dogs with proof of lineage and guarantee the good
health of their puppies. Puppies are bred for soundness of health and
mind. Puppies are born inside the home as well as raised inside the
home, handled from birth and socialized as much as possible before being
sold to a new family. Knowledge of that breed and any genetic problems
that can occur in the breed is supplied to all puppy buyers before they
purchase a pup. If a problem with a very home-able puppy arises, prices
are adjusted to compensate the buyer. Responsible breeders do not over
inflate the asking price of a puppy. They do not sell puppies before the
age of 8 weeks, nor do they sell puppies to pet stores or dog brokers.
Their dogs live in the house with them as members of their family. They
do not have large numbers of litters every year. They screen prospective
buyers and turn down those they do not believe have the puppies best
interest at heart. Most responsible breeders have at some time been
involved in the sport of dogs whether it is in dog shows, dog obedience,
agility as well as many other dog related activities. They are extremely
educated in their breed of dog and usually are very knowledgeable about
dog health. They usually do not advertise in news papers to sell their
dogs as they can sell the dogs on word of mouth, breeders lists,
reputation or responsible dog magazines. Responsible breeders will not
breed a dog of poor conformation, or genetic health . Purebred papers
are not an indication of quality. A responsible breeder NEVER
intentionally breeds two purebred dogs (of differing breeds) together
for the purpose of selling puppies.
DESIGNER DOGS:
"Designer Dogs"
is the phrase given to the newest fad in selling dogs to
an oh- so- naive public that seems always eager to make poor decisions at
the expense of our beloved canines. Designer dogs are the offspring of two
purebred dogs of different descent (breeds). The fact is, they are also
known as mutts, mixed breeds, the same dogs you can find at the pound for
about 50 dollars. There is nothing wrong with a mixed breed dog. I own one
of my own.
The pure bred
dogs used to produce these "designer dog litters" are for
the most part poor examples of the breed they represent. By
"poor" examples I am not trying to lessen the importance of
all dogs, including the unfortunate dogs that have no
control over the poor choices their human owner's make. I
will explain by saying dogs bred to conform to the AKC standard for the breed are bred for good conformation (less hereditary
joint and skeletal problems), and sound temperaments which are part
hereditary and part nurturing given to them by the breeder (less likely to
become aggressive and have temperament issues). Dogs nurtured and handled
by a caring breeders are also more likely to have more stable
temperaments. Of course it is equally important for the new owners to
continue on the positive road to a well rounded, even tempered dog.
In my opinion, a quality breeder would not sell their dogs with no care as
to what the buyers intent is for their new puppy, let alone allow it to be
used in supplying a market for mixed breed dogs. Buyers of Designer dogs
are more likely to have dogs with health and temperament issues. Some
breeds that are being used for these mixes are Labrador Retrievers and
Poodles, (Labradoodle), Beagles and Pugs, (Puggles). Some Designer Dog
breeders are attempting to convince buyers they are breeding dogs for
positive reasons. Take the so called "Labradoodle". They claim the coat on
the Labradoodle is totally hyper allergenic. This is far from the truth. A
Labrador's coat is meant to be water proof (through special oil glands)
and dense with the undercoat serving a very important roll in keeping a
lab warm and dry after swimming in water. A Poodle's coat was meant to
protect it from harm from brush and weeds. When combining these two
breeds, neither coat type of the purebred dogs are carried over to their
offspring. In other words the coats are useless for their intended
purpose. And there is no way one can guarantee the coats to be hyper
allergenic as when two purebreds are mixed there is no true way of
foreseeing which trait will be dominant or from which parent. I see so
many people that have purchased the mix of Cocker Spaniel and Poodle,
(called Cockapoo) that at times resemble some sort of in between with it's
own fluffed up coat. And just as many times they look more like a purebred
poodle or purebred Cocker Spaniel. Since this is just a mixture of two
purebred dogs there is NO WAY to know which physical or personality traits
will be more noticeable in the offspring of these dogs.
Now for the "Puggles". Bad knees, popping knee caps or "luxated patellas
are one of the genetic problems common in Pugs. I happen to have a rescue
Pug with two bad knees. Since the Designer Dog breeder is usually limited
to buying Pugs from backyard breeders to use for breeding, the chances of
these genetically unsound breeding stock of passing knee problems onto
their offspring is greatly magnified. Most dogs bred as Designer Dogs have
similar problems regardless of the breeds being used to make these mixes.
People buying "Designer Dogs" are running a much higher risk of buying
puppies with health and temperament issues. If you want a mixed breed of
dog, save yourself a large amount of money and go to a dog shelter or the
dog pound for your puppy. Save a mixed breed that is truly in need. The
longer people continue to be sucked into the "designer dog" fad, the more
mixed breed dogs will end up dumped in dog pounds or shelters. I welcome
any comments or questions you have on this subject.
PURE BRED OR
MIXED BREED:
So you have decided its time to get a new puppy or older dog. Now for the
big decision. Do you go to a shelter or pound and purchase a mixed breed
or do you decide on a purebred dog as the new addition to your family? If
you are like me there is no question about it. I'm a Beagle lover and will
always have Beagles. I will add to that comment the fact that I have
rescued about ten dogs in the last 12 yrs. Three of those rescues have
been pure bred Beagles. Three of the rescues have been mix breeds. I still
own five of them.
The Purebred Dog
A pure bred dog is the offspring of two dogs of the same breed. A mixed
breed dog is offspring of parents of two or more breeds of dogs. If you
visit a shelter to look for a dog do not be surprised if you hear comments
from shelter workers that look negatively on purebred dogs. After all,
they see the worst of it all and work hard to find homes for their shelter
dogs. Rarely do you see dogs bred well from responsible breeders at
shelters. You may see pure bred dogs as many shelters and pounds do get
pure bred dogs often, but for the most part these dogs were bred by
irresponsible breeders and sold to anyone they could talk into purchasing
the dog or puppy.
If you do your homework and research and decide to purchase a pure bred
dog from a responsible breeder you will purchase a animal bred to a
standard. You can expect that dog to look a certain way, have a specific
type of coat, grow to an expected size and you can even look forward to a
certain type of temperament. When I have a litter I know the size, genetic
health and temperament of my puppies. It is almost like ordering a
specific puppy. A good breeder can do that. Now.. as far as good,
responsible breeders that is another story. Buyers need to be as careful
in choosing a breeder as they are in deciding whether or not to buy a
purebred dog. The long term quality of your purebred dog starts with
choosing a breeder who is dedicated to the breed they have and do the best
they can to choose a loving home for that puppy for it's life.
Please go to the American Kennel Club's website to learn about pure bred
dogs and the particular breed or breeds of dogs you are considering adding
to your family. You can also find much information from a magazine that is
released once a year but available to purchase all year long. I believe it
is put out by Dog Fancy. The name of the magazine is DogsUSA. You can find
it in most large pet stores and large magazine stands everywhere. It has a
breeders directory but buyers must still screen breeders. Go to a dog
show! Its the best place to see the breeds as they should actually look.
It may be the only place you have a chance to see purebred dogs bred to
the standard the American Kennel Club passed. You can find locations for
dog shows at
www.infodog.com
The mixed breed dog.
A mixed breed dog has parents of differing breeds. This can be just two
breeds or you may get the true heinz 57 with several breeds in it.
Regardless of how many breeds of dogs a mixed breed has in its background,
it still shows certain purebred characteristics. Every purebred in a mixed
breed dog's background has something to do with how that dog looks and
acts. If you adopt a very young mix breed dog you can only guess at the
final size and appearance of that puppy. Adopting an older mix breed will
give you a better idea of how the dog will turn out. Many times older mix
breed dogs available in shelters have issues that must be dealt with by
the adopting family. But, the family choosing to adopt this type of dog is
a family with compassion for dogs and are indeed special people. I would
like to say something about those who think mixed breed dogs are always
more healthy than purebred dogs. NOT TRUE! I have seen countless mix breed
dogs with the same health issues I see in purebred dogs. As far as I know,
statistics are usually not kept on mixed breed health issues as they seem
to be for purebred dogs. I have owned both in my lifetime.
Mix breed dogs tend to be the offspring of dogs bred by
backyard breeders. Backyard breeders many times are not
educated at all about breeding. The fact is they do not care
to become educated about breeding. Their goal is to sell
puppies for a profit as quickly as they can. Most genetic
problems in purebred dogs are passed along by dogs bred by
back yard breeders. They do not screen for genetic problems.
Many times they breed dogs regardless of problems that are
very evident in the dogs they use to produce litters.
Backyard breeders for the most part sell the dogs that have
unwanted litters that end up as the mix breeds you find in
shelters and pounds. They do not screen buyers or use spay
neuter contracts. I see many mix breed dogs in classes with
behavior problems that stem from a not so great beginning in
life. These puppies are often separated much too soon from
their mothers and siblings. This can lead to behavior issues
as well as health issues later on in life.
If you do decide to adopt a mix breed make a commitment to
that dog and working with the dog until you have the type of
pet you enjoy as member of your family. Most shelters do
their best to place their dogs with a good match in pet
parents and take the dogs back if for some reason it does
not work out. I have also seen countless mix breed dogs with
wonderful temperaments that trained very easily. The mix
breeds I have adopted, rescued and placed have all for the
most part been very trainable with great affectionate
temperaments. I wish every family would rescue and adopt at
least one dog in their lifetime. It can be a very rewarding
experience and guarantees a family at least a bunch of
canine kisses!
Pet Store Dogs
I urge everyone that may enter a pet store with dogs for sale to not
visit such an establishment. Pet stores that supply dogs buy very young
puppies both purebred and now Designer Dog mixes to appeal to the general
public. Most of the time these puppies are ill with compromised immune
systems. They usually change hands two to three times (through dog
brokers) before arriving at a pet store at the very young age of 7 or 8
weeks. They usually are taken from their mother and siblings at 5 weeks of
age.
People
fall into the frame of mind that these puppies need to be
saved. In fact, when you purchase a puppy from a pet store,
you are in part responsible for the continued suffering of
the mother of that puppy. The studs kept to sire these
litters also have an isolated, lonely life. As long as there
is a demand for puppies in pet stores the abuse and neglect
and constant breeding of those poor dogs will continue. Most
adult dogs used to supply puppies for pet stores never leave
a small cage. They never get held and cuddled by a loving
human owner. Many times they are bred while ill. They live a
truly horrible, lonely life. You may be able to convince
yourself that you saved a puppy by purchasing it, but when
you look into that puppy's eyes, try to see the suffering
behind those eyes of it's mother as well as the countless
others doomed to be used for commercial breeding practices. Please read about PAWS or "Pet
Animal Welfare Statute" of 2005. Click
HERE
to see an example of a puppy mill.
Internet Puppy/Dog
Sales
The newest threat to the welfare of dogs and puppies is, believe it or
not, internet dog and puppy sales. As a breeder with a website I have been
approached (via e-mail) by internet companies promising huge puppy sales
for me if I advertise on their sites. They appeal largely to breeders and
brokers who's intent is to sell very large quantities of puppies over the
internet. Although I do advertise on a few websites, I try to pick and
choose the sites carefully. Many people are buying puppies from
irresponsible breeders for resale over the internet. The mere fact that
someone has a web site does not translate into a responsible breeder or
even someone who should own a dog let alone be breeding them. These people
are only interested in the profits from selling these unfortunate puppies
and not at all concerned for the puppies welfare or where they end up in
the end. I just received an email yesterday from a new site advertising
the grand opening of "The Dog Internet Fairgrounds". This will be a site
where huge quantities of dogs can be sold as well as dog supplies. I have
absolutely no problem with selling products like this, but the large
amount of puppies that can be sold on sites like this does alarm me. There
are many sites like this on the internet. Some are genuine and try to weed
out the large volume breeders. There are also sites that shelters and
rescue organizations have on the internet to help adopt the animals they
have in need of new homes. These sites are wonderful (ex. Petfinder.com)
and promote the adoption of dogs. Be very careful when shopping for dogs
or puppies on the internet. It is up to the buyer to become educated.
Learn the difference between a private, hobby breeder and a large volume
breeder or dog broker as well as how to tell if a backyard or
inexperienced breeder is advertising puppies on web sites you are viewing..
Again learn about PAWS. Be patient and be aware!
The end is
near!
I hope this has been of some education and help to you. It is a large
amount of information to take in so please visit as many times as
needed. My intent was not to frighten anyone out of purchasing a dog or
puppy but to inform and educate you instead. If everyone took time to
think before purchasing or even breeding their dogs, there would be no
need for shelters and rescue organizations. This may be a bit
unrealistic, but I do believe we can greatly lessen the large number of
shelters needed as well as the number of dogs euthanized every year in
dog pounds. I believe in purebred dogs and I always will. Of course the
Dachshund will always be at the top of the list for me! Our dogs give us
loyalty and devotion, teach us compassion and patience. The least we can
do for them is take the time needed to
help
insure they have the best life possible.
Thank you for taking the time
to read all of this! The information and content on this page is courtesy
of Theresa and cannot be copied or used with out
exclusive permission.
This link to the
OFA
website
shows a list by breed rankings of HIP DYSPLASIA
http://www.offa.org/hipstatbreed.html
Did you know that 61 percent of all PUGS screened had
dysplastic hips?? While 20 percent of Golden Retrievers and 12 percent
of all Labrador Retrievers screened were positive for hip dysplasia?
Keep in mind as a rule people believe that large breed
dogs have problems with hip dysplasia. This is true to an extent. But,
some small breeds of dogs are affected by this disease to the point of
it being a very real problem in the breed. (ex PUGS). Feel free to
contact me if you have questions about understanding the stats and
ranking of breeds by the OFA and how this affects the breed you are
interested in purchasing.
****Purchasing puppies and dogs from
backyard breeders and pet stores increases the chances of that puppy or
dog having hip dysplasia
or another type of genetic disease.
Check this informative link out:
IVDD
|
