The search For a new Dog

[Jer]

Not all dogs that are bred are bred poorly with genetic defects. In fact some are bred so well, they have no health problems at all like my GSD. Some dogs are bred for very specific reasons namely working dogs such as herding or hunting dogs. These dogs have very specific jobs that have two parts. First, they are instinctive. My GSD scored extremely high on instinctive herding skills when she was young before training. The second part is training that needs to take place early in their puppy years. My GSD will follow any command from her handler (me), but she will work on her own as well, and I have no problem with her watching my kids on my property; the main reason I have her. My sister and brother-in-law used an Australian Blue Shepherd on their ranch for a specific reason. Not all dogs can do all jobs; and some can't do anything but be a cuddle pet. My GSD would make a horrible hunting dog. So, to say it is not responsible for people to want to bred these working dogs for specific reasons is kinda unreasonable. Now, people that breed dogs poorly piss me off as well. If you are going to do it, do it right. Now, if a family is just looking for a house pet to love on, there are plenty of those at the shelter.

Try reading what I said carefully. Slow down if you need to because there's a VERY important word in there that you seem to have missed. Here, I'll even make the important word bold so you can't miss it.

The difference between the two is WHERE the dogs come from. One helps perpetuate the cycle & one helps end the problem. Keeping breeds 'pure' while perpetuating genetic diseases is stupid. I can't have a conversation with someone this unreasonable.

In other words, there are breeders that will perpetuate the lines regardless of genetic defect that exists. In that statement that is clearly who I'm am taking exception with and it's not a blanket statement to all breeders. Now, just because they breed healthy dogs doesn't mean this world needs more dogs when there are millions that are already here that are w/o homes. On top of that, you can tell me about solid genetics all you want but the scientific fact remains that mutts have stronger genetics and are prone to fewer genetic anomalies. When you cross breed you get a healthier dog that lives longer and when this happens over generations you end up with a stronger species. There's a lot of reasons to not condone breeding dogs but don't take my word for it. Go to a dog shelter and see how many dogs need homes.