Quote Originally Posted by Jer View Post
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.
Jer, I'm not trying to throw gas on the fire here but your argument is fundamentally flawed. You use the example of millions of dogs that need homes as a reason that anyone that wants a dog should get a shelter animal. Ok, if everyone did that, and there were no more breeders very soon there would be no more domesticated dogs. Why you may ask? Shelter dogs are all neutered or spayed. That by definition negates your argument that cross breeding makes a stronger dog, since these dogs cannot be bred. I have had rescue dogs in the past that were good dogs, but all of them had issues we had to work around. As a side I have been training obedience and schutzhund for 25 years. I have bred dogs, mostly GSDs and Rottweilers and was very selective in my lines and the families I placed my pups in. Shelter dogs can be great animals, purebreds can be great animals, but what you get is directly related to the work you are willing to put in. Giving a loving home to a shelter animal in inherently no more noble than giving a loving home to a purebred puppy or dog. This is an obviously emotional issue for you, but you cannot vilify those who choose a different, ethical option.