Something that has been on my mind lately are the AKC Breed Registration statistics just released a few days ago. In case you haven't seen it, take a look. AKC Breed Statistics. I don't know, but that list always bothers me. I'd love to look at it and think of all the happy, well-adjusted dogs of those "top 10" breeds that I've encountered, but unfortunately that doesn't happen. What does come to mind is all the behavioral issues I've encountered in dogs of those breeds, all the medical issues surrounding many of those breeds, all the rescues and re-homed dogs I've encountered in those breeds, and sadly, all the dogs of those breeds that, upon meeting, I know are on borrowed time and have not found a forever home.
Now sure, one could say of course you're going to see more problems in those breeds because, well, there are more of those breeds. Simple math. But even if I focus solely on percentages, it doesn't look any better. Let's take the venerable favorite, the Labrador Retriever. Now, don't get me wrong, I do know some really, really, really GREAT Labs. There are a few that stand out in my mind as not only being great Labs, but they are literally some of the best dogs I know out of all breeds. However, the reason these particular dogs do stand out so much is because they are rare. For every awesome Lab I know, I encounter three or four times as many that are "problem" or difficult dogs, dogs that are destined to a life "in the backyard" or will be jockeyed from home to home to home, shelter, to shelter to shelter. The sad thing is, most of them wouldn't be difficult in the right home, but that's the thing. When a breed's popularity goes up, so does the indiscriminate breeding, the doubling up on both genetic and behavioral problems, and the misconceptions and mismatches of dogs to homes. Remember, I know this first hand. I'm the one with the great Dalmatian.
So, along with those statistics I just wish the AKC (ha, ha, ha) or someone would also publish the corresponding shelter and rescue statistics of those popular breeds. Perhaps that would help some prospective owners dig a little deeper beyond the popularity of the breed when trying to find a dog that matches their lifestyle. But most importantly, maybe, just maybe that would make some of these breeders think twice before adding more to either side. Ya think?
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44 comments:
I agree with you Laurie.
A few years ago, our flyball team did a demo for one of the Lab Rescue groups. I was shocked at the number of people/dogs who showed up to watch. I didn't realize just how many labs had been Rescued that now had new owners. I think over 100 people came to this reunion.
While the breeders have the first responsibility to "properly" home their puppies, it's truely up to the owners to understand responsible dog ownership.
Not to pick on Labs, but since you brought them up Laurie..., I know several who have absolutely NO manners. The owner's reasoning is "he's a Lab, and that's just how they are".
Since I teach basic agility, I see a few Border Collies come through our classes. Most of the owners have NO idea what BC's are like and don't know what to expect. I think some people believe the dogs are suppose to be so smart, that they don't need training.
People really need to research the breed before they go out and get a dog.
I too would really love to see statistics from rescue groups and humane societies - along with the "real" reason the dogs were given up.
LOL. Ah yes, the AKC and all of it's wonderful breeders. I myself have only had shelter dogs *and yes I made out quite well with Phoenix I know* and Labs are a great example of overexposure of a breed to the public. I love that Sandy brought up the border collies because it's true.
The Dals saw it after "101 Dalmatians" and the Borders saw it after "Babe". And I too agree with you Laurie. I can think of quite a few breeds that we see on a regular basis that I just have to shake my head at.
I wish we lived in a world where every breeder was willing to place their litters in the right homes rather than just selling to whomever. Not only does it pose a danger to the family but to the dog as well. We've all met shelter dogs that are sweet and it makes me sick to see signs that read "Great family dog, too hyper" on a run for a Husky or BC.
If there was a way to carry out a screening process like the rescue groups do, I would back it 100%
Wow Sandy. That's a lot of rescued Labs. Just think of the number that never get rescued. :( It's probably double or triple. I no longer breed dogs, but I'll admit I used to. Granted, the only dogs I bred, Irish Terriers, weren't and never will be a popular breed. In fact, most of my puppies either went to show homes or homes of people of Irish descent who had one as a child back in Ireland, so I had it fairly easy. Jackie, I did everything in my power to place my puppies in good homes, but even still, it's always a crap shoot. No matter what "contracts" you have with a puppy buyer, truly, you are powerless in regards to what they can and will do with that dog once he leaves your home. I've known many excellent breeders who discover dogs they've bred dumped in shelters or in rescue, despite explicit dog return clauses in their contracts.
So, again, using Labs as an example, and I may get some flack for saying this, but blogs are supposed to be controversial and about hot topics, right? ;) I just can't reconcile putting more Labs out there. I don't care how well they are bred, how far back they are OFA'd excellent, or how many champions are in the pedigree. There are just too many. Period. And let's be honest, how many pet families in this day and age, with both parents working, gone for 10-12 hours out of the day, and kids involved in all kinds of activities, do you know who really are well suited for the time, training, and exercise required for a Lab? I don't know many.
And sadly I feel that all of the over populating of uneducated dog owners ties into the spay and neuter issue.
I just have to chuckle everytime you bring up labs because there are two that stick out like sore thumbs in my mind lol
Okay, I don't want it to look like we're picking on Labs. Again, I'll defer back to Dalmatians. Dalmatians were #11 in 1995. The Dalmatian Club of America actually responded by, believe it or not, telling people NOT to get a Dalmatian! Yep, they actually dissed their own breed, a breed they loved. Many breeders stopped breeding them altogether and it actually became hard to find a Dalmatian puppy. It's still not that easy, and I'm glad. Popularity can be the kiss of death for a breed.
And then there's the whole issue of folks who are buying these golden doodles or labradoodles or whatever, thinking they are getting such terrific dogs. I've run into more than a couple of them that are themselves kind of the worst of both breeds somehow. Poodles are intelligent great dogs most of the time, but certainly Standards can be a handful and when you mix in the retriever--oh my gosh I can't believe how hyper and difficult some of these dogs can be. (I'm sure there are some great ones, but I don't happen to have met them).
I tried to post earlier but it not go thru, so if there end up being two please forgive me...
I swear I will never own another Lab, my husband disagrees but when he stays home with the dog he can get another one (see my Lab story in the intro subject). As for now I'll stick with my Aussie. I'm glad to see you can't buy an Aussie in the paper. And I do discourage others from buying them. If I were to breed Aussies (which I won't) there are quite a few friends I would not sell to.
I agree with Sandy. Too many people do not take the time to figure out what breed is best for them. Oh that puppy is cute... down the road they want to know why the Jack Russel is digging holes in the carpet. Or why the Beagel is howling. Or why the Aussie won't stop nipping the kids.
It's hard to get people educated. I use to be one of those people.
Not to get too far off topic, but unfortunately, you can buy dogs (Aussies) off the internet. Some breeders post pictures with prices on their website and with just a few emails and a credit card you can purchase (reserve) your dog around 3 weeks of age. Now you can't get him until he's 8 weeks old, but at 3 weeks, you have no idea of his personality traits and have no idea what he might grow up to be like. I think breeders doing that should be shut down!
I'm hearing a lot about the temperaments of different breeds... what about some of the health issues?
As an example, Epilepsy is a major problem in Aussies, as are Juvenile cataracts.
My first Aussie, Bear, was sired by a dog that was known to produce epileptic puppies. It was rumored this dog even seized himself - this dog was owned by a highly respected breeder out of a major kennel, and had a very successful show career. Fortunately, Bear never suffered from epileptic seizures.
Bear's half-sister, Violet (same dam, different sire) suffers with Juvenile cataracts. Violet's sire is from a highly respected kennel, and he was a well known ... and a well-used dog.
Then there is Daisy - Daisy was diagnosed with Addison's disease over four years ago -another genetic disease. She is from the same well-known kennel as Violet's sire. Oh yea - she also suffers from hip dysplasia.
As for their temperaments -
Bear was a therapy dog - his sire was rumored to have a nasty temperament.
Violet is "sharp." - her sire was known to have a happy-go lucky" temperament.
Abbey, Bear's and Violet's dam was the most awesome Aussie I have ever met. She lived out her twilight years with us. Not only was she the closest thing I've ever seen to the perfect Aussie, from the conformation standpoint, she was the most even-tempered and intuitive dog I have ever known.
Then there is Rusty... he came from a kennel that has had a total of three litters in the past eight years - and one of those litters was an "ooops" litter. To date, he has been healthy. Rusty has a wonderful temperament, but not such great structure. Rusty's pedigree has been described to me as "old" lines up "close"... Did Rusty come from a back-yard breeder... or from a person with a genuine love for the breed who was doing her best to breed responsibly?
All of this leaves me with the following question -where does one go to find a structurally sound dog with a decent temperament of any given breed?
I really don’t know the answer.
Breeding is hard work, takes a lot of thought, and when done correctly it takes time. When there are a lot of genetic problems in a breed, personally I would steer clear of any breeder who has more than two litters in a year. When they are producing too often, how much thought is really going into it?
Brandy, please don't get me started on the doodles!! I did a little research on the Labradoodles in particular. They originated in Australia and the idea behind it was to create a shedless service dog. They thought that breeding the Lab into the Standard Poodle would produce a calmer temperament .... LOL!! Now, the English Labs do tend to be much calmer than the American version. So, in theory, it probably did make sense. In Australia you can get a Labradoodle that is 8-10 generations out, so they have produced some sort of standard. But that is not what is happening here in the U.S. People are breeding Lab A (or Golden A) with Poodle B and most of these first generation doodles are anything but calm, and anything but shedless. And please, when I hear someone refer to them as a "breed" I almost want to scream!!!
I agree w/all the comments about popular breeds. Example I have a neighbor who went to the pound and aquired a young lab because he was a lab, no thought was put into the purchase, just because they wanted a dog and labs are good family dogs.... I assumed they thought they came like that. Nobody told them that most Labs are good dogs after years of training. The dog has destroyed there backyard and nip and bites at the children when they occasionally play in the back yard. The daughter was in the front yard one afternoon with the dog and I was working w/Piper and she said why won't my dog do that? All the while her dog was sitting in the back of her truck on the tailgate with her shirt sleeve in his mouth unable to get him to let go. The dog has matured and has become a yard ornament, that barks and barks, thought does get brought into the home late at night. I think the Animal Shelter and Pounds should also shoudler some of the responsiblility for rehoming dogs into approiate homes too. All adoptive homes should be screened and should adopt a waiting period. It's still impulse. Lets face it they are just interested in placing a dog.
Sigh...
It will never be a perfect world for man or beast. Shelters should have hold periods on adoptions to stop the impulse people. But the animals wouldn't be in the shelter if there were less breedings and more education in the first place.
I think PNI does a great job at trying to educate with the seminars and classes! I tell everyone about it and when people do ask about Foster's training when we are out at a game or somewhere I try to have a card on hand.
Ummm... as long as there are people buying them, breeders will keep breeding them... (You did say something about blogs being controversial, didn't you, Laurie?)
That said, I also think there's a lot to be said for educating the owners...
Yes, breeders do have the responsibility to do the best they can to match up their puppies with prospective families... I also believe breeders have the responsibility to be available to answer any questions or concerns new owners may have. Unfortunately, this is often not the case (sigh).
I we always be grateful to Bear's breeder for being there for me when I had questions about care and training - she opened my eyes and heart to a different approach to pet ownership.
Yes, it is the law of economics and supply and demand that rules our society. But I still feel the main responsibility falls on the breeders, and I mean the true, dedicated breeders who really love their breed. Seriously, how can a Lab breeder really love the breed and willfully keep breeding them under the circumstances? Sorry, I just don't get it.
And again, I don't think this is just about Labs. Really, this could apply to any breed that is so readily available that you can pick up a newspaper any given day of the week and find puppies available. And this is especially true for breeds that have notoriously large litters. I don't care if they show their dogs or what kind of breed champions they are producing. And truly, what is the reason behind showing a dog to a breed championship anyway? While some think it is for bragging rights, that's not the case. Conformation dog shows are for showcasing dogs that are the best examples of the breed, and therefore should be bred. But let's be honest. Out of a litter of 8-10 puppies, you're lucky if you can get more than 2 or 3 to finish a championship. What happens to the rest? They are filtered into the system and could very well end up a shelter/rescue statistic. I don't care if the breeder has spay/neuter contracts on the pets they sell. There is still no guarantee that the dog will, in fact, spayed/neutered, or that the dog will be returned to them if the owners no longer want him.
Is there some way of getting to the 'future' dog owners and do early education in the schools? Some sort of assembly like they do with fire safety? For three weeks straight my kids brought home fliers and coloring books about fire safety. Then my boys had to do stuff with the Scouts to earn a 'preparedness' badge. Maybe we could do the same for 'responsible pet ownership'?
Janet that would be great. But somehow in a society with a government that still deems pets as "property," I don't see that happening. :( I think it's up to us, the dog people to do the educating.
If a prospective puppy buyer comes to me and asks if a Lab would be a good puppy for their family, I would, without hesitation, say "NO." However I would definitely encourage a family with older children to adopt a rescue Lab from a solid rescue organization that has a proper screening process. And I would say the exact same thing regarding Golden Retriever puppies and German Shepherd puppies. These are the breeds that, IMO, are in crisis right now. We need to be rescuing them, not reproducing more.
Like I said, it worked for Dalmatians. It could work for those breeds too.
That's what I meant when I suggested an assembly of some sort... WE could go in to the schools and do the education like the firemen do. I think they target K and 1st grade. Responsible Pet Ownership could be say 4th and 5th grade.
Janet, that's an idea with a lot of potential. Along those lines I had a thought a few days ago, about offering some kind of class for kids and maybe families about responsible pet ownership, to be taken before the dog is purchased to deal with issues like, is the child ready, is the family ready, does the family understand the responsibility and so on. Laurie, I'm sure you've had these thoughts before--I don't know how you get people to sign up for this stuff, but maybe alerting some of the area breeders and newspaper ads (I'm thinking classified ads here--cheep, cheep). In any event, the whole thing kind of sprang into my mind because one of the books we had at the READ program was about a little girl who used a roller skate to practice having a dog with and how it taught her a sense of responsibility.
It could be like a one shot deal or something where you could talk to the kids and the families about shots and training, and do demos of some basic stuff, and a few things that well trained dogs can do ... Some info on dog breeds and matching up breed personalities with lifestyle. You all get the picture I'm sure.
B
Those are great ideas and certainly wouldn't hurt. I see those as more of educational support for after they've already gotten their dog. In fact, I've actually tried to offer a K9 Kids Camp at PNI twice before and unfortunately got very little response.
I really think most families decide on a dog on impulse, whether they purchase from a "breeder" or a pet store. Those who do conduct some kind of research are obviously not getting accurate information. Let's face it, pick up any basic dog book and it will list Labradors and Golden Retrievers as the best family pets. So people really are only going by what the experts are telling them.
So my question is this. How do we turn around the experts and get them to be more truthful, more scrutinizing of prospective puppy buyers, or lastly, to start limiting their breeding?
There are a lot of people who would join the fight and publicly campaign to shut down any pet store that sells puppies. But how many of these people would do the same to shut down or limit breeders who have multiple plus litters each year?
I'd be willing to bet that the vast majority of Labs, Goldens and GSD's in rescue were not bought in a pet store.
Everybody has very good suggestions, but lets face it, anyone can have a child. Yes, I mean human. There are people out there how shouldn't reproduce but because than can they do, look at all the health issues in our own race, and once we find out about it, it's too late, though we do it again hoping that this time the child will be healthy. Or we have another child in hopes it will help cure the sick one. Doesn't this go along the same line. Look at the Cavalier Breed. No really look, heart issues being the main problem you are more likely to get one w/the problem developing by the time they are 3yrs, and causing early death, I met a lady w/3 of them all very sickly, bought from the same breeder (DUH). Brandy interject if I'm mistaken. I have talked to self appointed experts in the breed, and to avoid the problem they breed early like 1st heat early, then they get the "Conformation Quality" puppies before the parent becomes to ill to preform the task. Where is the responsibilty in that. IMO a quick fix breed after 3 or 4. Simple.
In Response to Laurie's question, how do we get breeders to be more responsible? Back to the Lab's how large are the litters 8-10? maybe. Ok simple answer cull half and hope the breeder gets lucky with a couple of what they are looking for. I know that harsh but what over choice do we have, there are way more dogs in the world then we have homes for. We on this blog all do our part by homing more than 2 each. But do we contribute to the problem, since most of us have pure breeds that came from responsible breeds? Buyer demand.
I agree that the main responsibility falls on the breeders – A good breeder has the responsibility to breed healthy dogs of sound genetic background. A good breeder also has the responsibility to do the best he/she can to place their pups in appropriate homes and to be available to assist the new pet owners with any questions they may have. I am just concerned that good breeders are few and far between what should be happening just isn’t happening – as a result, shelters and rescue groups are burdened with plenty of pure-bred dogs.
As for those conformation shows… yes, the purpose is to show-case the best of the breed – at least the appearance of the dog – HOWEVER – the basic genetic make-up of the dog cannot be judged – the judge has no way of knowing if the dog has heart problems, or if it has a pedigree loaded with epilepsy, or is even an epileptic dog… Nor does the judge have any real way of knowing the basic temperament of the dog being judged – there’s a reason professional handlers have taken over the show circuits. They know the tricks of the trade – from dealing with difficult dogs, to grooming “secrets” that downplay faults and accentuate the positive physical aspects of the dogs they handle. May the best groomer win! In addition – at times it is questionable which end of the leash is being judged as politics plays a large part in who wins and who doesn’t win.
I think the whole championship thing lends to the problem – people are lulled into an attitude of “quality” that just may not exist. A dog may fit the breed standard and be structurally correct, but it does not necessarily mean the dog is healthy or of sound temperament.
In addition, championships often lead to popularity – and over-breeding of male dogs in particular. Campaigning a dog is a costly endeavor – stud fees pay the bills. It’s a business.
Debbie -
About culling - you are a brave soul bringing that subject up! I don't know of any breeders that cull today (that's not to say breeders don't cull - I'm just saying I don't know about it). My understanding is that it was a common practice 15-20 years ago with Aussie breeders... that was before Aussies were accepted into the AKC registry and became so popular... which brings us back to the issue of supply and demand...
More about culling -
Breeders are not going to cull pups that have a potential sales value of several hundred dollars each... again, the law of economics.
More about culling, it was meant to preserve the standard such as off coloring, mismarked, missing declaws, or long tails. And yes I agree that breeders do sell the boo boo's for money instead of taking the resposibility of destorying the imperfection. And hence that is how more mistakes are born. I know back in the day it was done more and my guess would be that it's not anymore due to $ issues. And just let me say I don't think I could every do it.
About the perfect grooming, what about the dogs that aren't groomed to cover faults?, look at the terriers, that have repeatedly won BIS. No grooming cover ups, most of them anyway. But I would hope that if they had epilepsy, or something internal they would not breed them.
Though why show if your not going to breed. The whole think reeks. Remind me why we all do what we do. At least we don't breed and sell puppies. But I do need to make some extra money. I think I will come up with a new breed, go to a pets store or order and a male and female on line and have repeated litters. Something small, no to little grooming, hypo allergenic, smart w/o training. Any suggestions? Plus w/ AKC registration. If I can't have AKC papers, I will make a registry.
Oh sorry one more thing. Lets define a good breeder. Or should we call them caring or considerate, or one with a conscience. One who would not place a new family member w/the potential to kill, maime, or have to be put down at a very early age do to any defect.
Most people breeding dogs could care less (and possibly know very little about) the breed standard. Show breeders are definitely in the minority, particularly when it comes to popular breeds.
Let's do an experiment. Buy a Washington Post this Sunday and call 10 Lab and/or Golden and/or German Shepherd breeders who have puppies listed. I would be willing to bet that less than 3 out of the 10 actually show their dogs.
Culling-this is a concept I just don't get. A neurotic dog is such whether it is a purbred or mutt. Both would produce unsound puppies. Culling is also supposed to decrease the number of dogs put to sleep in shelters, right? Why is one death ok, but not another? Why is it seen as ok, to some, to kill a puppy, while the killing of adult dogs is not? I only ask, because this is the second place I've seen someone mention culling as a way to decrease the number of "defected" dogs and/or to decrease the overpopulation problem.
I think more accessible low cost spay and nueter places would help, because a lot of pure bred or mutt puppies are produced by those who can't afford the $300 plus vet bill, or don't know that low cost places are available.
I think offering child "classes" could be offered by going straight to school boards. I don't know where anyone lives, but I'm sure between all the pup n iron go-ers, we could cover Spotsy, Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Orange. I think you could start out with a safety course with the younger kids, KG-2nd, and then teach the responsibility aspect, like you mentioned earlier, to the 4th or 5th graders. This could help with the responsibility, safety aspects, as well as repect for the dog (since animal torture has a STRONG correlation with abuse b/w people). Also, weekend or afterschool programs that the parents could attend where information is given out as well as maybe an obedience demo given by mutts as well as purebred dogs to show the verstility of all dogs WITH the proper training. Maybe even offer help to families looking for a dog, offer to help them evaluate a puppty or older dog, and where to find the best dog for them. I'd be willing to put in the time...even talk to the school board in my area...just a thought.
About "grooming" at shows - I've witnessed an exhibitor taking a "Marks a Lot" permanent marker to the pink nose of a dog... YIKES!
I was just "surfing", like I do everyday... and came across www.alldogplayskool.com, who most people know is owned by Cindy Briggs. Long story short there were some pictures of her at a school doing an in-class info/demo. I bet she could give us some info on how to get into the schools and what type of info she covers! So this idea looks like we could get something off the ground! How exciting.
I have a "Mutt" and I purebred, and I think enough of us also have TDI dogs that we could make that a good selling point to the schools. Does TDI cover school visits with their insurance?
:)
Cindy is in Richmond, which is a very progressive city. Northern VA schools are too. On the other hand, Stafford County schools are very funny about bringing dogs in. There was even a big stink about a girl bringing in her service dog. Ridiculous. There are R.E.A.D. programs in some of the Spotsy schools, and again, all over northern VA, but not here in Stafford. It's just not something I can put on my plate nor a battle I choose to wage right now. But I wholeheartedly encourage anyone to try to set something up. You have my full support.
However, I still don't see teaching kids to be the answer to the over pet population/breeding issue. They aren't the ones breeding the dogs. It's the adults who are at the root of the problem.
But aren't the kids the future of tomorrow? It may not be immediately effective but it may help down the road.
If we're looking for instant results then I agree with Samantha about the low-cost spay/neuter program. I don't know what profit a vet makes off the spay/neuter but I'm sure they could offer a few lower cost "spots" a month. Or maybe the the SPCA could put some of their money into helping the "average Joe" with the spay/neuter cost, which could, maybe down the road, cut down their other costs.
(some may argue that if the "average Joe" can't afford a spay/neuter then they shouldn't have a dog but I think that is another argument all together)
When we lived in NM there was a group that would rescue dogs and cats and if the animal needed surgery for let's say a broken leg, they would collect money to pay for it. BUT they would not help us, the average Joe, when our rescued Lab dug out of our fence and suffered two broken legs after being hit by a car. We ended up putting the surgery on a credit card and taking about 2 years to pay it (my husbands idea, not mine!). But my husband loved that dog and so she had surgery. It would have been nice if a rescue group had helped us out. The vet did give us a break in price but it was still very pricey.
I think everything we're talking about, educating the public - both children and adults and low/cost spay and neuter would all be great things worth putting efforts toward, but I don't necessarily think any of this would impact the AKC breed registration statistics issue. Because let's face it, the people breeding these "top 10 breeds" are not doing so because they can't afford spay/neuter. Most are doing so to make money, plain and simple. They don't want to spay and neuter, they want to breed.
As far as where the responsibility lies in educating the public about specific breeds of dogs, well, again I say, it should be those who love that breed, know that breed, and want to preserve the integrity and quality of that breed who take the reigns. It should start at the top - the national breed club. I visited the Labrador Retriever Club, Inc., the national AKC Lab parent club. Nowhere could I find anything anywhere on the site discouraging the public from purchasing a Lab puppy.
In my line of work I meet a lot of well intentioned people who have purchased a "top 10 breed" puppy and literally do everything right, bring the puppy to classes, socialize him, feed good food, etc, etc, etc, and the dog is still bouncing off the walls. They put so much hope and promise into this wonderful puppy who would one day grow into the best dog they've ever had. I know of many "top 10 puppies" who need crisis intervention, must be placed on behavioral modification programs and even some put on Prozac. When I look at the families with these dogs I can't help but feel so bad for them. I'm sure this is not why they got a puppy. It's like buying the car of your dreams only for it to turn out to be a lemon.
So, I ask, what could prevent this from continuing to happen and I can only come up with two viable answers. 1) for people to stop breeding so many of these puppies, and 2) for breeders to properly screen prospective families for better lifestyle matches. We, meaning those of us who don't have these breeds, can't go into schools or anywhere else telling people not to get Labs, Goldens, German Shepherds, Boxers, etc. We'd be crucified! But, if the breeders of these "top 10 breeds" themselves were to be the ones saying it, wouldn't it I think it would carry so much more weight.
Laurie, I couldn't agree with you more... the responsibility lies with the breeders - in terms of breeding quality dogs, and in terms of finding appropriate homes for each pup, and in terms of educating the new puppy owners.
The education programs, spay/neuter programs, etc. are only band-aids. They are useful in that they help treat the problem (to a degree) but they certainly don't solve the problem.
Soooo... we have the backyard breeders, out to make a quick buck, we have the puppymills, out to make a lot of big bucks, we have the so-called "responsible" breeders showing their dogs in AKC and breeding(and breeding and breeding) for that perfect conformation dog, and we have the breeders who breed ocasionally, for the purpose of keeping one or two of the pups for themselves.
The only breeder, IMHO, who is truly breeding with temperment and working ability in mind is the breeder that breeds for himself/herself. Obviously, those litters are few and far between... Unfortunately, the average person who is out looking for a family dog probably is not going to find this type of breeder.
Another factor I feel adds to the problem - the internet. Lots of kennels to be found on the internet - it has become a wonderful advertising venue for breeders. Buyer beware!
Samantha - I'll try to answer your question about culling - "Why is one death ok, but not another? Why is it seen as ok, to some, to kill a puppy, while the killing of adult dogs is not?"
I understand your thought process concerning culling, and agree with it, for the most part.
However, there are circumstances that I feel culling is the most humane thing to do. Again, I'll use Aussies as an example - A merle-to-merle breeding that results in mis-marks (pups born w/o pigment around the eyes and ears) are pups that should probably be culled. These pups are known as "lethal whites" and will probably be blind and deaf. A blind and deaf dog will not have much of a life - the kindest thing in this case is to euthanize the pups. Now there are plenty of mis-marks that are perfectly fine - I have one - Daisy. She is neither blind or deaf - but Daisy was not the result of a merle-to-merle breeding. Her dam was a black tri.
... which brings us back to the breeders. Breeders who do merle-to merle breedings do so knowing that lethal whites are a pretty good possibility.
Wow, you all have been blogging away all weekend.
I don't think the problems are going to be solved anytime soon what with the financial issues and the information the "experts" make available to the public. I do my best to talk to people one on one whenever I have the opportunity to do so. We can make a lot of impact in our own small way if each of us tells it as we see it. If we each can educate one individual who may influence another individual and so one, at least we are doing our part.
It ain't easy, but that's what I endeavor to do. Don't know if I've managed to influence my one person yet, but I will keep plugging away.
Ouch, culling is such an ugly subject!!! Thanks so much for bringing it up Debbie!! And it definitely wouldn't be the answer in lowering the number of puppies out there. The answer is to not breed them in the first place. But, Lauren, like you, I believe in responsible breedership culling can be a necessary evil. I spent several years fostering rescue Dalmatians - many of whom were deaf. There are already too many dogs in rescue who will never be re-homed, or worse, will bounce from home to home only to be euthanized in the end. In the case of genetic problems, particularly ones that can place the dog and people at risk (deafness definitely applies), IMO, the most responsible thing to do would be to cull those puppies in the beginning rather than thrust them into an uncertain life.
Yuck, I don't even like thinking about it. :(
Low-Cost spay and neuter, is available with several different vets in the area for pets that have been adopted from the shelters. Plus there is a low cost clinic in Frederickburg, where that is all they do is spay and neuters. I think it's still the inconvience of going there or that people still can't afford it or just don't want too, especially the males. Many people get free animals and use cheap food and go to Rabies clinics but don't use hw prev, or get other vaccinations. Owning a cat or dog can be very cheap.
About puppy mills, and backyard breeders, where do they aquire these puppies in the first place? Good breeders? And about screening, you can't screen for the unforseen or what people say through an online buyer form. I have seen Beaucerons through a Canadian puppy mill w/puppies, where did they come from? King Shepherd breeders I swear are turning into puppy millers all for the money, the owners own more than 3-4 dogs if not more. All show quality are co-owned w/breeding rites. What is wrong w/these people.
About education I agree w/Laurie with targeting kids, not going to happen. Schools don't like animals in the buildings, I have taken mine before, when my son was in 2nd grade I was inside w/them, when my daughter was in 5th grade we were outside. No one is going to listen to anybody about not doing something, until after the fact w/I should have listened. Spay and Neuter contracts are BULL. If an owner has a cute adult, and oops accidently breeding, so what. If I had a unsound dog that I felt was not a good breeding prospect I would spay/neuter, Contract be damned. Breeders brag about Sire or Dam of the year, w/lots of puppies on the ground. Over breeding.
Well I can safetly say that all on this list would be very responsible breeders.
Debbie, don't be discouraged. As a teacher, you have the opportunity to influence many people that you have contact with in your classes. That's the great thing about teaching. You can show people a lot about what makes a good dog, how to be good owners, you can advise people on what kind of dog to get, you can help those dogs in your classes to be happier and maybe even healthier. You can influence people to think about the choices they make when they select a dog. (Even if they don't always know they are being influenced.) God knows I was unknowledgeable when I got my first Cavalier, I didn't have a clue. Well, maybe I still don't have many clues, but I've learned a lot from teachers I've respected.
So my platitude for today --you, and all you guys on this blog, you are making a difference, because you know enough not to breed poor quality dogs, because you train, because you share your knowledge, because you care about dogs and their problems. Ok, you're right, enough of the schmaltz.
Ok, this is my first foray into this subject. I have always had rottweilers. The term we use is "Breeder of Ethics." It's sad to say how few there are these days. When I start talking to people about Diesel's breeder, people start looking at me like I'm nuts for dealing with this lady. Yes, she has some off-the-wall rules. Yes, she is a bit of a pain; but she GENUINELY cares about my breed. She is doing her best to breed for health and temperment. She will be the first to tell someone that a rottweiler might not be the dog for them.
When she lived in PA, she would go into the elementary schools with her dogs, teach the kids how to behave around big dogs and how much work a dog is in a home. She tried to do the same thing when she moved to VA, but they wouldn't let her in the schools - not the dogs, HER.
The rottweilers suffered from over-breeding in the 90's and they are paying for it now in major health consequences. My first rottie (Koda) was a product of a backyard breeder. I was young, naive and didn't know any better. I met both the parents and they were healthy. Koda ended up having long-hair, hip displaysia and lymphoma. She is why I did the research I did to find Diesel's breeder. I DID NOT want to ride the cancer roller-coaster again. When I met Diesel, I also met his 12 year old grandmother and aunt.
When Diesel and I are out in public, many people are enamored with him. He is so attractive and very good with kids. Lots of people want to know where I got him from. I'm very happy to give them him kennel name because I know that his breeder won't sell to just any Joe Blow. I'm also happy to tell them that a rottweiler might not be the right dog for them.
I agree that the solution is education of the public, and cease and desist at the breeding level. I simply don't know how to go about doing either one of those things. As Brandy said, just try to influence one person at a time. I can't tell you how many times I've had people say to me, "you could make a fortune in stud fees with Diesel." I always tell them, it's not about the money. I will only stud him to further the breed.
It saddens me that breeding has become big business and the well-being of the dogs has become secondary. The best action that I can take is be aware, boycott where possible and make as many others as possible aware.
"Each one teach one." That's one of my favorite sayings, and I have tried to follow that mantra throughout my life, not just about dogs, but about just about everything. Like Christie and Brandy said, we educate people every time they see our dogs. Tears come to my eyes when I think of how much Tucker (and me being at the end of the leash) have done for the Dalmantian breed. He has changed so many misconceptions. He has been the catalyst to get so many people to think first rather than rush to judgement.
And that's why I think we, who work so hard to establish great relationships with our dogs and develop them into not only Champions and obedience, rally, agility title holders but also great family pets and doggie ambassadors, have an obligation to share our knowledge and our dogs with the public in whatever capacity we can.
Thank you all so much for commenting on this topic and for joining this blog.
I was doing research for my paper for the apprentice programwhen I came across the top 20 list for the UKC. I found it very interesting that the lab ranks 7th andthat hounds seem to take over the top 10 (there's 7 of them). It is extremely different from the AKC.
http://www.ukcdogs.com/RegUKCBreedsTop20.htm
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