Researcher: Ann Marie Arnold
Chapter four discusses the rise and fall of the pedigreed dog.
Herzog explained how the desire or want to own a purebred dog is a fad on its
way out. The American Kennel Club was the first club to provide registration
for purebred dogs. At first they did very well however once news spread that
the overbreeding of dogs for popular physical traits was detrimental to their
health and behavior, the want for purebred dogs began to fall. Pet lovers
wanted good and healthy pets not necessarily pretty pets.
Still there are an abundance of stray dogs although they are
not necessarily in the correct region for adoption. Rescue Waggin moves around
10,000 dogs to and from different parts of the United States in order to
provide areas with a low concentration of pets with pet dogs.
http://www.sanjosevolando.com/wp/territorio-zaguate-expo-raza-unica/
One place to adopt would be in Costa Rica. While researching
I found an organization in Costa Rica where there are plenty of strays. However,
this organization does things a little bit differently. Territorio de Zaguates.
In order to promote mixed breeds this organization figures out the breed
combination of mixed breeds and provides the dog with a unique breed such as a
bunny tailed Scottish sherpterrier or shaggy shepherd dachspaniel. “When you
adopt a mutt you adopt a unique breed” is one of their mottos. Now their
shelter expenses are covered and more dogs are being adopted as a result of the
promotion of unique breed. Artists provide drawings to promote the dogs and the
shelter has appeared on television shows and websites because of their unique
advertising. They even have a facebook page promoting the adoption of their
unique breeds.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAs Ann Marie mentioned, chapter four does a great job at diving into the controversial world of purebred pedigrees. This topic for me is interesting but also conflicting. As mentioned before in response to Jill’s blog post, I am one of those individuals who would rather have a purebred companion rather than a mixed breed. I have no problems with mixed breeds and find the majority of them outstanding family friends. My preference however looks more at a need for consistent personality traits.
ReplyDeletehttp://dogbehaviorscience.wordpress.com/2012/09/29/100-years-of-breed-improvement/
I agree however that purebred breeding has gotten way out of hand. Just check out the link above. This blog post by Dr. Musculus shows the difference 100 years can make in relation to breeding. Some of these breeds look nothing like they use to. I find it extremely unfortunate that purebreds are facing such physical challenges when a few hundred years ago they were breed for their function. What do you guys think?
Some of you may think, “How could he prefer purebreds”? My preference however looks at dog personalities. I have been saving up for a dog for 6 years now. One of my post-Eckerd goals is to adopt a dog. I believe that people should get dogs that fit into their lifestyles and not because they were the cutest and nicest at the shelter. I find it unfortunate when people say, “I don’t know why my golden retriever is so hyper and destructive. I walked him for like 20 minutes… That’s all I have time for”. For me, people should adopt those pups that share similarities. If you are a single full-time worker who is never home, certain breeds probably aren’t the right match for you (regardless how cute they may be). One way of increasing the likeliness of these similarities is getting a purebred. Mixed breeds can sometimes contain so many different breeds that it is impossible to predict their nature. It doesn’t mean you can’t, it just means it may be harder to know. And sometimes these mixes of different breed traits can be a good thing.
In general, for me purebreds hold importance. However, I do believe that breeders are loosing sight of functionality in their dogs. I wish breeders would breed for personality traits and healthiness rather than physical appearance. Check out the link below as well. It mentions an alternative plan to breeding.
http://www.apgaw.org/Data/Sites/1/pdfs/Dog-Breeding-Report-2012.pdf
-Nic Swaner
I love the idea of having a unique breed. I, as an animal lover, get criticized a lot because all of my pets are pure breeds. This is because I agree with Nic. I like knowing exactly what my pet is and what traits it will have and that it was raised and socialized well. I too am waiting to buy a dog of my own when I return to the country, but I am torn on whether to adopt or shop. I would really like a big dog that I cam train as a running companion. The rhodesian ridgeback fits that category perfectly! However, after hearing about all the dogs who get put down yearly in shelters, how could I not adopt? I think personally I am going to adopt from shelters from now on, but I don't disagree with those who shop for their perfect canine companions. I also have more respect for the idea to shop this way here is a story of why that is:
ReplyDeleteIn October my step sister brought home a six week old cocker spaniel puppy. Within a week and a half the puppy was dead. It turns out the puppy unknowingly came from a puppy mill. My step sister was very hurt because she loved her puppy already and she had died so tragically. So what is the message here? The message is what Nic started to point out, and is my largest pet peeve (excuse the pun). It is important to look into different research when getting a dog. I don't blame my step sister for anything that happened to her, but had she done some simple research she should have come across the fact that a puppy needs to be at least 8 weeks to go home. The vets said her puppy was improperly weaned off her mother, considering the pups age when it went home it makes complete sense. This is why I respect pure breed shoppers a little more. When getting a pure breed it usually requires research into the breed, and finding a good breeder, and passionate breeders make sure the future owner knows how to take good care of the dog. This is also why I am a huge fan of the work done on pit bulls and parolees. I have nothing against the breed, but it does take an educated owner to own the breed and be a responsible owner.
So really the choice to get a pure breed or mix breed is a personal choice, but please always do research on dogs and what they need. If you got to a shelter ask what they think the dogs breed may be or even what temperament to make sure the dog matches your lifestyle. With the internet today it should be easy to know what you are getting into when getting a dog. They are a lot of fun, but they are also a lot of money and responsibility. Be a smart owner and you and your dog will have a happy life. :)