Every now and then I read a blog or an article that gets my hackles raised. These 2 articles have done just that. One might say I am easily annoyed these days. I was hoping for some brilliance but I found the same old worn out BS, personal assumptions, and lack of proof for anything.
https://getpocket.com/explore/item/how-to-pick-the-right-dog?utm_source=pocket-newtab
https://www.outsideonline.com/2122781/best-dog-outdoors-humble-mutt
I have done a lot of rescue, particularly puppies. I have also bred some litters and have
acquired some history by watching nature verse nurture over years. My first litter is 9 years old. I can pretty much say that dogs are who they
are when they are born. The raging extrovert could have impulse
control issues, the shy sweet puppy in the background may have fear reactivity
if they are not reared properly and placed appropriately. Most importantly the new owners need after
purchase support to help raise a canine good citizen. A responsible breeder is willing to take the dog back
at any time. Of course the shelter
will take the dog back into their wretched system and some Rescues do as well
but a responsible breeder always takes their dogs back and is equipped to help
that dog thru any issues if needed and place properly in a new home.
The first thing that people forget is that the dogs in
shelters come from uneducated and irresponsible breeders and pet owners. Why oh why would you want to get a dog from
an irresponsible breeder or one bred by an uneducated pet home? You all are shouting all the time that
breeders are bad and the virtue of rescuing. Yet you send people to
adopt at a hot bed of irresponsibly breed dogs and puppies.
The odds of getting a properly evaluated, emotionally stable and genetically
healthy pup have decreased dramatically.
The next piece of the puzzle is that getting a young dog from the shelter is a huge crap shoot. I have found that there is usually a reason
a young dog is in the shelter. There
could be fear issues, chewing problems, killed the neighbor cat or dog, bit the
neighbor kid, screams and barks all the time, separation anxiety, and many more difficult to live with and sometimes hard to fix emotional problems. Most pet homes are not prepared for some of what they might be bringing home and with little to no after purchase support it can be a challenge. It does not mean they are not worthy of rescue but definitely does not mean they are better than getting a young dog from a breeder.
Don’t think you can waltz into a shelter and evaluate temperaments. It takes getting a dog away from the shelter to give the time for him to decompress to really see who he is. You can only rely on the shelter personnel and perhaps some volunteers to give you insight into the dog. Many of these people do not have the luxury to ensure your lifestyle, desire and experience match the dog you are choosing. A shelter is an extraordinary environment. It is quite different from a responsible breeder's home where the puppies are raised stress free with the breeder getting to know the puppies as they are developing. The breeder also knows the parents, uncles, aunts, grandparents and more so that they have a real good idea of what is going to be in this litter. I have found the fruit does not fall far from the tree and the puppy tells you who they are, starting at about 3 weeks. As an experienced breeder I am evaluating the puppies from the minute they are born. The last thing I want is a mismatch. I want my pups to go out and be successful and the owners to be happy for life.
No, mixes are not healthier.
Cross breeding 1 or 2 generations does not all
of a sudden bring back hybrid vigor.
What if your crosses are 3 gens of herding type dogs that all carry some
of the same genetic health issues, HD for example. Mental health is just as important as
physical health and irresponsible and uneducated breeders do not even consider
the temperament of their dog. For one reason pet homes are usually kennel blind and see
their dog thru their heart and not their head.
Early spay and neuter has been scientifically proven that the long term
health risks of structural problems in the
future is not worth the benefit. These risks are extremely costly and heart breaking to owners and painful to dogs. Getting a dog from the shelter that was altered prior to
sexual maturity dramatically increases the odds of injuries as an adult. These
injuries can happen in an instant while they are playing in the backyard. They can cause the pet home to be financially impacted dramatically to repair some issues.
It is not in how you raise them. You cannot fix some things even in puppies. You can support them and provide them with coping mechanisms that they can carry thru life. You can place pups in the correct homes that can provide the right support. You cannot change the IT of who they are. No shelter provides these after adoption tools or this education. You can try to stop your Sheltie mix from barking and you and the dog might be frustrated for the rest of your lives. The most important thing responsible breeders provide is after purchase support. Breeders have years of breed specific experience not to mention the combined years of the breed specific community. This provides new owners with real methods and support that work. It offers complementary health advice for everyday issues that can save you a trip to emergency or help make your health care decisions. I have never seen a shelter be a shoulder to cry on when your dog is 10 years old and has developed cancer. Every day your responsible breeder is there for you. They are family and a friend.
If you are an experienced dog person and have more than
a beginning level of training behind you, yes go to the shelter and find a dog. I have raised many rescue puppies that were
just wonderful and will remain forever in my heart. My very first foster dog was a super sweet
boy but you could tell he had jumped in and out of a pickup truck too many
times. He was broken down at 6 years
old. He was also selective dog aggressive. I kept him his entire life and had to manage
him carefully, not every pet home is prepared for this. Rescue works for a lot of people but don't feel like it is the better way. It is not the better way, it is just one way.
I love all dogs and rescuing a dog is something I will
always support but it is not the healthier temperamentally, or structurally
sounder solution to evil breeders that you are all led to believe. In
fact the dogs you are getting from the shelter are actually from the most uneducated and irresponsible breeders you complain about. Try
breaking into the real world of responsible breeders and the pure bred dog community, you will see a world
you never imagined that shakes up the lies you have been fed and opens your eyes to the possibility that things are not always as they seem.
