Isn't kinda ironic that those dogs are the only ones I have heard of!?

Posted by: shae | June 23, 2008 10:45 AM

I love German Shepherds! Can't wait to adopt one from a shelter.

Posted by: Eric | June 23, 2008 12:55 PM

Hi Christine, Everybody who turns a dog loose and lets it breed at will is a breeder. These dogs end up euthanized at high rates becuase they are unwanted and unplanned and uncared for through no fault of their own. I think the Legislation as amended will help with the worst of the worst breeders in California and is a step in the right direction. Every prevented pregnancy is a positive step. I picked up a pregnant dog this week in my neighborhood in horrible condition. I took her to the shelter and was told she had about a zero chance of finding a home. I really think the person responsible for her condition is a criminal and should be controlled.

Posted by: joanna | June 23, 2008 01:00 PM

Give me a mutt any day of the week. Since mutts or mixed-breed dogs are made up of different breeds, maybe any problems they may have may be diluted and they don't get the full amount of whatever problems they may have. I have a mixed-breed 85 pound Husky-German Shepard dog who has some allergies but with proper care, he is doing just fine. He just turned 9 years old and still acts like a puppy! Loves to run and play!

Posted by: Rex's Mom | June 23, 2008 02:05 PM

You forgot to add all the designer dog "breeds" that people make up to make a quick buck. Like puggles, or anything with poo at the end.

Posted by: Amy | June 23, 2008 02:28 PM

Joanna: people who let their dogs run lose arent breeders. They are just irresponsible dog owners. And yes, the story of the pregnant dog is sad. Breeders dont let their dogs run around lose anyway, though. Treating a dog that way is negligence and should be held accountable.

Posted by: rose | June 23, 2008 02:34 PM

It isn't at all coincidental that the breeds listed are the top AKC breeds. The greater the population the greater the possible range of issues. If you have only 500 in a population the chances of expressing a health concern are much smaller than if you have a population of 200,000. What is the criteria for selection to the list? Number of problems? Rate of problems? Severity of problems? How was this list derived? Is it based upon the rate at which certain issues appear in a population? Or does a single incidence of an issue in a population sufficient to add it to the list? How is the data gathered and the dog breeds identified and confirmed? Cross breeding often introduces problems originating from other breeds so to be a valid judgment as to issues in the breed the data contributing population would need to be confirmed as purebred.

Posted by: Hannah Samuelson | June 23, 2008 03:34 PM

Where the hell did you people get your info from? As long as we allow disabled people to breed we will have animal issues! I'm sorry but I love the boxer breed. By far the number one breed is the pit bull. You just took what you wanted from AKC's website. Go to the shelter and all you see is pit bull after pit bull, not the breeds you mention. Matter of fact I have NEVER seen a yorkie at a shelter.

Posted by: Michelle | June 23, 2008 03:52 PM

If it wasn't for purebred dogs and the breeders who care, there wouldn't be medical studies for dogs that have these diseases. There wouldn't be medications that are available because these dogs help identify and have coordinating testing, genetics and possible resolutions to various diseases, These are illnesses not only found in dogs, but in many animals, including humans, too. By the way, there wouldn't be medications to help mixed breeds that have these diseases because mixed breeds cannot be categorized like the purebred dog in groups to try to find cures and medications, have control and testing groups. Sure is a lot to thank the purebred dog and breeders who care for, isn't it? I don't recall ever seeing Peta or the HSUS or any other group of similar mind ever giving millions of dollars to help find cures for diseases which impact ALL dogs. In fact, how many members take insulin? Perhaps they shouldn't since they have animal, including human, testing to thank for the development of insulin in the 20th and 21st century.

Posted by: Erin | June 23, 2008 04:12 PM

Michelle, I don't know what shelters you're looking at. I've seen Yorkies at shelters. In fact, I rescued both my purebred Yellow Lab and my purebred Rough Collie from a shelter.

Skittles, my labbie, is only four, but she has the beginnings of hip dysplasia. It's a shame, but not a suprise as both of her parents are "supposedly" AKC registered. (So says her previous owner who left her at the shelter)

Posted by: Iris | June 23, 2008 05:07 PM

Rose, I disagree. I think anyone who allows their dog to get pregnant is a 'breeder'. They may not be a good breeder, and they may not be the type of breeder your talking about, but they are the responsible party. Every dog in the shelter has a breeder, even if they dumped her pregnant and starved by the side of the road. When we include all the breeders in the solution then maybe we can solve the problem of pet over population. My area is over run with pit bulls and chiuawuas that result from back yard breeding in hispanic neigborhoods. This is a reality that needs a culturally sensitive education campaign directed at this specific demographic. Spinning hatred towards people who love pure bred dogs is just not helping. I'd like to see some nationally recognized hispanic male comedian make the macho attitude that contributes to over breeding of pit bulls look as stupid/not-macho/un-cool as it is.

Posted by: joanna | June 23, 2008 05:23 PM

isn't the problem here.. that people buy puppies and then abandoned them after the novelty wore or wears off.. or some of the other many unexcusable lame excuse.. too big.. too noisy, wrong temperament.. this taht.. that this.. and then dump the poor animal at nearest animal shelter?.. thus the reason for over populated animal shelters.. and then the problem repeats itself again.. other people buy more from pet stores.. tire of the dog or animal and dump again.. I have a pet dog and I think the world of him and he's 6 yrs going onto 7 now.. people need to educate themselves on what the temperament of the dog is likely to be.. eventual size.. consider their own abode, the amt of time they can commit to giving the dog, walkies etc.. why is it always 'buy first' and consider later?.. or buy first.. and then 'we'll just see' if it's not right.. well then we'll just dump it.. it's not the dog's problem it's these unthinking dog owners or so called 'guardian'.. which is a farce.. because if they were 'guardians' then they would care.. but obviously they couldn't care less !!!! it's not the dogs that are 'over populating' the animal shelters it's these ex-dog owners.. who purchase dogs and then DUMP!!!! them..THEY'RE the ones that are causing all this problem!! ie over populated dog/animal shelters.. they're the once to BLAME!!! not the dogs/animals..
ooooohhhh!! aaaagggh!!

Posted by: yf | June 23, 2008 05:41 PM

Joanna I couldn't have said it better with your first post. Education is the key, not spewing venom at everyone that has or wants a purebred dog. I manage my intact dogs so there aren't unwanted litters, unlike in most of my neighborhood where people leave their dogs tied up outside in season.

Posted by: Heather | June 23, 2008 06:46 PM

I'm sorry to say this to you.... I think all you said is wrong!! All my three dogs are 100% mutts and they are the best dogs in the world. Ever since i was a child that is all i've known and to me full breed dogs i find are violent... I live in a small island and all we do have here is mixed breeds and once a dog is full breed he is violent towards other dogs!! I will always stick to the mutts... they make the best pets! Kelly

Posted by: Kelly | June 23, 2008 07:32 PM

Michelle you are wrong!!!

There are ALL kinds of dogs in the shelter DYING for homes!!!

I'll prove it to you! I live in the LA area. Just lately I decided I wanted to foster a dog (I already have two rescues) so I've been visiting the Downey shelter. I have found ALL KINDS of small dogs there. Several Poodles, a 1 year old maltese, a small young terrier, a lot of small, small scared Chihuahuas, a darling Cocker Spaniel who was under 1 year old.

Your idea is simply NOT TRUE. About two months ago a rescue lady told me there were HUNDREDS of poodles ABANDONED at the shelters! Sickening!!! AND, another rescue lady told me there are so many small dogs that they are being put to sleep.

You are wrong, wrong, wrong and this is why we have a problem because people like you don't bother to go CHECK and SAVE a LIFE! Sorry I have little tolerance for you people...you should've have looked harder and you wouldn't been able to find your dog as well as saving a life. This whole thing makes me sick.

The difference between people who buy and people who adopt is this: rescuers love ALL animals and believe they all have worth, the BREEDER, in contrast, feels that ONLY bred dogs have value or dogs that have not been "cast off". PUKE!

Honestly, people need to get a conscience, and stop being so shallow.

Posted by: Soliel | June 23, 2008 09:21 PM

Responsible home breeders, who care and love their animals should not be condemned. A lot of them find it hard to part with their bred puppies. The dogs mentioned above are truely beautiful animals.
I have a Shih Tzu and chose her breed because I have three cats that mean the world to me and didn't want to intimidate them with a full grown dog or one of potential intimidating size. The Shih Tzu is also a great play mate for other animals as well as children. Unfortunately, we can't save all the less fortunate and my heart aches for the homeless little ones. I, myself, do my part, monetarily, in hopes to keep them cared for and loved while they wait for a better place.
Proud supporter of PETA, HSUS, ASPCA, and The North Shore Animal League.

Posted by: Diane | June 23, 2008 09:41 PM

Breeders intentionally breed illness and problems into dogs because of inbreeding.

Inbreeding is needed for the "looks."

Inbreeding also increases likelihood of genetic problems and linked disease.

And all the "tests" in the world can't prevent it.

Some of the dogs with the worst genetic problems are AKC champions

Posted by: kelly | June 23, 2008 10:17 PM

But let's not forget that crossbreeds and mutts have thier fair share of inherited problems. Such as agression, and many of the medical problems you just listed.

Posted by: S.Q. | June 23, 2008 11:01 PM

I just recently bought a puppy from a lady who was selling them in Wisconsin. To my surprise, my puppy pug turned out to be very sick with genetic diseases and needed surgery. I contacted to seller and she was very uncoporative saying that the puppy was not "sick" at her house. I am learning a lot about this whole situation and know NOT to do this again. However, this lady that sold him to me admitted that she did not have any kind of liscense at all, and that NONE of her dogs had even seen a Vet before!! I do have the ladys name and number, and was wanting to take her to court for the $600 medical bills. I want her to realize what she is doing, so it doesn't happen to other people, and these dogs are suffering. She is creating dogs that are sick and suffering, so she can make money. It makes me sick!!I know nothing about digging up info, I hit this website, but am awful with computers. I am hoping someone can give me some advice as to the next step, and what I can do to get some relief from this situation. My pups whole upper respitory was displaced, was struggling to breathe. there was another pup on her premisis with a dislocated hip, she was trying to sell to me. Who can I contact to help me??? I can't stop thinking about those other pups and what she is doing. I read that Wisconsin is the next puppy mill state due to their laws being so leinient(?) The seller also told me that her Aunt sells over 100 dogs a year, has her own website, with no liscense as well. There has to be something I can do. Someone I can call??I know I screwed up! But can anyone help me???

Posted by: Jana Dobson | June 24, 2008 08:11 AM

Hi Jana - That's horrible and unfortunately not un-common, when dogs can be sold for around $1000 each depending on breed there will always be unscrupulous breeders, I would call the ASPCA for a start to get her investigated and check on the dog with the dislocated hip. Do this now, give them all the details. www.aspca.org good luck and let me know how you get on.

Posted by: Sally-Anne Ryan | June 24, 2008 10:23 AM

Breeders may love their animals, but it does not change the fact that 30 to 40 percent of purebreds are given up at shelters.

What this does is it kills the chances of the real homeless animals, the strays, of getting a home.

The original animal shelters were -- stray only --. In other words, homeless animals. People now use these good hearted shelters as McDonald's drive - thrus for animals they don't want.

At the shelters where I worked, people would give up purebreds and refuse to even give 5 or 10 dollars. They even had the nerve to tell me they would not sign the forms because they did not have the time.

Breeders need to do 2 things:

1. Give the shelters a way to contact them when one of their bred animals come in, and not burden the shelters when their animals are given up.

2. Support legislation that would make shelters STRAY ONLY once again. That is what they are there for.

Posted by: Maya, CVT | June 24, 2008 10:53 AM

All of you have no right to take away anyone else's right to choose a purebred dog. I have had in tact dogs since 1985 and never produced a litter -- gee I must be a responsible owner. education is key so why doesn't PETA and HSUS put all the millions they collect every year to good use and cover the payments for all spay and neutering that they want done? You use your money for propaganga and no shelter sees a dime of that money - now that's worse than your false claims that all purebreds are unhealthy. I choose purebred GSDs because of their good health, brains and working ability. I've had shelter GSDs and they were not the epitome of good health and cost more to take care of than any purebred I've ever had. Get your facts straight, and put the millions you and HSUS into the shelter dogs you are so fond of telling other people to adopt. What good does collecting millions and millions every year do for shelter dogs? Your non-profit status needs to be investigated by the IRS!

Posted by: Donnasue Jacobi | June 24, 2008 11:33 AM

Joanna-I see what you are saying now. And you are absolutely right.
Dannasue-Agreed. I have had many purebred beagles which have never had any health problems. I have a rescued JRT/rat terrier who is not half as smart as my beagles, or as healthy. It's safe to say he has more health problems than money can fix.
Kelly- what idiot would intentionally breed health problems into dogs? And inbreeding is not needed for the "looks". Yes there are some unhealthy dogs which happen to AKC champions, like wise there are unhealthy dogs of unknown ancestry in shelters. The whole theme of this seems to be "Screw your rights, my opinion is important to me". Don't get me wrong, in some ways I DO support PETA, but as often as not I think they have good, if not somewhat misguided, intentions.~Rose
P.S.- sorry about the novel :)

Posted by: rose | June 24, 2008 01:10 PM

Ehhh... Donnasue? PETA does fund low and no-cost spay and neuter... they blogged about how they operate TWO vans which cost several thousand to operate... one in their area and in a nearby area. They've even offered folks the ability to fund specific spay/neuter surgeries through earmarked donations in the past. What was your point?

Posted by: Sinon Robert | June 24, 2008 02:08 PM

Dear Donnasue,

Not another "paranoid" right to do as I damn well please person!

You may consider yourself a responsible owner, but you're also a "lucky" owner, too!
Intact males (and females!) frequently escape the confines of their homes to respond to nature's call to mate.

I really don't understand the fascination people have with keeping male dogs intact, or not spaying their female dogs.
In females, spaying prevents mammary cancer and it frequently prevents testicular cancer in male dogs but people are much more concerned with how macho their male dog "looks" with those spheres dangling between his back legs. Oh, God help me!

If people care at all about dogs and cats, they'd support mandatory sterilization and licensing of breeders with strict limits on the number of animals produced each year.

We simply cannot keep sticking our proverbial heads in the sand on this issue much longer. We're not a civilized nation as long as we kill by the millions perfectly adoptable animals in shelters.

Posted by: Susan T | June 24, 2008 02:33 PM

Many good breeders will always take their dogs back if the owner can not keep them. They also make the pet puppies on spay and neutered contracts. It is also true that many good breeders do not breed dogs that could potential carry genetic disorders.
Also bloat is not a genetic disorder. Many big dogs get it when they inhale to much oxygen while eating. All big dogs (pure and mixed) are prone to bloat.
I also agree with Donnasue that PETA needs to spend their money better. Instead of propaganda because we all know that is working.
There needs to be tougher laws for places like Petland, puppy mills and the idiots that think they can make money off breeding or want to have cute little puppies just like their dog running around.
Also most purebred dogs (at least the ones registeriable with the AKC) have rescues for unwanted dogs of that breed. So at any given time any of the 150+ breeds have people rescueing and placing purebred dogs in forever homes. I have a friend that just lost her great pyrenees and wanted to adopt another one. To adopt through the great pyrenees rescue is like adopting a kid. They don't want their dogs going to just anybody. Unlike most shelters that often do not care where their dogs go most purebred rescues want their dogs to go to the best homes.

Posted by: Amy | June 24, 2008 03:04 PM

Amy is right, breed rescues are great, it's just that the ones we knew at the shelter were always too overwhelmed to take any of our purebreds more than one or two a year.

Some breeders will take dogs and cats back, but most shelter surrenderers won't give us the name of the breeders because they feel embarassed to give up the animal. We can't force them to give up the name of the breeder.

Our shelter made the mistake of having those spay / neuter contracts, and we would regularly get adopted animals returned to us years later, UNSPAYED and WITH A LITTER TO BOOT!

Getting the animal fixed before it is adopted out is the only correct solution.

I realize that breeders are perfectly kindhearted, good people. But their actions are killing shelter animals. It needs to stop.

Posted by: Maya, CVT | June 24, 2008 04:11 PM

If you love animals and having them around then having a mutt is the way to go! They live long helthy lives. My dogs are 14 years old an i hope to keep my best friends as lond as i can! If i went to a puppy mill and got a pure bred dogs then there is a possibility that i could have gone thew having 3 dogs pass away. There is no way that i could stand watching them get sick and have problums get attached just to watch them pass away. Having pure bread dogs in not fair to the dogs or to you. I'm not bashing breeders trust me that is not by any means my attempt but i do dissagree with the prosses in witch many pure bred dogs come about. i think that the point of having any pet cat, dog, fish, pure bred, or mixed is to have a friend. That's all that really matters.

Posted by: Jen | June 24, 2008 04:28 PM

Purebred dogs have an overall much higher incidence of genetic problems than mixed breed dogs.

And rose, if you don't understand what you are talking about, get educated first (why do dog breeders always sound so dumb?)

SCIENTISTS have frequently written about the problems that purebred dog breeding CREATES

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/transcripts/3103_dogs.html

An excerpt "Inbreeding is the only way to finely control what the next generation will look like, but it comes with a well-documented downside. Here's why.

Sometimes a gene that helps produce something good, say the shape of a dog's ears, is located on a dog's DNA close to another gene that produces something bad, like a disease. When that happens, there's a good chance any pup getting the good gene will also get the bad one.

Now, as long as the pup gets a healthy version of the gene from the other parent, he should be all right. But inbred dogs have a much greater chance of getting the same bad gene from both parents."

Posted by: kelly | June 24, 2008 04:40 PM

shouldnt labrador retiriever be on the list? i see those EVERYWHERE, and im not even exaggerating! IF YA LOVE YOUR ANIMALS,FIX THEM! EASY AS THAT! 12million animals die each year in u.s. shelters,so SOMETHING has to be done!!

Posted by: kim | June 24, 2008 05:14 PM

part of the joy and fun of dog ownership is raising your dog from puppyhood.. I dont' see why we as responsible dog owners have to forgoe that and are encouraged to adopt more adult dogs ie from animal shelters because these dogs (mostly adults) were raised through the cutey cute period ie. puppyhood and then the owners got bored with the 'adult look' or complained of other inexcusable reaons or didn't consider them 'cute enough' anymore.. and then the dog is dumped... it's these PEOPLE that are the problem.. and they expect other people to come along and pick up their discarded animal but more likely these PEOPLE have merely condemned these animals to a death sentence simply becuase most of them I take it 40% or more in other areas are not adopted and will be euthanized.. frankly I'd rather these irresponsible persons had left the dogs in the first place in the pet store of breeders where hopefully an owner or genuine guardian would come along and adopt and raise the dog it's full natural life term in a good home.. dont' adopt a pet dog/puppy on a whim.. and dumping the animal at a shelter is short of condemning it to almost 50/50 to a death sentence..
no thanks to THEM!!!

Posted by: yf | June 24, 2008 06:28 PM

kelly- I am not a dog breeder. I never plan to be. Dont make assumptions when there is no proof. "Dog breeders always sound dumb" how many dog breeders have you talked to? There are unhealthy purebreds,and unhealthy shelter dogs. I know, because I've volunteered at a shelter and adopted several dogs from there too. Also I've bought from breeders. please dont misinterpret what I'm saying. I believe in making adoption your 1st option.
To who ever said-"those who love animals support MSN"- Wouldnt someone who loved animals want to ensure their survival?~rose

Posted by: rose | June 24, 2008 06:47 PM

All breeders are irresponsible & driven by profit more than love of canines. That's why we have bottom feeders running puppy mills Home breeders do nothing to help overpopulation either.

Until all shelter animals are adopted & the overpopulation numbers have declined sharply, it should be a crime to breed one more litter of puppies. People's greed & self serving narcissism disgusts me. On another forum some accused Peta of taking away their 'constitutional rights' by implementing a mandatory spay & neuter law in Los Angeles. That's the most significants change for animal welfare in years. If everyone stopped breeding today, it would still take years to see a big difference.

The same backward thinking morons protest are the ones who usually have self serving monetary investments in protesting. Also, they say we will 'run out of pure breeds of dogs'? But for our own selfishness millions die, unwanted in shelters, or worse get hit by cars or starve on the streets. If every state were to implement a spay & neuter ordinance, I don't see this country running out of pure breeds of dogs in the forseeable future So many areas of this problem would have to even out & adjust itself, it's massive & overwhelming. People who say this are ignorant, or know the truth but fear a mandatory law will hurt their own monetary gain due to involvement in breeding. Some still see nothing wrong going to petstore for a new puppy, that comes from a puppy mill. Others want the right to breed a family pet because they think 'puppies are cute' without thinking of the responsibility. So they birth a litter, only to bring the puppies to a shelter, or give away to bad homes who abuse or let the puppy run off & the viscous cycle continues.

Lets not forget about urgent cat overpopulation issues like feral colonies & the spread of feline leukemia.

Posted by: Genna | June 24, 2008 08:02 PM

:( My rescued beagle boy had demodectic mange. He took so long to heal up but he's all better no and only has some slight scarring. His skin would fall of in layers, it was nightmarish.
Spay and Neuter!!!

kim, labs were the 1st listed, silly;)

Posted by: knena | June 24, 2008 09:30 PM

Don't always want a dog of unknown linage from a shelter. o

Posted by: doggy woman | June 24, 2008 11:20 PM

Everyone here has good points and bad points. Education is always the key. Name calling and fighting will never solve anything. 12million animals die in shelters, how many children in third world countries die every year. How many humans breed and produce children that have illnesses and mental problems but no one is looking at that. A "GOOD" breeder looks at the genetics of the dog and tries to breed away from the illnesses and tries to breed for a healthier, longer living dog. Yes there are bad breeders and bad owners, but there are bad people that kill their children too and beat there loved ones. Untill this world becomes a perfect utopia that ever one wants it won't matter what laws are passed. What will happen is the good breeds will follow the laws and stop breeding. The bad breeders take over and produce twice as many unhealthy and aggressive dogs and your shelters are going to be even more filled with dogs that no one wants...

Posted by: Heather | June 25, 2008 12:08 AM

I'm afraid Heather is incorrect - 4.5 to 5 million ANIMALS are euthanized annually. The majority of those are feral cats and stray dogs (stray = UNOWNED). The vast majority of shelter intakes are owner surrenders. This is a lack of education, not cruelty.

All of the listed problems by Christine can and DO occur in random bred dogs as well as purebreds. If the genetics are present in both parents it's going to show up. Of course if we do away with the dog and cat entirely, they won't have any illness or discomfort. They won't be alive either :-(.

Posted by: Kathy Hynd | June 25, 2008 10:47 AM

I have always had German Shepherds or a German Shepherd mix. Even the mixed dogs end up with hip dysplasia that usually causes their life to come to an end way to soon.

It is very sad and tragic for all concerned but what is more upsetting is that I now see the same thing happening with horses. We have an over population of horses and many have problems related to over breeding. Irresponsible breeding is the cause of the over population and the fact that there is no way to cull the herd anymore.

It was a mistake to run horse slaughter out of this country. If it had remained here the treatment of those horses could have been contolled but now it is in the hands of people that are brutal.

You might not agree with eating horses or using them for dog food but I have seen too many strave to death because the owners couldn't afford to feed them. Horses standing out in a cold rain with no shelter and no food shivering, it makes me sick. I can only save a few due to land requirements and financal responsiblity. Would it not be better that the old, injured, or unuseable be sold for food so the rest could eat?

I hope I am never faced with that choice it must be horrible but so is watching an animal strave and know that you can't provide for them.

Last summer in my area we had a very bad draught and hay was hard to find and if you could get your hands on it very, very expensive.

People were giving horses away and couldn't get people to take them. Some left horses at state parks, others took horses and just set them free in a field, all illegal. But if they can't afford to feed them and let them stand in the field they are charged with animal neglect. It would be much better for these animals to be sold for slaughter then die daily by degree and maybe in their death allow others to live.

Posted by: Barbara Stewart | June 25, 2008 10:50 AM

Actually , the most over bred dog in this country , which obviously they leave out , is the american staffordshire terrior , aka pit bull .. people breed those dogs for fighting or to make a quick dollar only because they know people ( kids or young adults ) want them for fighting , training to fight , breeding , or bait for a dog fight . Me personally , I think thats the number one over bred dog in America . But what do I know , Im just an average US citizen looking at about 30 pit bulls in my town alone . Sigh

Posted by: Heather | June 25, 2008 10:55 AM

I agree that name calling is incredibly immature and destructive. We want results, not childlish fights.

Yf, you hit it right on the mark. It is about 50 / 50 most of the time, and guess what? About 90 percent of the surrendered animals were approximately 1 to 2 years old.

How could that happen, just by chance? Doesn't anyone find it an incredible coincidence, that out of 6,000 or so animals surrendered by owners, they would all be almost the exact same age?

It was because they had just exited the kitten or puppy stage, were poorly socialized and trained, and now their energetic antics were'nt so cute any more. So they are dumped at shelters.

Posted by: Maya, CVT | June 25, 2008 10:56 AM

it's awful that people would do such a thing!!! animals give you unconditional love NO MATTER WHAT!!!

Posted by: peyton | June 25, 2008 11:05 AM

I have a story I found to be disturbing.
I live in a town that has really high laws against pit/boxers. I understand that this type of dog has had many problems in the past, but to catergorize the entire species over the cases that are out there is like using sterotypes regarding to race,gender,sexual preference,or religion to humans.
The story goes:
A friend of mine has a pit/boxer that got out of the yard. The first time the dog was picked up my friend had a fine of over $300. This is a larger fine than most drug dealers get.
The second time it happened, it was picked up in a park where kids were playing with it. Even though there wasn't any danger the parent called the animal police. Probably just because it was a lost dog. But because of the type of dog it was, this time the animal police put the dog down. The dog never had any reports of being a threat, just because it was a pit/boxer.
I couldn't believe how sterotyped the dog was and how unforgiving the town animal police were to it. I have been bitten by poodles, terriers, and a dalmation, but they don't get scutinized as badly. You hear a few bad stories and all of a sudden every one of their type (pit/boxer) is a feared and hated dog.
It is no wonder that we do this to humans as well. In fact by the way my town treats these dogs, I think we should be harsher to all humans as well.?
It really is easy to point the finger at ppl. I am pretty sure that there is nobody on the planet that is perfect, so why judge ppl so strictly? Are you trying to say you are better? Well let me tell you, you can be better at something then someone else, but you can never be better then someone else, if you think that you are for any reason at all, then in reality you are a worse person than everyone!

Posted by: ai3d | June 25, 2008 01:43 PM

there should be a database created.. (seriously) for people who buy dogs and then when the novelty has worn off or some other feeble excuse.. they dump the poor animal at a shelter.. all people who DUMP an animal or dog.. at any shelter or whatever shoudl be entered onto a national database and be banned from thereafter from owning buying another dog every again!!
so when they go to a breeder or petstore.. they have to profer a card to say they are exempt from banned from owning dogs/animals thus are responsible dog owners/guardians.. or thus we think so far.. now .. wouldnt' that be nice?
one way of getting rid or curbing down these animal/dog dumpers.. you dump a dog.. and you'll never own one ever again.. or banned from owning forevermore... I know this is not in reality feasible.. but it's a nice thought.. because these people treat these poor dogs so irresponsibly and fickle.. and you wonder why the overpopulation in shelter is over populated.. these people just go along and buy a dog/puppy without even giving it much thought.. in context of hte animal itself.. ie. it's eventual size.. exercise requirement.. etc. etc. and whether they are capable of providing all the required elements re. responsible dog ownership.. you buy a dog.. and it's your responsibility for IT'S ENTIRE LIFETIME. which is some 14-15 yrs..
you can't commit to that.. then forget it!! and no easy way out ie. dumping.. you can't commit to the lifetime term of a dog's life.. and provide all it's needs. then forget it.. you aint' cut out to be a dog owner/guardian.. go find something else to amuse yourself !!! and quit contributing to adding more discarded dogs to others already waiting and waiting to be adopted in shelters.. of which some if not most will not eventually be so lucky and find a 'second home' and will instead be euthanized.. how do you curb these dumpers in the first place?.. that's the problem!!!

Posted by: gemc | June 25, 2008 02:15 PM

There are so many things I could say in response to some of these comments, but I would like to reiterate this: There are so many beautiful and friendly dogs at shelters, and if you look, you can find ANY breed you want. Not to mention, you can have any of them for a minimal fee that covers their neutering or spaying.

An additional note -- I'm surprised pit bulls aren't on that list. About twenty percent of the angels I see at the shelter are pit bulls or pit bull mixes.

Posted by: Anna | June 25, 2008 06:11 PM

I've loved both. 2 purebred siamese from a breeder. A wonderful moggy from the shelter sassafrass for 19 yrs. A burmese from the shelter (ishy)for 12 yrs. And now a naughty abbysinnian called Mishka from the shelter because they rang me to say that though she was a beautiful looking kitten people didn't want her because she wasn't affectionate. She is independent but sleeps in my arms with her head on my shoulder every night and is very affectionate. I had a scotch collie pure bred and intact who sired several litters because of his obedience qualifications and temperment. He was KCC registered but never shown in their forums. Do you have dog obedience trials in America? He lived 12 years without problems. My son had a pure breed and desexed red Australian Cattle Dog who recently died at 17 and the vet couldn't believe how fit she kept. We learned over time now we only adopt shelter animals and they are always desexed before we get them. My son adopted a russian blue from the shelter who had cost the surrenderer $1000 but at 10 months old they were tired of her! His Missy rules his house. Who are these people who cast their animals off. A companion animal is for life

Posted by: Coral | June 26, 2008 03:47 AM

If you ever want to feel true love without having a baby, adopt a dog from a shelter. My experience has been that a shelter dog seems extra devoted to its owner, and always thankful. I think the whole argument about breeding is the population of animals in this country is already to high, and by breeding you add to it, no way around that.

Posted by: liz | December 27, 2008 07:29 AM

@ Amy

Letting a dog run loose is irresponsible? What happened to total animal liberation?

Posted by: eric | December 28, 2008 08:32 PM

The genetic problems plaguing many purebreed dogs comes from inbreeding, that is breeding closely related dogs to maintain the quality of the breed. There is such a thing as a hybrid purebred which lessens the chances of genetic disorders, but does not eliminate them. Mutts, since they are the product of the breeding of two completely different breeds, are even less likely to develop genetic problems.
I would like to point out that when it comes to animal shelters, yes they do have quite a few mutts there, but many of the animals surrendered to them are purebreds as well. While you may not know what you are getting with a shelter animal, most animal shelters will help you deal with many behavioural/training problems you may encounter. Animal health insurance companies offer discounts if your animal is a mixed breed or comes from a shelter and is sterilized.
As for sterilization laws, many communities do have laws requiring companion animals to be sterilized, the problem is that the laws are not being enforced.

Posted by: pam | December 29, 2008 12:29 PM

I have a german shepard, and she is fine: we rescued her when someone left her to die tied to a pole.

And I thought chihuahua's were overbred?

Posted by: Amber Falobas | December 31, 2008 09:08 AM

To ai3d:

Yes, Virginia, there are Nice pit bulls. That said, you wouldn't want a timber wolf playing with your kids or family pets. By definition, a "breed" of dog is defined by certain characteristics and traits. Unfortunately, the "breed" you have chosen to champion so passionately was bred specifically to increase those traits and characteristics required for the "pit", i.e.: Aggression(so they would kill, rather than intimidate, another animal), Singlemindedness (so they could not be distracted by the betting crowds), a locking jaw (so that their victim couldn't escape once they had clamped onto their throat), thick, short necks, heavy skulls, tight skins, smooth coats, rat tails (to make it difficult for their opponents to gain purchase).

Does this mean pit bulls are a bad "breed"? No, it means that this breed was intended for use in a blood sport (aka; FOR KILLING). It is a very well designed breed for KILLING and in that respect is a very GOOD breed for THAT intention. On the other hand, I would never recommend this particular breed to anyone wanting a companion dog, a hunting dog, a family dog, a herding dog, or just a plain pet. The odds would not be in your favor for the afore mentioned reasons. That said, please note that just because a "breed" is "recognized" by a "kennel society" does not mean that a breed is suitable for any use other than the purpose for which it was bred.

Posted by: Chris M | January 2, 2009 04:51 AM

I love this site, wish I had found it ages ago.... I live in the UK and applaud the BBC for withdrawing its sponsership from crufts and hopefully delivering a blow to the KKK Oopps I mean the KC I myself have two pure breed dogs, please before anyone shouts at me for not having mutts, one was a retirement present and the other a rescue ( another victim of the show ring. ) I will not show my dogs and do not believe in showing any animal' Thanks to that great documentry and the BBC's stance many non showing members of the public were made aware of the truth behind crufts and the KC. Unfortunaly now crufts is been shown on the internet and the people in countries who could not see it live, can now....Lets keep up the pressure and see this freak show, bad breeders and other animal shows go the way of cock fighting, bear baiting, child labour, and hopefully soon fox u=hunting.

Posted by: eve | March 9, 2009 08:18 AM

Hi, just a long comment from Northern Ireland. I have had dogs all my life, I have bred dogs, shown them, done obedience and agility, rescued them and now help in nay way I can. I applaud the BBCs decision not to show Crufts this year. From my past showing experience I know that a lot of breeders suffer from kennel blindness. We even had a man on once with his Bassets, too heavy, long in the body, legs too short, too much skin and all sorts of health problems and he insisted they had not changed from the original. I had to walk away before I actually laughed in his face. If you go back and check out photos of the original dogs they look nothing like our dogs of today and believe me, it is not an improvement as the breeders would have us believe. There are more health problems, physical and mental problems today than ever before. I love German Shepherds but there are now two distinct types of GSDs and neither are like the original although both sides believe they are. Who decided what colours should be shown and coat types...don't even go there. The origianl GSD was a long coat, bred to guard sheep in cold countries, it didn't matter what colour he was. Now he must have a short coat, not be white in colour and his tail has to be a certain length without curl etc etc. Who decided their tails should be cut off. Don't be fooled by those enthusiasts who say that it helps when they go down holes out hunting, easier to grab it seems. Ever tried to grab a Doberman's stump while he wriggles down a hole in the ground...I think not. Thankfully some sensible people are now saying we should not be chopping their tails off, cropping their ears and cutting their coats into fancy designs to show. We need to get back to normal dogs that can actually do what they were bred for. Ever seen a short legged, grossly overweight Labrador try to do field work....ugh!

Enough said...

Posted by: Heather Hayes | March 24, 2009 02:07 PM