I knew my comment would get a rise out of somebody! Good point about the need for work and guide dogs - I hadn't thought of that.
My comment was directed more to what I call vanity dogs, those rare and pricey breeds that attract humans (aka "owners") who use them as an exotic fashion accessory or lifestyle enhancer. On 2/7/07, Christopher McCann <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
I do think that adopting a shelter dog is a wonderful thing to do. 3-4 million dogs are euthanized in the US every year, which is a terrible shame. However, it is NOT the only ethical way to acquire a dog. Serious breeders, who are not in it for money, but to continually improve the breed are a great benefit to dogdom and to society. Many dogs are working dogs - they have jobs. If everyone bought from shelters and stopped buying purebred dogs, these breeds would be gone. Herding dogs for farmers, flock protection dogs for ranchers, hunting dogs for all types of hunting, German Shepherds alone are suited to SOOOO many useful tasks: seeing eye dogs, police work, seizure detection, blood sugar "reminder" dogs for diabetics (they smell your sugar level and poke your tummy when you need to eat)....many more example could be given. Critter Control in Kansas City uses terriers for their original purpose - killing rats in your house! The various qualities of working breeds must be retained, LITERALLY for the good of society. It's not by accident that dogs were domesticated over 7,000 years ago and have been an important part of society since. They are not just fluffy moving decorations/toys. It used to be that dogs were primarily to do a job. Now most are companions (which is a job too, but different). If you want a companion dog, yeah, seriously check out the local shelter. But to say this is the only ethical way to get a dog is rediculous. I think your concern is much better channelled into encouraging people who have NO BUSINESS breeding dogs to have theirs neutered and spayed. Most dogs end up in shelters because of obedience problems...99% of the time it's the owners fault. In Kansas City, we have a great and inexpensive dog obedience school whose mission is to train owners so that they have well behaved dogs that do not end up in shelters. Chris andrew strasfogel <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: There is only one ethical way to choose a dog breed: adopt your pet from the local humane society shelter! There are a plethora of sizes, breeds and temperaments to choose from, and the modest adoption fee goes to a good cause. That's where we found Woby, a Tibetan Terrier who had the highest bark to size ratio of any dog in existence to go with his woebegone expression. On 2/7/07, Zoltan Finks wrote: > > Yes, I would remind that breeds certainly do vary within a breed. The > poorer, or the less-focused the breeding program, the more the variance. I > include in the category of less-focused those that breed for pets and not > for the particular purpose for which the breed was developed. Yes, there > are > breeds that were developed for no purpose other than to be a pet, and it > is > harder to find actual proof of the puppy's quality in these cases. > > As Chris said, there are puppy tests that judge temperament, though I've > found a lot of breeders get offended if you offer to administer them. Most > breeders that think highly of their program will tell you what's up rather > than have you tell them anything. Most of the time, at least in the case > of > working kennels, the breeder will profile you and decide which pup is the > best match for you. > > Research and attend dog shows or performance events pertaining to the > breed > you are interested in. People are usually more than happy to tell you the > good and the bad about the breed unless they are getting ready for their > ring time. However, they are much less willing to speak of who is a good > or > bad breeder. Meeting the dam and sire are pretty useful, though certainly > no > guarantee. > > Brian > > > Chris wrote: > breeds certainly have unique temperments/personalities and qualities, but > temperment also varies widely within each breed. > _______________________________________ > http://www.okiebenz.com > For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ > For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: > http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com > _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com --------------------------------- Don't be flakey. Get Yahoo! Mail for Mobile and always stay connected to friends. _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
