Breeding Cats and Dogs, why?

In My Humble Opinion
1

What advantages are there to having a pure-bred cat or dog?

I’ve known several animal lovers who would “never get a dog from the pound” Having received all of my dogs from the pound and all of my cats as strays, I can’t imagine buying a cat or dog, instead of “rescuing”, “adopting” or just accepting that a stray has chosen me as it’s person.

When I’ve asked why an overpriced pure bred dog is a better choice than a friendly humane society mutt, I’ve been met with vague answers like “higher quality” and “better behavior”, but alot of pure-bred dogs seem to suffer from ailments caused by inbreeding, such as hip dysplasia or weak eyesight. I don’t understand why this is a better deal than a well trained mutt who at least has a fighting chance at a long life with strong hips and good eyesight.

What is the attraction to breeding and purchasing bred cats and dogs?

I apologize if this is too strong for IMHO. I don’t mean to be inflammatory, I just honestly don’t understand and I’m more than willing to be set straight on matters.

2

Well, often it’s because people want a specific character trait that is more common in a particular breed, because people have selected for centuries that trait to be perpetuated. Unfortunately, sometimes other, undesireable traits have been carried along as well, that may or may not have been apparent, which is one of the downsides to purebred dogs that mixed breeds can be superior at.

For example, I have Border Collies. I started liking them for their trainability, and because they’re traditional cowboy dogs in my area. Someone gave me one, and that started me off. Now, I work cattle with my male dog, and that’s not really an inborn skill that your average pound dog is going to have - at least, it’s not something that you’re going to be able to see in a random dog.

I’ve bred my dogs for other people in the area that wanted working dogs. I did sell some as pets, but most of mine went for a specific purpose. And when the demand in my social circle dried up, I spayed my female (raising puppies is a pain!), but I still breed out my male now and then.

For working dogs, at least - I mean people who want dogs to do a specific thing, it’s easier to start with a breed that has proven its affinity to that task than to start from scratch and try to train a dog that may not have the gift for whatever you’re trying to do. It is true that some purebreds don’t have the gift either, but you’ve got a better chance of finding one that does.

And the same may go for pets. People may want a dog that’s great with children, or likes to sit on the couch all day, or makes a good watch dog. Each breed has general traits that make it easier to pick out what you want in a dog.

Not to disparage mixed breeds - some of my favorite pets have been mixed breeds, but there is more of a random chance there. My sister has gone through a couple of pound dogs that just didn’t fit with her family and had to be rehomed. Next time, she may choose something based on expected personality, rather than “ooh, cute puppy!”

But cats? Beats me.

3

IANAPBAB (I Am Not A Pure Bred Animal Breeder), but there are some advantages to getting your cat or dog from a breeder with a pedigree that are not about the pet’s appearance:

  • Purebred cats and dogs have a tendency to be better designed for various practical functions. Mr. Average Home Owner is probably more comfortable with a Doberman guarding his castle than some random mutt.
  • Along those lines, certain breeds are known to have “better” temperaments than others. It’s less of a shot in the dark if you know the cat you’re getting is a breed that’s known to be better behaved than your average cat.
  • Some breeds are also known to be easier to train than others.
  • Take all the above, plus the aesthetic element and an ambitious owner, it’s possible to make money by having your pure bred cat or dog compete in dog/cat shows.

Granted, I’m not one to bother getting any pure bred animals, but I can understand the attraction.
D

4

My two dogs are pure breds (shelties). I looked for that particular breed because I’d grown up with them, knew a lot about them, and loved them. I knew my limits and what I could and couldn’t deal with. This breed had the traits I loved and very few of the traits I can’t handle.

I did make sure to meet the dogs’ parents and evaluate them for behavior. I made sure I went to reputable breeders. In addition, I made sure to ask about any occurrences of the health issues common to the breed in the dogs’ bloodlines. Also, the breeders offered a money back period for each dog should initial health problems show up. Both dogs went to the vet for a full check up shortly after purchase (well within that trial period).

I realize that there’s no guarantee a particular dog will conform to the general traits of the breed. However, since these were my first dogs, I preferred to stack the odds in my favor.

However, my next dog may very well be a pound puppy! These two dogs were the first dogs I’ve had on my own. These days, I’m more confident in my dog skills–so I may be ready to deal with the uncertainty of a pound dog next time around.

5

Cowgirl, thank you for your reply. Your Border Collie example made perfect sense. I can definitely see how some dogs seem better suited to perform various tasks than other dogs. This doesn’t really address the normal housedog, except that “I wanted one of those cute Pomeranians!” or whatever. Specialized work dogs do make perfect sense though, I thank you for bringing that to my attention.

Dahnlor, I don’t know if I can buy the “better watchdog” theory. It seems like any large, loud dog would be sufficient. Of course, I’m far from an expert in this particular field.

I definitely see the draw as far as show dogs or cats are concerned, but I’m not convinced that an animal lover would necessarily put their animal through the rigors of show life. My friend adopted an ex-show cat (Oriental Shorthair) when he stopped placing in show, and he seems alot more neurotic than most kitties I’ve met. He’s quite loving, but he HATES having his head touched or held in place, even for a quick moment. He goes from purr monster to neurotic mess in .005 seconds. Of course, his presenters may have handled him incorrectly, which isn’t necessarily indicitave of the profession itself.

Perish the thought of my precious kitties getting their mouth or body poked and looked at for purely aesthetic purposes though. =( They’d be so mad at me if I let a stranger look at them funny, let alone TOUCH them. Of course, they’d also make crappy show animals since one is teetering at 18 lbs (OF PURE MUSCLE, ahem) and the other is quite moody and has a bit of a flabby tummy.

6

I think the main reason people go for purebred dogs is looks; they like the golden retreiver’s coat, the dalmatian’s spots, or the pug’s profile, for example. Getting a purebred pup of the desired breed is a reliable way to get the desired look. Choosing a dog based on looks alone is a bad idea, but i think that is the way a lot of folks get their pets.

And sure, shelters often have purebred dogs: the sad “leftovers” of idiots who bought their dog based on looks and then realized it was the wrong dog for them, or they didn’t feel like training it and got tired of it’s behavior, etc. No longer cute puppies, the dogs go to the shelter.

The folks who might have enough sense to check the pound for the breed they desire usually want puppies, so they leave the shelter and head for a breeder.

Where the whole cycle continues.

7

I find it admirable that you sought out pups that you felt you could care for with the most confidence. I admit that I hadn’t taken that into consideration. I wish you the best of luck with a good pound puppy if and when you choose that route. :wink:

8

I’ve had both kinds of cats and dogs. The last several cats we’ve gotten were from animal rescue groups, and have grown up to be wonderful.

However, one advantage of purebred animals is that they are extraordinarily unlikely to have leukemia, immune deficiency disease, and so on. Of course, I’m talking about animals acquired from the owner and breeder, not pet-shop mills. Another is, as previously mentioned, certain personality traits that you like. I am extraordinarily fond of Siamese cats, especially the old-fashioned round-headed ones, not the inbred rat-like creatures that have become fashionable.

Getting a pet of whatever kind directly from the breeder means that you can get to see at least the mother, and see what kind of shape she’s in, which gives you some idea about her offspring.

One of the St. Bernards we had was of an excellent, show-quality blood line. Unfortunately, she seemed to have a fertility problem; despite several breedings, she never conceived. For the owners, she was therefore a complete loss, and we got her for nothing. She would have been euthanized if they couldn’t find a home for her.

One of our current cats was rescued, and as a tiny kitten she tested positive for FIV. Fortunately, it must have been a residue from her mother, because she was negative 6 months later and is simply a love and a joy to behold.

Another cat we rescued ourselves and spent about as much on his various medical treatments to have bought a couple of pedigreed animals.

9

That’s exactly what I’m afraid is happening. This thread has offered alot of insight as far as work dogs and specific breeds for specific situations, but I’m pretty sure that your average Joe walking into The Pet Pad is probably thinking, “OMG LOOKIT THE SO-CUTE PUG!” and paying through the nose so that they can continue to keep sad, cute dogs in little glass boxes while Pounds continue to euthanize for lack of funds.

:frowning:

10

Ahhh!! If my cat couldn’t walk right and had three kidney stones, I’d still keep her and take care of her. I can’t imagine having an animal euthanized because it can’t breed. Is this standard practice for breeders? Am I completely naive to assume that breeder = animal lover?

Either way, it’s wonderful that you were able to take her in. =)

11

Saint Bernards consume a lot of food. If you’re going to take care of an animal right, it costs money. Sure, you like animals, but if you’re a breeder, it’s also your livelihood. In our Ursula’s case, the same glandular imbalance that caused her to be infertile apparently also gave her a voracious appetite. Unless restrained, she would push the other dogs out of the way and eat all the food she could get. So not only was there expense, there was special treatment, possibly special diet, and so on. That’s a lot of trouble and money to spend. However, I think it was inevitable that somebody would take her, but if no one could be found in a reasonable time, there would not have been a really viable alternative.

Of course, just to be really sure, and for everyone’s convenience as well, we had her spayed when we brought her home. Sure enough, once she was the only dog, with a moderate amount of food, she slimmed right down. What a sweetie she was.

Of course, this brings up one of the other points that has already been made. This was our second St. B. The first one had died of bone cancer at about 5 years of age. Ursula died of a twisted stomach at around the same age. The vet told us that even with the most excellent care, these ultra-large breeds tend not to live long. It’s a shame, though, because there are few things that will make you go “Awwww…” faster than a basket of St. Bernard puppies.

12

My brother is a greyhound addict. Right now he has three, all retired racing dogs. He loves their looks and personality, and since they’re retired racers, they would have been put down if someone hadn’t adopted them as pets.

I never really cared for the looks of greyhounds in pictures, but I think that they are beautiful in person. They are very sweet, loving dogs. Retired racers or breeders have to be properly socialized, and have to learn to live with humans instead of in a dog run, but his three and the other greyhounds I’ve met (he hangs around with other people who have greyhounds) are very lovable dogs, always ready for a bit of attention.

Needless to say, these dogs are all purebreds, though they weren’t bred for the pet market.

13

Cat person chiming in. I have two purebred cats (Turkish Vans) which I show as alters. And I have two rescued cats. I also work with a rescue org that I’m fostering for. Eventually I would like to breed Turkish Vans. I’ve definetly seen both sides of this topic.

I bought the pure breds for two reasons. One, I had had bad luck health wise with my rescue cats. One has chronic ear and allergy problems that have cost me a bundle. The other came with an upper respitory infection that require a trip to the emergency vet his first night home. He also has some behavioral problems I’ll get into in a bit. I had a third rescue that died of kidney disease six months after I got him, again, costing a lot of money. I know illness is a part of pet owning and I don’t begrudge my babies a dime but it is very stressful, on me and the pets. My purebreds came with a certificate of health and basically a money back gaurantee if any sort of congenital illness showed up. I met both their parents and know their lineage back five generations. They’re extrodinarily healthy and have only been to the vet for their shots. No emergency vets. No chronic problems, nothing. Yes, I had to pay several hundred dollars for them but I’ve only spent $80 in vet bills. We’re more then even.

Second, I knew what I was getting personality wise. Turkish Van’s have certain traits specific to their breed that I liked and my boys have. Their curious, loyal, klutzy and they like to swim. (No really, they do. Do a Google image search for Turkish Van, you’ll see). I knew what I wanted in a cat and I got it. My rescues are wonderful kitties and I adore them. But one has abandonment issues and an unpredictable temper and the other has behavioral things that I think trace back to being in the pound.

I could never pick any of my cats as better then the others. But, while I foster strays and rescues (Currently I have a mother cat and 5 one day old kittens in my bathroom) I don’t think I would ever own another one. I like the security that comes with a purebred. YMMV of course.

14

First, let me say that if you’re shopping at “The Pet Pad” or any other pet store that sells “pure-bred” animals for a profit, you are likely shafting yourself and perpetrating a devestating industry, pet mills. No reputable breeder will see a profit on breeding their animals. Sure, it looks like a lot of money when you hear that someone paid $1000 dollars for a show-quality animal, but when you factor in the vet bills, the stud fees, the time, effort and energy…you can HOPE to break even. Even that’s not likely. Pets for profit is a terrible way to go. This increases the chance of behavior problems, disease problems and so on. The goal of a reputable breeder is to improve the breed. The goal of a backyard breeder is to make some “easy” money. An aside on making money, Dahnlor, no breeder or show owner makes money on shows either. Prestige, sure, but not money. Very few shows have cash prizes, and most people pay other people to show their dogs for them. In the instance of a cash prize, it’s good form to give the money to the handler.

My second point supposes shopping with reputable breeders. I like purebred dogs because I can research them and know what I’m going to get. I’ll know what diseases they are prone to, for example Von Wildebrand’s (basically doggie hemophillia). I’ll have a good idea of what makes them tick, as I’ll know what they were bred for. Then, I’ll be able to meet the breeder and have them tell me what I need to look for that I’m not. I was looking into Welsh Corgis a while back, and found that a person really shouldn’t let them jump onto beds and couches because, with their long backs, they could have real back problems in the future. None of the books said this, I only found it out when talking to a breeder. No, it’s not standard form to euthanize a dog that can’t breed. Standard form is to find it an appropriate home. I’m not sure what happened in the case of MLS’s dog, but it sounds as if the owners didn’t do what they “should have.” In most sellers contracts, it states that in the event that a dog is not “show-quality” anymore, a refund of the difference between “pet” price and “show” price is offered. The owners are also welcome to find the animal a home if they don’t want it, but if they don’t want to or can’t, the dog is to be returned to the breeder so he/she can find it a home (and a full refund). Breeders care about the puppies they bring into this world for their entire lives.

What goes along with knowing what you’re going to get from a breeder, is that you don’t know what you’re going to get from the pound. Sure, you’ll get an idea, but it could be way off base. The first dog that was “mine” was supposed to be a Schipperke (http://www.akc.org/breeds/recbreeds/shipper.cfm), according to the people at the pound. Imagine our surprise when he grew up to be 75lbs!

Finally, rescue is a wonderful thing. If you want all of your animals to be animals that were spared a horrible fate, I think that’s great. Just try to remember that animal shelters and reputable breeders have the same goal: to put the shelters out of business by making sure every dog has a home where it’s wanted.
BlueKangaroo is sorry for the long link in the middle of the thread. She does not yet know how to make a word a link.

15

Purebred dogs - FROM REPUTABLE BREEDERS - usually have a predictable temperament, set of instinct patterns, and look/size. A good example was given with the border collies.

Please note: with AKC, many dogs are registered and have papers - doesn’t mean they meet their breed standard in any way. Many puppy mills have been selling AKC registered pups to pet shops! Also, a lot of people (backyard breeders) call their puppies “purebred” because mom and dad are of the same breed. If neither parent is registered with a recognized registry like UKC, CKC (Canadian, not Continental) and AKC in north america, then the animal is NOT purebred. Of a given breed, sure, but NOT purebred.

Okay - that aside - a purebred dog from a reputable breeder IS MORE LIKELY to be genetically free of inheritable diseases and defects. Reputable breeders will GUARANTEE their puppies against hip dysplasia, against eye defects, heart defects and any other inherited illness including but not limited to epilepsy and auto-immune disorders.
Reputable breeders have their breeding stock cleared by the OFA (http:www.offa.org) - hips, elbows, eyes and other breed-specific screenings - have their eyes registered through CERF (a proceedure only done by specialist vets), have hearts and thyroid gland tested… and have worked with their dogs enough to know they have stable temperaments. They make sure their line is clear of diseases like Epilepsy. In some breeds, like tollers for example, we now have a genetic test to determine if the dog is a carrier, clear, or affected with Progressive Retinal Atrophy (which was a major problem in the breed prior) to avoid breeding affected dogs, or two carriers together (which would produce affected dogs)…

See? If you’re a good breeder, who does his or her homework, who is involved with the breed… you will produce puppies who are genetically and temperamentally sound. Not only that, but you will produce puppies that meet your beloved breed’s standard.

So - kill off the myth that purebred dogs are more likely to have health problems than mutts. Yes, there are serious problems with inbreeding in some breeds. Then, there are other breeds, like Aussies, where we have complex databases that calculate inbreeding coefficients for all possible litters you care to try out - all using the dogs listed in the ASCA registry and updated regularly.

That’s pretty cool, if you ask me :slight_smile:

16

Indeed! Most of us who show will pay, say, about $90 for a single dog, for a three day show weekend. That’s money you give up, not counting the money you spend on grooming supplies and on bait, on show leads and conformation training…

Usually, if your dog wins its class, goes winners dog and then Best of Breed (lucky you!) you’ll come home with a couple 15cent pieces of ribbon. if and only if your breed is having a special day (like a booster, or a specialty or some sort of sponsored-by-a-club event) you may win a class prize, or a prize for taking winners or something…

Last time Zap went Best of Breed, she came home with corn themed serving ware. Thrilling, I tell you. Pretty ribbons and rosettes… but yeah. :wink:

No one who is in dog fancy makes money off their dogs - not if they are truly serious about their dogs and their breed. Breeders often lose money on litters, not to mention on showing and doing stuff with their dogs. Imagine the class fees: obedience, agility, flyball, conformation plus shows… and all THOSE entries…

No, it’s a very expensive hobby… and shouldn’t be engaged in for cash or profit :slight_smile: If you find someone seems to be that way, don’t buy a dog from them :slight_smile:

17

I have a Coton de Tulear, a very rare breed. We’re the type of people who would have adopted from the SPCA, but my brother is allergic to almost every breed of dog and my dog was the only breed that he isn’t allergic to.

18

What everyone else has said about wanting a certain set of characteristics and traits. Not to mention looks.

I love aussies. I like their look, their crazy energy, their intelligence. If I could find an aussie at a shelter, that is if I didn’t already have one, I would have gotten one, at the time I bought my little girl.

But as it was, at least in Anchorage, the only dogs they usually have at the ASPCA are lab/husky mixes. I did get one dog from the pound years and years earlier, in fact, right before I got my little old poodle muttley mix (she was 17 when she died) from a newspaper ad, he was an adorable poodle muttley mix too. Unfortunately, he was an adult, and must have belonged to, and missed his real owner a great deal. I took him out for a walk one day, and he started getting really excited, he pulled out of my hands and ran away.

I suspect that i was near his old home and he recognized it and ran home. When I went looking for a companion dog for my aussie, I couldn’t find anything at the ASPCA except husky lab mixes.

Had I found a little female muttley, I would have gotten one there, but they never had any.

19

It’s been very encouraging to read all of the wonderful feedback about reputable breeders.

I’m definitely seeing a stark difference between people who breed for the love of the animal and “backyard breeders” and pet stores who seem to consider animals products, rather than well… animals.

20

I’ve been researching Dobermans for years. Sure I’ve read the books but there’s nothing like a 10 minute conversation with a reputable breeder to truly let you know what you’re getting into.

A reputable breeder is someone who wants to get to know you before selling you one of her precious pups. Expect to go through the Inquisition on more than one occasion. If she deems you worthy, you will be signing contracts that will most likely have a spay/neuter clause (if it’s just for a pet and not for conformation), guarantees against certain illnesses, perhaps a breeding clause* and a surrender clause. A reputable breeder will be there for the life of your dog and will take it back if something goes wrong. She would be horrified if one of her dogs ended up in a shelter and some make sure that their name is also on the microchip information in case the dog is lost or abandoned.

There is also the advantage of meeting the mom, checking out the pedigrees and seeing the rest of the litter. A reputable breeder will puppy test the litter and match you up with the one that is most suitable for you.

Now, GReeders just want the cold hard cash. These are the people keeping breed rescues in business by pumping out the pups as fast as the bitches can give birth. Places like the The Hunte Corporation are where your local pet stores get their dogs. It’s just a glorified puppy mill.

Pound puppies are usually supplied from the BackYard Breeders who want their kids to witness the ‘miracle of birth’, can’t be bothered to fix their dogs for numerous reasons, or just think that ‘Fido is just the bestest dog and by breeding her I can have a whole litter of dogs just like her and make a few bucks on the side’ but can’t find homes for the pups. Also included are victims of moves, untrained and out-of-control, ‘not a puppy anymore so can I trade it in for one’ and ‘doesn’t match the furniture’. (Those last two happened when I worked at the shelter.)

There’s nothing wrong with pound pups. Everyone just has their preference as to what they want in a dog and I think a lot of people are worried that they aren’t going to get what they want from a mystery dog in a cage. Not too many shelters are equipped to evaluate the dogs in their kennels and just go by what the surrendering owner tells them which, in my experience, is rarely the truth. This would change if I ruled the world. :smiley:

Personally, I want an intelligent, athletic, affectionate dog that I can use for SAR training, obedience and perhaps agility. The Doberman has caught my eye and my heart and I am taking care to find the perfect match for me whether it be a pup from a reputable breeder or a carefully screened rescue adult.

I do plan on adopting a retired racing Greyhound as well. They’re just wonderful pets.

As for cats, I’m sure they have the feline equivalents of breeders and GReeders. All my cats are strays, shelter adopted or feral (I do feral cat rescue). I love Pixie-Bobs but I doubt I’ll ever had the space for one! Everytime I see a retired breeder for adoption I have to remind myself to behave!

I just wish more people would fix their cats. Those buggers breed like rabbits! :frowning:

*Be careful with this one. Some GReeders tend to sell you a dog ONLY if you promise to breed it and give them the puppies.