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If you are wondering what is the right dog for you, this is the place to be. In this introductory forum we talk about topics such as breed vs. mix, size, age, grooming, breeders, shelters, rescues as well as requirements for exercise, space and care. No question is too silly here. This particular forum is for getting and giving helpful, nice advice. It is definitely not a forum for criticizing someone else's opinion, knowledge or advice. This forum is all about tail wagging and learning.
(Page 5 of 5: Viewing entries 41 to 47) 1 2 3 4 5 
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Bunny
Black dogs rock! |
 | | Barked: Fri Dec 11, '09 3:40pm PST | |  | |  | | I agree that the answer to this dilema is education , research and finding ways for working dogs to do what they are bred for , even if it isnt* exactly* what they were bred for . I have crossed so many breeds off my list that it isnt even funny. Entire groups as a matter of fact I am not a hunter but I think I can provide stimulating outlets for a Standard Poodle. ie, therapy work and helping deliver flyers. If I was closer to the classes , I think obedience would be awesome for Bunny. I also think Princess would do well in agility in spite of the fact that she was bred as a companion dog I am iffy on the flat face dogs. I really dont understand the point of that at all. Most other dogs with odd characteristics such as short legs were bred with purposes in mind. What possible need is there for a dog to have trouble breathing? |  |  | |  |
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Pugsley
When please- doesn't work ...- Beg! |
| | Barked: Fri Dec 11, '09 6:07pm PST | | | | | | Because Pugs were bred to be companion dogs. Not all of them havebreathing troubles, yes you have to watch them. But a well bred pug can live a long happy trouble free life.
I live in Ca and it easily gets over 100 during the summer.. and Pugsley still does just fine. No, I can't take him for a 10 mile walk, but I don't think you would do that to any dog in that heat. He does agility and can keep up with my Aussies. In cool weather he can easily run around with them out back and play hard. I do sometimes have to take him away from play if I feel it's getting to much. But honestly, to much could go for a "normal" faced dog when it comes to Aussies.. our Mutt has trouble keeping up!
I always get a little pit in my stomach when people bring up flat faced breeds, I would be deeply sadden if they decided not to breed Pugs because some bad breeders don't know how to breed them properly. | | | | |
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Tally
Izzat chicken? |
| | Barked: Fri Dec 11, '09 6:25pm PST | | | | | | Something needs to be done about cavs' health issues. I will say that. Heart problems don't seem like there's anything connected to them that make cavs particularly good at their jobs, and too many cavs have those problems. We ought to figure out what it's connected to and try to correct for that.
Some others maybe should be bred for some more moderation, like bulldogs and pugs. | | | | |
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Ginger- M.I.A.
give me a- miracle |
| | Barked: Tue Dec 15, '09 6:25pm PST | | | | | | I'm really late to the party, but this is a really good thread!
I'm on the fence here, I guess. I definitely approve of companion-bred dogs. If you know that your market is pet buyers, breed dogs that will work for that! Less suffering all around. I think Lillith's breed is a very good idea- make a smaller, more manageable husky. Fewer dogs would end up in shelters and rescue if people wouldn't buy dogs with inappropriate working character. (Or more people should work their dogs! Tracking, hunting, sledding, carting, etc, are really rewarding for people and dogs, like Gunner said.)
But I also think working breeds should stay that way, or if they become popular as pets, the hardcore working breeders need to stand their ground and start a separate registry. Who needs the AKC anyway? Working BC breeders started the ABCA, and working Siberian Husky breeders have split off too- the Seppala Siberian Sleddog. Just say "no way!" to show lines, loud and proud!
I started a thread about inbreeding and genetic bottlenecking in the Health Forum, and was afraid I'd get jumped on, so it's good to see I'm not alone. Conformation breeding has reduced the gene pool of working breeds by selecting for dogs that all look like clones of each other, exaggerating the physical features and neglecting the working attitude they used to have.
And lastly, I think if a dog's working purpose is completely obsolete, like the wolfhounds, or fighting breeds, we should be taking the temperament towards companion status, or let it go extinct. Dogs who can't do a job their brain and body are configured for are not going to lead happy lives. English Mastiffs used to be aggressive war dogs, for pity's sake, I don't think anyone is sad they aren't like that anymore.
So like I said, I'm kinda on the fence here. I don't mean to be contradictory, I guess working breeds should only keep their character if someone if someone still needs them. (like the herding dogs, gundogs, etc.) And that working breeders shouldn't have to go through the AKC and its obsession with "purity" over performance.
This post has gotten way too long... | | | | |
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Maisy- [adopted]
squirrel dog |
| | Barked: Wed Dec 16, '09 7:49am PST | | | | | | "Dogs who can't do a job their brain and body are configured for are not going to lead happy lives."
I agree! My hands and most of my household items can attest to that fact, living with a squirrel dog who does not get to hunt squirrels. And she gets tons of exercise! Still, its not the job she needs and therefore she is frustrated. | | | | |
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  | (Page 5 of 5: Viewing entries 41 to 47)
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