Humane Society issues "designer dog" warning

[nifer]

Humane Society issues "designer dog" warning
Monday, 17 April 2006

The Humane Society of the United States Warns Consumers:
"Hybrid" dogs can have just as many problems as purebreds

WASHINGTON (April 17, 2006) - The names and faces may be irresistible, but the trendiest dogs - hybrid or "designer" dogs like Puggles (Pugs and Beagles) and Labradoodles (Labradors and Poodles) -- are far from perfect.

Those who profit from these newly designed dogs tout that, by breeding two different purebred dogs, they create a new breed that possesses all of the positives but not any of the challenges from each breed. That promise, along with high price tags and celebrities toting their Shorkies and Puggles around on the pages of gossip magazines, has created a trend guaranteed to result in more homeless dogs, says The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

The hybrid fascination is similar to the Hollywood dog hype. When purebred dogs are in movies such as 101 Dalmatians or Eight Below, everyone wants one. The result: within twelve months of a fad, relinquishment of that breed to shelters and rescue groups increases according to The HSUS. People want to be "in style" and are attracted to how a dog looks in the media. They often do not consider the breed's specific needs or personality which is not portrayed in the media.

Stephanie Shain, leading dog expert and director of outreach for companion animals for The HSUS explains, "We want consumers to understand that so-called "hybrid" puppies are not protected from genetic diseases. They are just as likely to have the same problems that other puppies have who come from large-scale, high-volume breeding, especially since the demand is massive and puppy mills are responding by pumping out the hybrid-du-jour as quickly as possible."

Puppy mills are horrid breeding facilities that produce purebred and mixed-breed or "hybrid" puppies in large numbers and sell them to pet stores, or directly to consumers through the internet or newspaper ads, disguised as reputable breeders. "Factory breeding like this increases the chances of a puppy having genetic, physical and emotional problems which may not be apparent at first," Shain says.

She adds, "We are concerned that people are caught up in the trend and not doing research on the needs and personalities of the breed. History is proof that when people purchase dogs based on looks alone, the animal ultimately ends up being given away to a shelter, adding to the over 4 million homeless dogs already in shelters. If you have done your research and have your heart set on a particular breed, one of four dogs in shelters is a purebred - some even hybrids."

The HSUS encourages people to consider the following before buying a "hybrid" dog:

* There are no perfect dogs and hybrids are not protected from diseases.
* There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. Allergies are from dander, not fur. Dogs with hair, not fur, can lessen shedding but not eliminate it completely, and are no guarantee of keeping allergies at bay.
* Do not purchase a hybrid - or any dog -- from a pet store where the majority of dogs are from puppy mills and are therefore more likely to become ill.
* Be sure you get the dog from a reputable breeder, someone who insists that they meet you and that you see first-hand where the dog and its mother come from.
* A good breeder will provide paperwork detailing genetic testing which has been done to screen for health problems for which the breed is predisposed.
* Do research before buying a puppy so you know about the needs of the breed. You are making a commitment to bring this dog into your life for 15 years. You want to be sure he or she is the right fit for your lifestyle.
* Before buying a dog, take visit your local animal shelter. One of four shelter dogs is a purebred, and the rest are hybrids in their own right - mixes of two or more breeds. If you want a true "one-in-a-million" dog, you will find one at a shelter - and you will save hundreds to thousands of dollars and save a life.

For more information on adopting a dog, rescuing a purebred, finding a reputable breeder and more, visit www.PuppyBuyersGuide.com.

http://www.leonardonline.net/graphic...d=91&Itemid=37

[rrosenberry]

Good, I'm glad to see they did this. There are way to many unwanted dogs, we don't need creations... of more. JMHO

PS~ when I went to my local pound not long ago.. there was 3 Puggles there...

[livingdustmops]

Great Post

I have copied and saved it.

[livingdustmops]

Can we please make this a stickey? Pretty Please

[sneri13]

Great post. I know a few people who have had to have a designer dog only to give it away. Getting a pet is a lifetime commitment and should be looked at in great depth before getting one.