OK, I have to voice my opinion here (eeeks)
Great posts, especially on the medical side of breeding. I do think AKC serves a wonderful purpose of preserving the breed, as it's very nice to purchase an AKC dog and know what you're supposed to get.
On the other side, as we keep all these non AKC purebreds from being born, a new situation has been generated. The cost of obtaining a non purebred dog for a home has gone thru the roof. It's almost impossible to find a mut puppy without paying an arm and a leg. I am a firm believer that when you have children, you should be very careful in choosing your dog. I have never wanted to bring an adult dog into our home with kids, as you never know what their temperment will be with kids (my kids are very loving with pets).
I think in the attempt to "save" dogs (and cats for that matter), rescue leagues have defeated their purpose. They have certainly pushed families towards purchasing dogs with papers...hence development of all the "other" registration organizations now.
It's not a terrible thing to breed your Yorkie who doesn't look exactly like a Yorkie (these posts were a bit hars on ya). The pups should not be sold as AKC breeders. I think there are fantatic puppies coming from homes who breed their dogs once or twice. Many times over would not be responsible for any dog owner. Why is it OK for breeders to do so? Don't they face the same problems listed? I've had fabulous "mut" pets, and I've got two fabulous AKC dogs now.
The real problem is the process of adopting a dog from a rescue league.
OK, take it easy on me ladies
