[Keion]

Originally Posted by Britster

My main point is that simply because a dog is AKC registered... doesn't necessarily mean it's going to be healthy. I am one of those people that believe mutts from the pound generally live healthier lives. I have no scientific evidence to back this up -- but I have read some in the past, but just from experience. A family friend has some black lab mix, who is turning 17 years old this year, as well as 15 or so other people I've known in my lifetime have had mutts that lived to be almost 20, whereas most all the purebreds wind up having health problems. A friend's 7 month old Golden just got diagnosed with *drawing a blank* but it's going to be a $5000 surgery. There's so much nasty inbreeding going on. Half the dogs, probably more than half, from BYB's and puppy mills are AKC Registered. I don't know, I just find them to be not as reputable as people claim them to be. But maybe I just don't know enough information.

Agreed totally with Brister here! Neo Mastiffs are on of the purebreds that apply. Just because they are purebred and AKC recognized doesn't mean they are healthy. Neo Mastiffs are one of the most unhealthy breeds and people still breed them! Honestly I think crossbreeding would do some good with these dogs. They have a ton of health problems and it is a wonder they make it to 10 years old (the life expectancy).