Pet Lovers

[goldensrbest]

I find it troubling, like some one said many so called mutts need homes,to do designer dogs, just seems to be for profit. And hate seeing goldens used,or labs.

[Carmie]

I have Cavalier King Charles Spaniels ( CKCS).  My prior two died at age 8 and 9.  I now have two more.  One from an excellent breeder and one rescued.

This breed has many genetic problems.  Many do not have long lives.  The responsible breeders spend thousands to get them tested before they are allowed to breed, but there are still medical issues.

Some breeders are mixing them with poms, poodles, etc. to get healthier dogs with the wonderful CKCS personalities.

I see no problems mixing breeds.  Even pure bred dogs are mixed way back in their lineage.  There really are no pure bred dogs.

I do have a problem with back yard breeders and " farmers" who breed dogs for profit only.  Dogs are domesticated and family members and should be treated with dignity.  They are not breeding money making machines.  

Here is PA, we have problems with Puppy Mills.  They need to be shut down.  These are not breeders, they are criminals and should be prosecuted.

Designer breeds are mostly okay, but the " breeders" of many of them investigated and stopped if they are not being responsible.  If you buy a dog, make sure they are not puppy mill dogs.

A friend of mine had a puppy mill shepherd that was only two years old and healthy.  They had to put him down because he would not allow anyone near their daughter.  Their story is sad and sickening. I will spare you the details.

[PJinIA]

I think there is room for both rescue animals & designer dogs.  I rescued a pound puppy 4 years ago who was obviously traumatized.  She's a Chihuhua/Powder Puff Chinese Crested mix and came from a breeding situation.  She was 8 yrs old when I got her and after a short adjustment period she has turned out to be the most lovable and truly grateful pet I've ever had.  I love that little girl to pieces.  I also have a Golden/Sheepadoodle, he's now 1 1/2 years old.  He's a handfull and I was tempted to give him back to the breeder after the first week.....SO MUCH ENERGY.  But with extra  patience & time he has since turned into a very good boy....very smart, easy to house train and understands multiple commands.  It doesn't have to be an either or decision.  Get one of each!

[threecees]

Golden Doodles are very popular now. I know two families that live near me

that have one each. They are very big, strong dogs as I walk one of the

dogs for my neighbor. Very expensive breed also if purchasing one.

I still love my Goldens, so loving and wonderful.

[BlueFinch]

I had my first dog as a toddler (GSD) and many more over the years, all purebred dogs. My 1st GSD had hip dysplasia, a Toy Fox Terrier went blind before one year old, my Akita had horrendous dysplasia, my Shiloh Shepherd developed IMHA, which took his life. The Akita and Shiloh came from reputable, well vetted, breeders, with lengthy owner contracts. Expected better for them, and myself. It wasn't to be.

While backyard breeders disgust me, and designer dogs can be a problem, I don't discount that if done correctly, we might be able to create more healthy family dogs, by mediating some of the common illnesses with certain breeds, with the positive genes of another breed. If it's done with this purpose, I can't object. 

All that said, my current dog is a rescue GSD/Lab. I can distinctly see both breed characteristics in my dog's behavior. In my opinion, his breed diversity has created a super dog, in strength, health and intelligence. So, if I had life to live over, I'd never go for a purebred dog again. Not with my past experiences and the problems others I know have had. 

[Sweetbay magnolia]

What could be more irresponsible, are those that choose not to spay/neuter, but not breed selectively, either.

[Just Bling]

@goldensrbest 

It's a little late now,, one breed has been around since 1959 and the other became popular in the 90's.

Why?  Because the cross breed brings in big money, last time I was considering one was 2014 and the breeder was asking $3000 per puppy and another breeder was asking $4500.

They are kind and gentle dogs, a lot of maintenence to keep that fur dry and intact.

[fairydogmother]

Most of the people I know with doodles, shave them down because they don't want to maintain the coat properly. The dogs look ridiculous. I always want to ask, why buy a dog that has characteristics you don't even want? 
Re: rescue vs purebreds, some people want the specific breed traits that only a well bred purebred dog can offer. My daughter is one of those. She knew she wanted a West Highland Terrier. She did her due diligence to find a responsible breeder. Her dog Tulip is an outstanding representation of the breed and a wonderful companion. 
My husband and I have mutts currently. We've had purebreds in the past. We looked  into rescue but frankly don't have the inclination to deal with known behavior problems and unknown backgrounds. Also, small or toy dogs go very quickly from shelters and foster homes. The remainder tend to be pits or pit mixes. Another thing I discovered recently- some of the rescues make it nearly impossible to adopt. They put up so many obstacles that you walk away shaking your head. One of them actually required that the adopters

live within a certain radius so the rescue ppl can monitor you, make sure you're keeping vet appointments etc. Uh no thanks.  There's a dog out there for everyone. I appreciate the many options available. 

[goldensrbest]

If a responsible golden breeder,and lab breeder that has the interest in breeding them,goldens,or labs, that does health clearances,and wants to up hold the best of these breeds,would not do this, just ask a good reputable breeder,not back yard breeders.None that i have come across does this for the interest of these breeds.

[goldensrbest]

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@SilleeMee wrote:

I thinks it's a personal choice which someone makes. I have nothing against that.

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I don't think your breeder friend would do this,at all,she has great linage,in her goldens ,wish i could get one.