Soapbox Time – All Dogs Come From Breeders

Written by: Matt Townsend

All dogs come from breeders. Dogs don’t come from shelters, pet adoption websites, newspaper ads, or surprised next-door neighbors. Puppies arrive in this world because a person planned – or didn’t plan – for the production/prevention of a litter of puppies. The amount of planning and responsibility varies wildly, but a human is behind every puppy that comes into the world. Please think about it.

Fewer than 1 in 5 puppies in America is born under circumstances where the breeder planned for the pregnancy, whelped and raised the puppies, registered them, placed them in responsible homes, and ultimately took responsibility for their welfare. A fraction of these purebred puppies are born to preservation breeders – breeders committed to preserving and improving the qualities of a breed they love.

Purebred dogs are not just a luxury. They are National Heritage. When I see an American Foxhound, I think of president George Washington and his creation of the breed; one of this dog’s ancestors sat at George Washington’s feet! When I see an Akita, I think of the Japanese values and traditions that have led to the development of such a magnificent dog. How incredibly American is the ingenuity behind the Boston Terrier? Every breed is the living embodiment of a national story of people, times, culture, and values. Losing a breed is a tragic loss.

Preservation breeders look after their puppies for life. If you walk into a shelter, finding a puppy from one is rarer than hens’ teeth. Preservation breeders take puppies back if they are not wanted because they were and are loved by the people who put so much effort into their creation.

The purebred dogs that are there – often “pitbulls” and “Chihuahuas” – are commonly misidentified and carelessly brought into the world. Many preservation breeders and their breeds are part of Rescue organizations which make sure dogs of their breed don’t go through shelter programs in the event they need to be re-homed.

Purebred dogs, the AKC, and preservation breeders are highly visible and there is a horrible problem with unwanted dogs being euthanized and mistreated. The problem, however, is not caused by breeders who passionately work to preserve breed history, national heritage, and a 15,000 year-old craft. Neither is the problem with clubs and individuals committed to purebred dogs. The problem is with the breeders you don’t see who fail to take even a modicum of responsibility for their role in bringing puppies into the world.

It’s easy to put a spotlight on the AKC and purebred dog breeders. They are someone we can point to and blame for a problem that lies much deeper in our society and the vindication can feel so good when we blame them. Yes, purebred dogs have some bad actors that need to be addressed. However, the vast, vast majority of dogs born in the United States come from individuals that take almost no responsibility for what they have done as a breeder. I wish we would make efforts to hold them to account for the horror of mass euthanasia of man’s best friend.

In the meantime, individuals like you and me can take action. Encourage friends and family not to produce puppies if they don’t have a plan that commits to their future well-being. Support rescues and low-cost spay & neuter clinics. Learn and share the magnificent story and national heritage of the breed you love! Volunteer at your local animal shelter. Educate others about responsible dog ownership. Join your local dog club. If everyone takes some small actions, we can make the world a much better place for our four-legged partners in life.

 

Posted by showresults on Jul 26 2022. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.