Travis and Katt,
I've been nothing but polite to you in this thread. I hope that you don't group me with the supposed smugness that plagues this forum.
I have a puppymill (or back yard breeder) mix. He is a "Schnoodle" (although I call him a Schnauzer mix). I bought him because I saw some adorable photos, I wanted a non-shedding dog, and I thought the breeder sounded good.
Most people in this thread are fine with the fact that you have mixed breed dogs. A lot of people, if you haven't noticed, have commented that Travis's puppy is incredibly cute. I agree--he's amazing.
This isn't about "purebred vs. mixed breeds" at all. The comparisons of health (sorry BP) between those groups are completely irrelevant to the message most of us are trying to convey.
We're asking you to critically evaluate the breeders of your dogs the same way anyone would critically evaluate a purebred breeder. Use the same criteria. Are you comfortable with everything you know about them? Is it OK that they won't let you visit before you offer payment? Do you really think they care about the dogs, or are they breeding for their own financial gain?
I'm all about capitalism. Supply and demand is right, Travis. But these are living, breathing animals. For some reason, people have decided that we have dominion over everything else on this planet. Dominion is governance--not forcing two animals to mate so we can make some quick money from their offspring. Are your breeders truly, honestly interested in the well being of their puppies?
Look at Spiritus, a member of this board.
http://www.spiritusdogs.ca She isn't breeding only "snobby show dogs" and in several places, she makes references to her puppies as being pets. I consider her a great breeder due to her interest in the well being of her dogs. (Spiritus, correct me if I'm wrong on any of this. It's just my impression) She isn't breeding for "mini" or a certain coat color. She respects the complete dog and breeds as such--it isn't driven by the kind of animal that will make her the most profit.
On the other hand, we have Von Hunter kennels, who also post here on occasion. They aren't breeding pets. They are breeding "high caliber police/military service dogs". These guys have a purpose and their dogs excel at their jobs. It is clear from their main page that they don't bias their selection on "lines" or any other pretentious measures--they just want the best of the best working dogs. I consider them to be highly reputable.
http://www.vonhunterkennels.com/VHKenter.htm
We bought Herschel through PayPal. Any breeder that accepts payment online without meeting the adopters is at the bottom of the barrel. I can't believe we just sent $750 and then Herschel arrived by plane 2 weeks later. How can people treat animals like this? They aren't commodities or accessories!
Congratulations on your new puppy. Goldendoodle or egg noodle, I'm sure Coda will be a great companion. Please stop defending your breeder. It doesn't reflect on you or your puppy that Mis B-Haven is unethical.
We aren't attacking either of you or your dogs. We aren't saying they are less healthy, less beautiful, or less intelligent than any purebred dogs. We are just trying to help you understand that your breeder is in this for the wrong reasons and we don't need any new types of dog breeds.
