The Crisis of Pet Overpopulation
- Thread starter dandandat
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The question I have is why is dog breading an acceptable behavior when there are so many animals already in existence in this world that are unwanted and uncared for?
I understand the mantra of the legitimate breeder is “we bread to improve the bread” and that they claim to be accountable for every puppy they bring into this world.
But why not use the energy wasted in improving the bread, something dogs are incapable of appreciating, while they can appreciate going hungry and uncared for, in finding decent homes for those deemed to be unworthy.
Also for every house a legitimate breeder places their puppy’s into, is one house of dog lovers that now is closed off to the unwanted dogs with out a home.
Further still, if designer dogs where not available, then we stupid humans could not get it into our heads that some dogs are unworthy, and if we want a dog we will have no choice but to take those with out a home.
We could even easily crack down on BYB and Puppy Mills, because if the legitimate breeders stop breading, then anyone who is breading after that are BYB and Puppy Millers and we could through the book at them with out worrying about overwhelming proof of their intentions.
I understand the mantra of the legitimate breeder is “we bread to improve the bread” and that they claim to be accountable for every puppy they bring into this world.
But why not use the energy wasted in improving the bread, something dogs are incapable of appreciating, while they can appreciate going hungry and uncared for, in finding decent homes for those deemed to be unworthy.
Also for every house a legitimate breeder places their puppy’s into, is one house of dog lovers that now is closed off to the unwanted dogs with out a home.
Further still, if designer dogs where not available, then we stupid humans could not get it into our heads that some dogs are unworthy, and if we want a dog we will have no choice but to take those with out a home.
We could even easily crack down on BYB and Puppy Mills, because if the legitimate breeders stop breading, then anyone who is breading after that are BYB and Puppy Millers and we could through the book at them with out worrying about overwhelming proof of their intentions.
Actually, I'm quite sure the dogs appreciate not suffering from all kinds of diseases because they were bred carefully.
And for lots of dogs, there are reasons for keeping the breed alive, mostly working dogs.
For others, I agree, the line is thin between what's necessary and what is not really needed anymore.
And for lots of dogs, there are reasons for keeping the breed alive, mostly working dogs.
For others, I agree, the line is thin between what's necessary and what is not really needed anymore.
Forgive me, I am dyslexic and so spelling is not my strong suit. I would humbly ask that you over look my disability. If my disability has made what I have written unclearly, please bring it to my attention so that I may correct myself. I would also ask that jokes not be made about my or anyone else’s disabilities as that is unfair to the disabled.
If all the reputable, responsible breeders put their breeding on "hold" in order to wait for all the dogs in shelters to find homes then precious bloodlines would be surely lost. All the while, the irresponsible breeders would continue to breed and fill the shelters up and not think twice. Responsible breeders have put years into improving on each generation and working hard to eliminate certain diseases from their breed. It would be absolutely tragic if this diligence was lost.
I promise you that responsible breeders are NOT the problem when it comes to pet over-population. In fact, almost all breeders who care about their breed work closely with breed rescue trying hard to ensure their breed doesn't end up in shelters whether the dog comes from quality lineage or not.
Although not impossible, it is very unlikely for a puppy from a truly responsible breeder to ever end up in a shelter.
I promise you that responsible breeders are NOT the problem when it comes to pet over-population. In fact, almost all breeders who care about their breed work closely with breed rescue trying hard to ensure their breed doesn't end up in shelters whether the dog comes from quality lineage or not.
Although not impossible, it is very unlikely for a puppy from a truly responsible breeder to ever end up in a shelter.
Also, the pet over population, isn't the same world wide. The USA has a huge pet over population problem. We don't have as big an issue, and many rescues bring dogs from the states to find them homes. So just cause the USA has a big problem, the rest of the world is supposed to give up breeding healthy sound tempermented dogs? (yes there are other countries with issues, but interestingly Europeans don't spay and neuter much, but don't have a big o.p.p problem)
The problem is simple to solve. If every person who has a litter was responsible for the pups for the life of the pup (as in take it back if the owner can't keep it) then no dog would end up in shelters. But getting humans to be that responsible isn't likely...
The problem is simple to solve. If every person who has a litter was responsible for the pups for the life of the pup (as in take it back if the owner can't keep it) then no dog would end up in shelters. But getting humans to be that responsible isn't likely...
By no means am I blaming breeders for the over population problem, but it would seem, as I have pointed out in my original post, they do have a part in exasperating the problem, and the concept of bettering blood lines seems to be a pore excuse in the face of actual living animals that go uncared for.
As for other countries, if they do not have a problem with over population they should not be obligated to curb their behavior. But due to our ever shrinking world, it should be kept in mind that the behavior in one part of the world does effect another.
As for other countries, if they do not have a problem with over population they should not be obligated to curb their behavior. But due to our ever shrinking world, it should be kept in mind that the behavior in one part of the world does effect another.
well dandandat, do you propose to allow the byb and puppy mills do be the ones to preserve the DNA heritage of the canine population? If you waited till all the shelters were empty (and assuming that you could stop the mills and byb) by that time all the current breeding dogs would be too old and there would be no new ones. (which would suit the HSUS just fine...)
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Agree 
If you want to hear opinions from other countries, well at least in mine the proffetional breeders practily donsen't exist.
Looks like 99.9% of the dogs here are from byb or puppy millers.
Ans we REALLY have a problem of canine overpopulation.
Bredders? I asked to the canine federation and they are only husky and rottweiler breeders, in rare ocations people that show breed they dogs in rare octions.
I don't even knew what was a breeder until 1998 I read a mexican dog mag.
Just to give you an idea of how few people showing they dogs here is that there's a dog expo every 4 or 5 months, and only 2 or 3 dog per group.
People import pedigree dogs, buy them for others that show and other buy them at pet shops.
The difficult part is that many responsable breeders don't agree selling a dog whit out seein in person the house where the dog is goin and others don't gave a dog price or # of avalible dogs via phone of internet, so you have an idea how hard is to bring a dog from other country.
And even if a person can afford a well breed dog, not everyone is goin to make an plane trip just to SEE IF they can find a responsable breeder.
So what are the options people that whant a healthy dog have here or in another 3rd world countries? very, very limited.
This is what is goin to happen to other countries if the responsable breeders stop breeding.
If you want to hear opinions from other countries, well at least in mine the proffetional breeders practily donsen't exist.
Looks like 99.9% of the dogs here are from byb or puppy millers.
Ans we REALLY have a problem of canine overpopulation.
Bredders? I asked to the canine federation and they are only husky and rottweiler breeders, in rare ocations people that show breed they dogs in rare octions.
I don't even knew what was a breeder until 1998 I read a mexican dog mag.
Just to give you an idea of how few people showing they dogs here is that there's a dog expo every 4 or 5 months, and only 2 or 3 dog per group.
People import pedigree dogs, buy them for others that show and other buy them at pet shops.
The difficult part is that many responsable breeders don't agree selling a dog whit out seein in person the house where the dog is goin and others don't gave a dog price or # of avalible dogs via phone of internet, so you have an idea how hard is to bring a dog from other country.
And even if a person can afford a well breed dog, not everyone is goin to make an plane trip just to SEE IF they can find a responsable breeder.
So what are the options people that whant a healthy dog have here or in another 3rd world countries? very, very limited.
This is what is goin to happen to other countries if the responsable breeders stop breeding.
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Without responsible breeding, diseases such as hip dysplasia will most likely become more prevalent as the dogs being produced would all be from BYB's or puppymills or irresponsible pet owners.
Without responsible breeding, there would be no true German shepherds or chows or labs or chihuahuas or other pure breeds - there would just be big and little and brown and white, etc. The traits people look for in certain breeds would be mixed up, diluted, and it would be hard to predict what you would get in a puppy.
It always amazes me that people want to stop RESPONSIBLE breeding when these breeders are the ones that do extensive health testing to try to produce the healthiest dogs possible and extensive screening of potential owners so that their puppies go to people who will provide them with wonderful, forever homes. Responsible breeders often don't breed frequently (quality over quantity). They're generally the ones who are trying to educate others on the value of spaying and neutering, and they take great care to not have accidental litters.
Personally I think we'd be much worse off without responsible breeding. It's NOT their fault that the shelters are full of unwanted dogs .. why should they shoulder the blame? Stopping these breeders will just encourage unscrupulous breeders to breed more poor quality "purebreds" to fill a market that will always be there.
The way to combat pet overpopulation is education of the public, not crucifixion of good breeders. If people would spay and neuter pets, would quit buying from puppy mills and pet stores and backyard breeders, would understand the value of health certifications and breed assessments .. then there would be a huge decline in the number of dogs in shelters.
Unfortunately we can't be the conscience of all the people out there who feel that dogs are expendable, throw-away possessions. We can't stop them. But we can try to educate those who will listen.
Melanie and the gang in Alaska
Without responsible breeding, there would be no true German shepherds or chows or labs or chihuahuas or other pure breeds - there would just be big and little and brown and white, etc. The traits people look for in certain breeds would be mixed up, diluted, and it would be hard to predict what you would get in a puppy.
It always amazes me that people want to stop RESPONSIBLE breeding when these breeders are the ones that do extensive health testing to try to produce the healthiest dogs possible and extensive screening of potential owners so that their puppies go to people who will provide them with wonderful, forever homes. Responsible breeders often don't breed frequently (quality over quantity). They're generally the ones who are trying to educate others on the value of spaying and neutering, and they take great care to not have accidental litters.
Personally I think we'd be much worse off without responsible breeding. It's NOT their fault that the shelters are full of unwanted dogs .. why should they shoulder the blame? Stopping these breeders will just encourage unscrupulous breeders to breed more poor quality "purebreds" to fill a market that will always be there.
The way to combat pet overpopulation is education of the public, not crucifixion of good breeders. If people would spay and neuter pets, would quit buying from puppy mills and pet stores and backyard breeders, would understand the value of health certifications and breed assessments .. then there would be a huge decline in the number of dogs in shelters.
Unfortunately we can't be the conscience of all the people out there who feel that dogs are expendable, throw-away possessions. We can't stop them. But we can try to educate those who will listen.
Melanie and the gang in Alaska
I agree about pet overpopulation but if I didn't go to a "reputable" breeder of the ACD breed I could have ended up with a PRA and BAER positive puppy. Downsouth there are tons of ACD's in shelters but around here where I live they are not the norm. If I went to some BYB who breeds for greed or to make bread $$ in their pockets then I wouldn't have such a healthy ACD! It's people who can "control" pet overpopulation by either neutering or spaying or by not breeding just because their male or female is intact which is the case for how many BYB's get started.
I know the day is far away that BYB and puppy mills will stop breeding but one at a time it can happen only if the general puppy buyers are educated. It is not the responsible breeders but the buyers and irresponsible breeders that are the problem.
When I was considering breeders and purchasing a pup I called around to some different "breeders". Three were great and I would consider purchasing from them sometime in the future (If I ever decide to purchase rather then adopt). One of the other "breeders" I talked to I will remember forever. I spoke with a mans wife who I was directed to by a person in my neighborhood who had a litter of puppies. They were a new breeder, first time breeder that was breeding a dog that they got from a "good breeder friend of theirs in Virginia". The dog has "good lines" and was "health tested". The wife had obviously been given things to tell perspective buyers who called. I asked her when the puppies were whelped and she had no idea what I was talking about. I guess he failed to mention that to her. I asked her what "health testing" was done on the bitch and dog. "They are both up to date on their shots and heartworm and flea prevention and have never had any medical problems". The bitch was "about a year and a half" and the dog was "almost two years old". When asked she also said that she had no idea what "titles" were, "you mean registered? Yes, they are registered". When explaining to her what whelped meant and titles were she was embarrassed and said she knew nothing about breeding dogs and that it was her husbands dog. After talking with her again she said they had already agreed that they would have the dog fixed and would not be breeding again. They took the advice of their "responsible breeding friend" who they trusted and realized that there was a lot of misinformation.
Another mutual acquaintance of mine has a problem with not fixing their cats. They've been through 5 litters since I met them until this year when they lost 1 kitten and 2 mother cats to being hit by a car and one of their pregnant cats dissappeared. I was furious with them that they kept doing this to their cats. I knew of these people but we did not have a talking relationship. I finally talked our mutual friend into talking to these people who had no idea the negative impact they were causing by not fixing their cats. With education these people finally got their remaining cats the shots that are required by law and spayed and neutered (for free). They were simply ignorant people, not necessarily mean people or people who didn't care.
I think the problem that we are having is the lack of education in this country with both buyers and breeders. I think vets need to be more involved and people need to be more involved in educating. Education will do a lot more wonders in cutting down population then stopping all breeders who are serious about improving the breed.
When I was considering breeders and purchasing a pup I called around to some different "breeders". Three were great and I would consider purchasing from them sometime in the future (If I ever decide to purchase rather then adopt). One of the other "breeders" I talked to I will remember forever. I spoke with a mans wife who I was directed to by a person in my neighborhood who had a litter of puppies. They were a new breeder, first time breeder that was breeding a dog that they got from a "good breeder friend of theirs in Virginia". The dog has "good lines" and was "health tested". The wife had obviously been given things to tell perspective buyers who called. I asked her when the puppies were whelped and she had no idea what I was talking about. I guess he failed to mention that to her. I asked her what "health testing" was done on the bitch and dog. "They are both up to date on their shots and heartworm and flea prevention and have never had any medical problems". The bitch was "about a year and a half" and the dog was "almost two years old". When asked she also said that she had no idea what "titles" were, "you mean registered? Yes, they are registered". When explaining to her what whelped meant and titles were she was embarrassed and said she knew nothing about breeding dogs and that it was her husbands dog. After talking with her again she said they had already agreed that they would have the dog fixed and would not be breeding again. They took the advice of their "responsible breeding friend" who they trusted and realized that there was a lot of misinformation.
Another mutual acquaintance of mine has a problem with not fixing their cats. They've been through 5 litters since I met them until this year when they lost 1 kitten and 2 mother cats to being hit by a car and one of their pregnant cats dissappeared. I was furious with them that they kept doing this to their cats. I knew of these people but we did not have a talking relationship. I finally talked our mutual friend into talking to these people who had no idea the negative impact they were causing by not fixing their cats. With education these people finally got their remaining cats the shots that are required by law and spayed and neutered (for free). They were simply ignorant people, not necessarily mean people or people who didn't care.
I think the problem that we are having is the lack of education in this country with both buyers and breeders. I think vets need to be more involved and people need to be more involved in educating. Education will do a lot more wonders in cutting down population then stopping all breeders who are serious about improving the breed.