Ok can someone place explain to me why breeding mutts is apparantly so bad?

Question

This is my last question:
http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ais9HK_iHMZyPu_tTa0ejeMgBgx.;_ylv=3?qid=20091106080102AA2mSAX
I've had no less than 30 people telling me what I am doing is wrong.

If it's ok to buy mutts from a shelter, why isn't it ok to breed them?
A mutt is a mutt. Shouldn't matter where you get it from.
It also shouldn't matter what you call them.

My dogs are all well-cared for with vet treatment when they need it. My husband has a good job as do I and there is plenty of money for an emergency c-section and any other eventuality. The pups will go to new homes at 9 weeks with their first set of vaccinations and worming treatment and I will vett all prospective buyers. I also know about whelping as my mother used to breed herself... ok, maybe I'm not the BYB you think I am!
Sheesh.

Answer 1

As you can see, the bashing of mutt breeding is mainly originating from self-righteous purebred breeders who call themselves "reputable" when in fact many of them don't have a clue about genetics and health. (not ALL of them, it's not fair to lump every purebred breeder into one group, but if you go by many of the answers on this and many other similar posts, you'll see what I mean)



The fact is that breeding purebred dogs does nothing more to solve the issue of too many unwanted dogs as does breeding mutts. You also see by all the posts on this subject (mainly purebred breeders) who will say "STOP producing more mutts and get your dogs spayed and neutered" and I agree. But for most "purebred" breeders to look down their noses with their "holier than thou" attitude and point fingers... they are being hypocrites. Just look at all the purebred rescues there are. What is the origin of all these unwanted purebred dogs? They don't all originate from puppy mills and back yard breeders.

Answer 2

Because the people that breed them care only for money. They don't get their parent's OFA/CERF or anything. I've never bought a crossbreed from someone- I'm not going to pay hundreds to thousand dollars for a mutt. Sorry. I'll adopt the same mix at the shelter and save. Besides shelters already have their dogs vaccinated and spayed/neutered. There isn't a reason I would want more little cute adorable mutts running around.



It's not just people that breed these crossbreeds. Many people breed purebreds carelessly. They think its okay to slap to dogs of the same breed and have puppies. They don't care for any GENETIC testing. They may have a "health guarantee" which is crap really if the parents are not OFA/CERF.



Those silly designer names are silly and stupid. Why would anyone want to call their dog something end in "doodle" or "poo".



You didn't mention how many dogs you were breeding and what age they were first bred at.



Many BYBers think its okay to breed in the 1st heat. Dogs shouldn't be bred before age 2. If you gotta breed, do it the right way.



And despite the popular believe that mutts are healthier then purebreds. That's not exactly true. It depends on the genetics of the parents. If they were not OFA/CERF and are carrying a genetic problem- not seen yet- then they can pass that off to the offspring. Again all about genetics! And if you crossbreed two breeds with similar genetic problems, then its more then likely those pups will have a genetic problem if the parents were bred and weren't OFA/CERF certified.



How many forever homes can you promise to those pups! People lose jobs and houses everyday. What will happen to those pups then? Will you take them back or will they have to find a new home for them or shelter? A lot of those crossbreeds end up in the shelter at one point of time in their life.



My humane society had 4 litters of these "puggles" all from the same breeder. They were sold and brought back to the breeder after a few months. She couldn't find new homes for them so she brought all 20 dogs- some very sick- to the shelter. Majority of them were put down. About 10 found new homes.

Answer 3

I am not so adverse to people breeding mutts, mainly because i do not believe that people who have never dropped a dog off at the shelter should be made to feel responsible for the state of animal shelters.



That would be like me being to blame for other people's children being fat because every so often i have a McDonald's!



However, i do think that certain things that even you have over looked should be met:

1/ Before breeding the parents should still be tested for all genetic conditions associated with that breed AND be clear of them ALL.

2/ Before breeding you should already have gauged to see if there is a demand for the puppies AND have a waiting list compiled.

3/ You should make the owner sign a contract stating that you will take back and offer a home to any puppies until you can find them a permanent home.

4/ You should make the owners sign a contract that means that they will not breed from any puppies and that you will pay for the neutering yourself.

5/ Parent should have perfect temperaments - you didn't even mention that and it is probably the most important...

Answer 4

I in simple terms wanna say that I dislike all kinds of irresponsible breeding, mutt and purebred. i imagine the placement is interpreting too a lot into human beings's usernames. the fellow stated contained in the unique submit has a username that conveys an theory that purebreds are more suitable constructive to mutts. which will or would no longer be genuine, personally I favor my protect mutt over a organic breed dogs. The call could also make human beings imagine that this man or woman thinks that even accountable breeders could no longer breed mutts. once back my "Beagle Hound" aka mutt is the excitement of my existence and that i'm chuffed that i ought to shop her from the needle.

Answer 5

I don't think it's bad to breed mutts... assuming you are a responsible breeder. Also, you should make sure you have enough homes for the puppies before they are born. Find out how big the average littler is for both dogs. You should find at LEAST this many homes for the puppies before even trying to breed them. Also, there is a lot a breeder has to know. Breeding is a skill, it's not just letting two dogs get it on. They do that on their own. You should breed dogs that are going to be an enhancement... as in, extremely good temperament, coat, overall excellent health of both parents, NO aggression whatsoever... both parents should be thoroughly examined by a veterinarian prior to breeding. The Dam should be a minimum of two years old, but not too old. Best thing to do is some online research, then talk to you vet about your personal findings. In general, breeding mutts is bad because there are so many of them dying every day. Shelters where I live typically give rescued dogs 1 week to get adopted before they are euthanized. This is because the shelters are SO overcrowded with dogs.



But... If you already know you have a permanent home for all of your pups, and take good care of them (a LOT of vet appointments...) then I don't see why you shouldn't breed them.

Answer 6

It seems like you have already been given many answers. Do you think the responses will change if you ask the question over, or have you just not gotten an answer you are willing to accept yet? When you are breeding purebred dogs, you KNOW what specific issue plague the breed, what testing to do to eliminate prior to breeding them, and which are possible to be passed on genetically. When you cross breed dogs, you have no way of knowing how the gene pools from each breed will pair up in the offspring and what kind of problems may arise as a result.



(One example. Chis have eyes that protrude more than Yorkies and a very short coat. Yorkies have a coat that is longer. A possible result of crossing the two would be a pup with more occular protrusion, and a Yorkie like coat--including around the eyes, increasing hte chances of corneal ulcers.

Another example: Both breeds are prone to open fontanela. If that trait is passed on by BOTH parents, are you aware of how serious the issue could be for the pups?)



There are LOTS of reasons you could be given for why 'it's so bad.'

If you are not a BYB (and let's face it, your actions fit the description) then you have likely thoroughly researched and determined how best to handle the following situations and issues:



What risks have you determined will be heightened due to breeding a dog with a larger cranial structure to one with a more narrow birth canal?

What SPECIFIC medical test have been performed on dogs prior to breeding? (this goes further than just 'the vet says they are healthy')

Given that every breed is at risk for various breed specific ailments, which have you determined could possibly arise in the offspring as a result of combining the two gene pools?



Furthermore, the fact that you are stating they will go to their new homes at 9 weeks speaks volumes. Reputable breeders to not release toy breed pups until they are around 12 weeks. Are you even aware of WHY that is? If you are not a BYB, as you claim, then I'm sure you are...therefor, what justification do you have for releasing them so young and how to you plan to advise the new owners to compensate for that?

Answer 7

it wrong because there are so many in shelters that alot of people don't want,

its not the problem that u are breeding mixed breeds,its just that u are bredding at all

your puppies are preventing other great dogs from getting homes because people are going to want "cute cuddly little puppies" for cheap

and if you are just breeding to get money,then u should figure out yourself that it is wrong



if you are not a backyard breeder than why did u breed them in the first place?

if u ask your vet,then even your vet will say that u shouldn't be breeding,unless you were going to keep the puppy for yourself



u should spay/neuter yours and your friend's dog

they are going to have less health problems and stop the problem of overpopulation of dogs

Answer 8

i am not against mutts. when you breed two different breeds together you are taking hereditary problems from each breed and combining them making pups more susceptible to many more diseases than a pure bred. when breeders breed registered dogs they only breed the dogs with the best qualities and correct conformation, so that the pups are the best quality of pups you can get. most winning many titles at dog shows. not all registered breeders are good breeders either. genetic testing should be done as you dont want to breed a dog that may pass something to its offspring. you want to breed to reduce these hereditary problems. this is way may people dont agree with breeding mixed breed dogs. i think there are a lot of great mixed breed dogs out there. i personally would not breed mixed breeds for the fact that you dint always know what they are going to turn out like. there are a lot of breeders that breed pom X shihtzus and tell owners that they wont shed, which is untrue and they may end up in a shelter in a few months due to allergies(shedding does not start until about 7 months of age in most breeds). not saying you would do that but a lot of ppl do.

Answer 9

I'm probably going to get some thumbs down on this one, but I don't like dog breeding at all, pure bred or mutts, in most cases. Only because they may have a wonderful home with you, but what about the rest of their lives? You may give one to family that feeds them and takes care of their physical needs, but there is a child in the home that will put them in the microwave (it has happened, I promise). Or the dog gets stuck on a chain in the backyard, because nobody ever potty trained it.



It is my LOVE for dogs, why I don't like breeders. My daughter works at a kennel that raises Australian Shepherds. The owner is an ASCA judge. I have been there once and will NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER go back. I also will NEVER buy a dog from a breeder. The dogs live in concrete and chainlink runs and if they're not sold as puppies and miss the mark for showing and breeding, they just live there with no interaction from people or other dogs. I HATE it.



My dog that passed a year ago at the age of 15 was adopted when he was 4 from the Humane Society. His family had to deploy with the military and we got him. He was Great Dane and Black Lab. Max was the love of our lives and grew up with our children. He will always be missed.



Our other dog, a red heeler/australian shepherd was gotten from a friend who had a litter of pups. She was raised with the family and was socialized.



Then, our 3rd dog adopted US. He is an Anatolian Shepherd who kept coming to our house. His owners finally got sick of taking him home, so they let us have him. We've had him for 2 1/2 years now.

Answer 10

'If it's ok to buy mutts from a shelter, why isn't it ok to breed them'?



Because if these mutts were not brought into the world, shelters wouldn't be filled with them = none to buy



Normally people breed to contribute something to their BREED. When you put two breeds together, you are not improving the two breeds they represent. In fact although yes, you might get the best of both breeds in their offspring, you might also get the worst of both breed. And that includes health, looks, temperament, etc.etc. Breeding two dogs of the same breed together is enough of a lottery (if you outcross you will also get the best of the best, and the worst of the worst, which is why linebreeding is so much better, provided the stock is sound, and the breeder is experienced), without deliberately clouding the situation by putting two different breeds together at random. I have no idea about your motives for breeding, but most serious breeders do this to try to produce a 'perfect' specimen of their particular breed, or at least, to improve their bloodline, generation on generation. If you are breeding mutts, where is your yardstick. How do you know you are 'improving' your stock, generation on generation?



The bottom line is there are enough mutts in the world, produced by accidental matings mainly, without BYBs adding to the numbers.

Answer 11

are you screening for genetic defects? Selectivity breeding? You can also still work mutts, have you heard of flyball? (That is only one thing you do).

You are adding to the over population! With no reason, yes there some BYB that are better than others. IT is good that you have some morals, but however there is a lot more it than just having puppies and selling them.

I really do recommend for you to work at the city animal shelter for at least two months to see what really happens there.

Answer 12

It's not ok to breed mutts because there ARE mutts in shelters. Why make more that will end up in those same shelters, or worse?

If it shouldn't matter what you call them, then why not call them a mutt? By adding those cutesy names you are trying to scam people. Period.

Being "well cared for" does not mean a dog should be bred. "Well cared for" does not include the genetic and health testing that needs to be done, and doesn't mean that the dog is a perfect example of it's breed.

You ARE a BYB and are killing shelter dogs by breeding your mutts.

Answer 13

You inadvertently answered your own question sweetie.



It's BECAUSE there are so many dogs in shelters that there is no reason to be breeding more. Do you know how many dogs DIE each and every day because there aren't enough homes to go around? DO YOU?



Here is a video with a lot of statistics:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXgQ_4oAm3E



The ONLY reason any dog should be bred i to better the breed. What purpose do you have for breeding?



No... you are EXACTLY the BYB I think you are.

ADDED:



Show Breeders Sell Sick Pups:



It **IS** your fault the shelters are full if you are indescriminatly breeding. You just can't get it thru your thick skull can you? If people like YOU and the original poster would STOP BREEDING, do you know how quickly the shelters would empty out?



It takes a special kind of stupid to not SEE this.

Answer 14

I think you have answered your own question when you said that all buyers will be vetted.

You are doing this for money. Why don't you give them away to good homes.

If you intend to breed dogs and charge people for the pups they should be pedigree's with a family history and papers to match.

Answer 15

BECAUSE the more mutts people bring in the more die in shelters. There is no need for more mutts in the world, especially designer ones. I don't give a damn whether your dogs are well-cared for that doesn't make them breeding quality.



Yes it is very ok to adopt from a shelter because you are saving a life not causing other lifes of dogs to die by bringing "Chorkies" and other mixes into the world.



Your pups may be going to owners but what about the dogs in shelters? Where's their owners? That's right they don't have one and because of you and other BYBs their chances become slimmer by the litter.

Answer 16

Luxating patella comes to mind with the breeds you have crossed, have you had your dogs and the sires dogs knees checked what grade were they given?



Are you going to take back any of the puppies in the future if the owners no longer want them?



and to answer your last question they will be crossbreeds

Answer 17

Ok, so you look after your dogs. Everyone give her a biscuit.



The problem with mutts is that they're financially disposable. They're so damn common that they're just not worth anything. Because they're worth nothing, their owners find it very easy to dump them at a shelter at the very first hurdle - whereas dogs from a great lineage, with shown/worked and titled parents, that are free from genetic disease are worth so much money that their owners would only give them up as a very last resort.



How can you justify adding your litter load of badly-bred mutts to the mix and make the mess that shelters are having to deal with that tiny bit worse?



Honestly, dogs are being put to sleep after a certain period if they're not adopted because shelters just do not have the funds nor the space to keep them. The dogs that aren't in no-kill shelters just have to waste their life away because your puppies are taking away their potential homes. Does that make you feel good?



There are too many dogs out there and not enough homes. Your pups, the ones that are not even born yet, are going to take away the few homes that are available.



Please spay today and allow those dogs a chance of a better life!

Answer 18

Because there are so many unwanted puppies and dogs in rescue already and being put to sleep it is not a good idea to add to them and also people who usually breed cross breeders don't have the dogs health check for problems they can pass on to there puppies like hip or eye problems.

Answer 19

There are far too many 'mutts' languishing in dog pounds and rescue centres. I would advise anyone wanting a pet dog to go to those places and take one from there, they also check that the dog is suitable for the people, and vice versa. Anyone breeding 'just for fun' which is what you were thinking of, and with a dog far too old for a first litter, are just adding to the number. The people you sell/give the puppies to might be totally unsuited to keeping a dog.

Answer 20

Well, it might possibly have something to do with the MILLIONS of mutts who are euthanized in shelters every year in this country.

Pretty selfish of you to breed mutts in the face of that number.



I could care less how you take care of your dogs. I do care how many shelter dogs will die because of your mutt puppies.



Your ignorance is why there are so many dogs dying in shelters. Zero accountability. You want to do something good for dogs? Volunteer in a shelter and get your dogs fixed.

Answer 21

There are 9.2 million dog sitting in shelters and rescues across the USA waiting to be adopted. And around the world 2 million are put to sleep every day. So why breed more.



Yes my Dear,you are a BYBer. Any person that breeds dogs just to breed them is a BYBer. Any person who don't give a dam about the dogs in shelter and rescues, is a BYBer

Answer 22

Why are you breeding mutts? What makes your mutts better than other ones?



I believe you should only breed to make a certain breed better - you can't do that by mixing breeds.

Answer 23

I didn't read the answers on the last question. You want to know why it upsets me personally? There are 200,000....... Did you get that number?? Do you understand how many that is??? Two HUNDRED THOUSAND puppies put to sleep or euthanized or killed each week and you felt a need to bring more puppies into the world?? Can you explain to me the reason behind it?? Just answer my question . Give me ONE legitimate answer after the numbers I gave you and tell me that you have one honest reason for bringing more puppies into the world.



By the way, there are NO TYPOS in that statement up there....

That was 200 THOUSAND per WEEK... Killed/Euthanized....

Give me your legitimate reason now

Answer 24

The issue is not mutts, it is that there are so many homeless and starving dogs on the street or in shelters. We only want people to look at that fact and spay and neuter there animals so they do not contribute to the numbers. We CARE!

Answer 25

The reason is because there are more than enough mix breed dogs available without breeding them on purpose.

Same reason that we no longer breed Labrador Retrievers here.

Answer 26

Getting a mutt from a shelter is making the best of a bad situation. You are creating the bad situation.

Answer 27

Well it could be because there are a lot of unwanted dogs and it's not fair to breed more of them. Then again we have the same problem with humans and it doesn't stop anyone from making more of those. at the very least it's better to breed mixed breeds then more purebred dogs. the problem with the standards for purebred dogs is that it is so difficult to maintain the standard that they end up with a great deal of incest which makes for bone and joint problems as well as growth problems and mental problems. genetic diversity is better for dogs as it is with any species.

Answer 28

It is because the vast majority of them are genetically unhealthy and temperamentally unsound. People who breed them do not do genetic health testing. They are worthless because, unlike purebreds, are not bred for a purpose, or for the betterment of a certain bloodline.

Answer 29

theres so many cross-bred dogs out there.

most are in shelters and unwanted

dogs should be bred for their temperment and health more than anything else

not for looks or anything else

i cant see how crossbreeding your dogs will help you in anyway as you cant even make a profit from it

Answer 30

Maybe its because there are too many dogs already looking for homes and its not fair to bring more into the world. Or perhaps people dont agree with dogs being used as puppy machines. Who knows? As long as you care for your dogs and check out the new owners it doesnt matter what other people think.

Answer 31

well there are an awful lotta dogs already...but hey mutts can b bettr than purebreds, seeing as they inbreed them over and over again, til they have major deformities. ive only had mutts my whole life, and they seem 2 b smarter than alot of pure breds i c. (like 4 instance, omg those ladordoodls r DUMB. i just wanna shoot them 2 end thier misery)

Answer 32

It is not wrong to breed mutts, it is, in fact, better in some cases to breed a mutt than two purebreds, because the mixed breeds can help the dogs to avoid genetic diseases common to the breeds. People think it is wrong because sometimes they get it into their heads that anything other than a purebred shouldn't be allowed to breed. It is their own type of prejudice, and should be ignored. All of my best dogs have been mixed-breed, thank you very much.

Answer 33

i breed mutts and purebreds...not my fault shelters are so full...people don't want shelter dogs that have no background on them...