We all know whatever dog ends up in the Whitehouse is going to have a huge impact on that specific breed.  If the Obama's choose a PWD (Portuguese water dog) you will then see them pop up all over.  There are breed groups across the country chomping at the bit in hopes that they will choose their breed.  I for one am glad that they passed over my breed (the standard poodle).  Unfortunately for the breed itself, whichever one it is that the Obama’s choose, will go the way of the Dalmatian’s, Jack Russell Terrier and Beagle all of which reached catastrophic numbers filling the shelters and rescue groups after they  became the popular breed via movies and television shows.

And now the popular dogs are the “designer dogs,” bred for better health but unfortunately they too have hit the big pump’m out millers, the ones that are in it for the bucks.  They advertise that a mutt is healthier than a purebred to push their wares.    Too long have bad breeders been pumping out the dogs for human desire with little or no regard to health or temperament.  This is what has lead to the fallacy that purebreds are not as healthy.   Mutts comprise of more genetic diversity which can lead to better health but done in a haphazard manner it can also lead to horrific fallout.  It won’t be long before the millers have ruined even the designer dogs.  The good purebred breeders nowadays are out crossing giving their breed  luster by adding vigor to their genetic lines.

Breeders have been taking a bashing lately, much of it coming from people who believe strongly in rescue.  I believe very strongly in rescuing dogs; I think it is wonderful what many people do.  Whether it is a personal one dog rescue or people who work for a rescue group fostering many, it is a selfless act.  An act which gives back to the dogs, giving care where there may have never been any. 

But a large part of the problem is where the dog comes from, bottom line.   Whether you purchase your puppy online from one of the many millers who try to dupe you into buying sight unseen or a pet store; you can be assured that they have little interest in their goods.  You’ve all seen the websites where they have tiny puppies propped up with flowers and other adorable accessories to make them more enticing.  You simply pick your puppy and they’ll ship them to you.    

A reputable breeder would never do this, it takes just about giving away your first born to get a puppy from a good breeder.  And this is one of the biggest reasons you should go to a reputable and ethical breeder, because they care.  Not just every Tom, Dick or Harry gets a puppy from a good breeder; no you must prove yourself worthy.   Not only has a good breeder put their hard earned money and hundreds of man hours into producing healthy happy puppies, they want each puppy to go into a forever home.

A reputable breeder will take back any puppy for any reason; they have a stake in these puppies’ lives.  They don’t want their babies ending up in a shelter.  A good breeder only breeds superior dogs that are structurally and mentally sound; they have passed their genetic health tests to give your puppy the best chance at a healthy life.  A good breeder makes sure that puppies are fed nutritional food, mentally stimulated, temperament tested and placed into the home most suited for their individual personality. 

I think rescue is wonderful, I work with and photograph many rescue dogs.  But a huge part of why there are so many rescue dogs is the simple fact of where they came from.   The millers, it is the millers who prey and rely on the aww factor, the emotion you have when you see an adorable puppy through a window.  Or the tiny little puppy sitting in little rainbow basket online, it is impulse like this that they are hoping for.  They know how to reel you in; their methods are tried and true.  Just walk by a pet store where there are puppies in the window and watch the people who walk by. 

Ethical breeders are not the bad guys, they are the ones who put their heart and soul into producing puppies who will be healthy and happy and live a long life with us.  And, many of these wonderful ethical breeders rescue, they take in dogs from the not so ethical breeders.  The breeders who don’t want to hear the problems about behavior or health issues.  The good breeders take in these dogs with open arms, rehabilitate and re-home when they can.  The ethical breeders are the good guys.