Mom isn't a Facebook person, but felt compelled to post after reading Jen at My Brown Newfies & Me post this morning. As rescue Shelties we are huge supporters of rescuing dogs of all kinds. However, we also support people who get their pets from responsible breeders. There are lots of reasons people choose specific breeds.
Responsible breeding helps maintain healthy breed lines. Knowledgeable breeders work to reduce the instances of genetic challenges each breed faces and to help maintain the positive characteristics and traits of each specific breed.
Mom and Dad did lots of research before settling on Shelties. Mom had grown up with smaller dogs, but for a variety of reasons, Shelties proved to be a good choice for her and Dog Dad. While some fully understand and support their choice, especially when they realize we came from a rescue, others continue to think it is a snobbish attitude to want a purebred dog. We support owners’ right to choose as long as they do it in a responsible fashion. You can support Purebred dogs and be against puppy mills. In fact, we don't know any owners who love purebred dogs and don't understand the harm puppy mills do to purebred breeds through poor breeding.
There has been a huge campaign targeted against purebred owners and it is short sighted and ignorant. There is a way to support and encourage pet adoption from shelters without attacking those who choose a responsible alternative path. Choosing a responsible breeder to bring home your pet is a healthy choice for people who want a specific breed. There is nothing evil or selfish about making a choice that is right for the family.
However, even pet parents who choose breed rescues face critics for choosing purebreds over a mixed breed. These attacks seem even more childish since purebred dogs in rescue need homes, too. Having groups that understand the breed and can target appropriate homes for them seems like an intelligent choice, not a reason to criticize. Yet, Mom has been criticized for choosing breed rescue over visiting the local mixed breed rescues. This just seems to be about control, not really what is in the best interest of dogs.
We believe it is important to unite as dog owners and support all who love dogs without dividing into splinter groups. There is room for all of us the purebreds and the mutts, rescues and those who came from breeders to support and encourage each other. When our families start to splinter and point fingers, it is the dogs who always lose.
We think all dog owners should love their dogs and not be afraid to show it. It is time for the judgment to stop.
