Deb and Ed M wrote:
Sue Bee wrote:
Off topic, somewhat, but it irks me to no end that people go out and spend big money on "designer breed" dogs thinking that they are getting some sort of hybrid vigor, when many of the "breeders" of these dogs are starting with poor breeding stock, since many of these breeders, not all, but a good many of them, are just BYBs with no knowledge of good genetics, and are in it only to make a buck.
A person would be better off either getting a mutt from the city pound, or researching actual accepted pure breeds of dogs and finding a reputable breeder who knows what they are doing.
You are right about some backyard breeders just wanting to make a buck, but the same can be said about some rescues and shelters. I've seen firsthand how someone can adopt a pup from a shelter and end up with a dog who's anything but what was described. One of my daughters adopted a "poodle and daschund cross - should mature around 20 lbs" and got a 60 lb Aussie and GSD mix....LOL!!! At least my "designer mutt" won't give me any surprises.
Rescues and shelters aren't "looking to make a buck," though. They are put in the position of guessing, and yes, that does result in surprises when you adopt a young puppy.
Adopting an older puppy/adolescent/adult dog is another way to avoid that problem.
