Comments on: Wherein I take on the AKC and the Today Show

By: Seth: International Dog of Mystery

Seth: International Dog of Mystery — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 04:58:32 +0000

[...] I wonder if people think that I would be offended by the assumption that he’s a mixed breed (which, of course, I wouldn’t be). But I did learn my lesson once from a purebred snob. I was at the dog park years ago when woman [...]

By: Melissa McDaniel

Melissa McDaniel — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:17:02 +0000

Thanks so much for helping to promote our fabulous mutts! I love my wonderful border collie/lab/german shepherd, WhateverSheIs, mixed breed, Sadie, who I rescued from a local shelter. She is happy, healthy, bright and active and the perfect dog for me. I personally could never buy a dog knowing that there a millions of dogs in shelters in need of homes.

If you are looking for the perfect dog for you, yes, it’s a good idea to know a little about the mix. However, with most mixes, it seems as though the bad characteristics of certain breeds are bred out when they are mixed with the other breeds, making the mixes healthier than purebreds and in many ways better dogs.

For those who are still not convinced that they should rescue a mutt, consider rescuing a purebred instead of buying one. 25% of dogs entering shelters in the U.S. are purebred, and there are plenty of great breed-specific rescue groups who are adopting out purebred rescue dogs. Many people believe rescue dogs are loaded with problems, when actually the most common reasons for surrendering a dog to a shelter is relocation, lack of money, foreclosure and divorce.

Thanks for speaking up for mutts and rescue dogs!

By: Jamie Lee

Jamie Lee — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 03:44:11 +0000

I think you make some great points, Jane. Having just watched “Hotel for Dogs” with my daughter, I’m tuned into all things related to canine care and protection.
The dog I grew up with was a German Shepherd mix named Boomer. She was a fabulous dog – not a mean bone in her body, scared of lightening, and could eat an entire bowl of leftover beef stew and leave every single pea in the bottom of the bowl.
The first dog I got after moving away from home was a Rhodesian Ridgeback named Spencer. He is still alive at 12, but living with my ex … one of the painful “side tragedies” of my divorce.
If I could have one wish granted in relation to this issue, it would be that pet “stores” would become a thing of the past. No pet stores, no puppy mills. No puppy mills, no irresponsible breeding. No irresponsible breeding, no over-population or weakening of the genetic strain.
It’s hard to believe, in this day and age, that people are still too ignorant (and I say that without entirely blaming the general public) to know they should never, NEVER buy from a pet store.
Thanks for raising your voice in favor of the puppies.

By: The Dog Files

The Dog Files — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 18:18:57 +0000

[...] recently came across a great opinion piece by Jane Porricelli, co-founder of Mom Generations. It’s about the top ten dog list that the AKC put out every year. Specifically, about how [...]

By: Diana Corlett

Diana Corlett — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 03:05:44 +0000

As I see no one has opted-in on the side of purebred dogs…I will just add my two cents. I am a responsible dog breeder of over twenty years experience. And I have a question for you all. Would you really be willing to see all the wonderful breeds of dogs DISAPPEAR and have only mixed breeds/Heinz 57 dogs on this earth?

Dog shows certainly have their detractors and I agree that, like every other human-based entity in the world, they are not perfect. But without them, purebred dogs would be all but certain to degenerate into what you see coming out of puppy mills…poor approximations of the true beauty, health, and temperament of all the various breeds. Registration, too, is needed if you are to breed pure bred anything, be it horses, or cattle, or cats, or yes, even dogs, and therefore there must be a registering body in charge…such as the AKC.

Don’t get me wrong. I grew up with, and loved dearly, a number of mixed breed dogs, and appreciated them fully for the wonderful companions they were and all the unconditional love they offered so unconditionally. But that said, why must we denegrate the purebred dog fancy and all the responsible breeders who give their all to their breed? Responsible breeders who take back their puppies and do not swell the ranks at the local dog shelter.

By: BlondeBlogger

BlondeBlogger — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 22:15:56 +0000

Just came across this on People.com: http://www.peoplepets.com/photos/pets-in-the-news/10-most-popular-dog-breeds/1

By: joanna

joanna — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 14:42:39 +0000

Interesting topic. I understand the purpose of having “dog breeds”- certain breeds have certain strengths and weaknesses, and being able to research those before taking on dog ownership is valid and probably a good idea. The idea of “dog shows” is really about a beauty contest, not as much about temperament or being a good pet. As for us, we decided we wanted an Australian Shepherd or Aussie mix, kept our eye out on craigslist, and ended up adding to our family for free. We were able to give an unwanted dog a home, and didn’t really care that we couldn’t register him or know his pedigree- just cared that he was a good fit for our family!

And don’t get me started on pet stores.

By: Jen

Jen — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 14:19:58 +0000

My fiance and I wanted a dog before we anticipated him going into law enforcement academy for 26 weeks our first year out of college, since I would be living alone.

My Mom & Aunt convinced us to avoid spending $700 on a purebred and we ended up getting our “fur-baby” from the local animal shelter when he was a little puppy. He had been abandoned on the street, rescued by police.

We think he is part lab, and part pit bull, but he is the sweetest, most loving dog in the world. Wonderful with adults, amazingly patient, trusting, and gentle with children (even when they pull on him, etc. all he has for them our kisses).

When I think back, I’m so grateful we listed to my family and rescued our Johnny Cash. For $100 donation to the shelter, we took him to our home, and he has paid us back 1 million times more with the joy he has brought us.

Especially in economic times such as these, the media should promote adopting such pets, especially when a lot of good family pets are abandoned due to foreclosures, etc. in shelters.

By: Heather

Heather — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 04:29:12 +0000

I totally agree, Jane. I’ve never understood the importance or hype behind the AKC.

By: baltimoregal

baltimoregal — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 01:23:00 +0000

Totally. Also, with the AKC “top” lists, it’s only registered breeds. In Baltimore I see mostly pits and pit mixes and mixed breeds- the sign of compassionate and educated dog owners. I’m quite sure our top ten list would be different if it went by “dog license.”