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Is creating hybrid dog breeds detrimental to existing dog breeds. I say no. People have been controlling how dogs procreate for hundreds of years. This is how dog breeds came about in the first place. By putting two breeds together and calling them hybrids (meaning the best of both breeds), then giving this hybrid a price tag necessary to fuel this particular market, to me, shows American ingenuity. It increases the breed choices available. Plus, there could be many benefits for purebreds of cross breeding that seem to be ignored.

I am not suggesting that just anyone or everyone just start slapping dogs together and crossing their fingers. And there are people out there who are doing just that. I think this market has developed from breeders who take what they do very seriously. Yes, there are breeders out there who are very irresponsible with their methods and the commitment to the animals they produce. This is nothing new to even the purebred market. So to say that all of a sudden these new breeders are to blame is incredibly inaccurate. Dog breeding was started for the express purpose of making dogs more compatible for the variety of needs of people. The idea of a dog as just a companion has taken hold. And with cute portmanteau names it is hard not to get carried away.

People change and so do there needs. To think that the breeds of today should be the only and are the best is a very limited and premature view. There are breeds that have major health issues. Some have trouble with their eyes and breathing. To say that is just something you chance with that particular breed is astonishing to me. If there is a way to breed out defects that limit an animal's quality of life, shouldn't that be explored? I think that with a lot of thought and commitment with immense responsibility good things could happen for many breeds of today.

In these trying times it is imagination and creativity that carry us through. With the health and well being of the animal in mind and responsibility as a driving force isn't change inevitable. I believe that all things need to be aloud to change and grow to flourish. For me the most important thing is the animal, not the breed. Quality of life is an ideal that seems forgotten in this quest for what? Best in show. Is that what a best friend's worth is limited to?

Conscientious breeding is something that animal caretakers can agree on. Think of the animal first. Wait for full maturity before breeding. Some health defects are not detectable in the young. Spay and neuter any animal that has a health defect. Dr. Bob Judd (DVM) lists decreased mental ability, increased skin problems, and increased bone problems in over and indiscriminate breeding practices. Health screening is a must for any reputable breeder, so please check on the breeders and hold them accountable for the animals they produce with regulation and legislation. Do not buy from puppy mills, instead adopt from humane societies. And know what you are looking for or doing before making decisions that cannot be undone or are detrimental to any animal.

Learn more about this author, Crystal Berry.
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