Purebred Dog Breeders are evil, evil, evil - or are we?
Lately, breeders of purebred dogs are under attack from various "animal rights" groups. These groups push the idea that every purebred dog produced takes away a home from a shelter dog.
The various breeds of purebred dogs were bred for specific purposes, and in many areas, are still used for those purposes. A Jack Russel terrier cannot herd sheep, and a Briard cannot catch vermin in tunnels. In breeding for these specific jobs, different temperaments, looks, and personalities were developed. Those choosing to live with a purebred dog use these carefully nurtured traits to select the right breed for their situation.
How many Briard owners have sheep in their backyards today? But the personality and look remain. There are substantial differences between a Briard and a Chihuahua, and breeders of purebred dogs have the goal of maintaining those differences. We celebrate them!
Many shelter dogs make great pets, IN THE RIGHT HOME. Often, they ended up in a shelter because they were the wrong dog for a particular home. There are many homes out there that need and want specific qualities in the dog they will live with. Choosing the right breed of dog, and getting that dog from a reputable breeder, is a choice we all have a right to make.
Organizations such as PETA and HSUS are using legislation to eliminate breeders of purebred dogs. Under the guise of controlling "puppy mills" and suporting shelter dogs, local and state ordinances and laws are being proposed that strive to eliminate the breeding of purebred dogs. In my county, a recent proposed regulation would require that I apply for a permit and pay a fee of $2500 for every litter. Yet, very few purebred dogs end up in the shelters, and are fought over for adoption. And I have not sold a dog in my county in 11 years.
Good breeders take responsibility for the puppies they produce. We do extensive health testing to produce healthy pups. We screen new homes. We take back dogs that have to be rehomed for any reason - we insist on it! I have taken back and rehomed dogs up to 10 years of age. We microchip so our dogs can be tracked. And we offer support to the new homes for our puppies, to be sure those puppies grow up to be great dogs, and live long and happy lives in the homes we put them in. We are not careless, we are careful. And we will continue to preserve our breeds, despite the efforts of those who want to eliminate them.
For more information about groups trying to limit your right to own a puppy from the breed of your choice, please follow these links:
7 things you didn't know about HSUS
Briards in Need
Go to a site like Petfinder, and you will find dogs listed as "Briard mix". It's most unlikely that any of them actually have Briard in the mix. Many terrier crosses can have a coat similar to a Briard, and erect ears like a cropped Briard. But Briards ARE a cropped breed, and somehow, they can't pass on the gene for an erect ear! Most of these crosses are also much smaller than a Briard. But "Briard mix" sounds more adoptable than "Terrier mix".
Purebred Briards may occasionally show up at a shelter or pound. If rescue is made aware of them, they are gotten out, and good homes are found. If you do adopt a Briard from a shelter, contact a local Briard breeder for any assistance you need in adapting to your new pet. Most Briard breeders will be happy to assist in any way possible.
Older Briards in need of new homes can be found through breeders, and through Briard Haven. Some are rescues, but many simply need the right new home. Divirce, death, a job loss - many situations can lead to a Briard needing a new home.