Is it wrong for people to create their own breeds of dogs?

[Barklessdog]

The point is that people who breed dogs to be better pets suits today's world better in this day vs carrying on some AKC accepted man made breed whose form is guided by outdated and sometimes unacceptable roles, as well as physically problematic to the dogs. How does breeding a German Shepherd to walk like that make it a better dog in anyway?

If it's not better for the dog, why continue with that trait?
Why not breed a dog to be the best it can be, physically.

I do agree that any & all animal breeders should be responsible. That's not the the point here. That's a given. More so, why not make better dogs that suit our world today?

The designer mixed breed is supposed to be a BETTER PET for your family. To me that's a nobler cause than trying to breed out the fighting spirit of a dog bred centuries ago for fighting, which is totally unacceptable today as a purpose. Seems backwards to me.

What purpose does the lack of a nose serve the Pug, but chronic nasal & breathing problems?

Where I can see it, is with the non man created dogs, like Basenji, Singing Dogs & Dingos. The mission is preservation, not playing God. If you decide to play God than make a dog who is a better.

That's the point.

[tanza]

Key to your statement is "supposed" to be a better pet?… How is that a nobler cause?... when they breed dogs together and have no idea what they are mixing or getting... IMO, that is want these people that are only in it to make a quick buck what everyone to believe, "they" are breeding the better pet..?....

[Barklessdog]

How is that a nobler cause?

It is if the dog does not designed to phyically suffer because someone years ago thought it would be desirable or cute. Why does anyone need a dog with the jaw strength of a pit bulls?

when they breed dogs together and have no idea what they are mixing or getting..

The ones I have seen- Labrodoodles, people love them, the great obediant Lab that does not shed . I dont think you can broad blanket designer dogs that way. Nor can I say all AKC breeds are not well bred.

I don't think these people seem to be irresponsible. You find as many if not more irresponsible AKC dog breeders as any dog. Most the puppy mills I have read about bred AKC dogs.

http://labradoodles.com/_wsn/page2.html

The Hahn name has long been associated in the United States with the breeding of world class show horses and ponies and with fine dogs. Since the early 1970’s our puppies have been in high demand, recognized for the quality and for the integrity of the family who stand behind them.

Long experience with Poodles and a strong inventory on hand was a perfect springboard for the Labradoodle & Goldendoodle breeding program begun in the mid 1990's - the first major breeder in the United States of these fine dogs.
To bring the program to fruition we secured through painstaking searches and evaluations an outstanding treasury of Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers. They had to be from breeders we knew and trusted and to be well bred, genetically sound, and with lines known for good temperaments. Body structure and attractiveness were other important considerations. All the acquired breeding stock were registered with the American Kennel Club and exemplified the breed standards in health, temperament and conformation.
Once the breeding partners were gathered it was not very long before more than a few folks were calling and stopping by in search of those "good looking doodle puppies". Now, a decade later, Gleneden dogs can be found in loving homes not only in our Blue Ridge region of northern Virginia but across the breadth of America and in other lands as well.

Each puppy is a treasure. We place puppies one at a time, taking into consideration the suitability of the prospective home. This is done in a positive spirit, not one of trying to be “exclusive" but rather in knowing from lengthy experience that some situations are just not conducive for a good dog - human family relationship. And that is something we care about, a lot.

[Barklessdog]

Again the point is, if we are to play God and create dog breeds, why not create ones that are better suited to people today?

Someone created 99% of AKC breeds long ago for a purpose. How is that acceptable then and not for people today to do it?

Why carry on a fighting dog's blood line?

Again people are in it to make a buck on all sides as well as people who love their animals and have good intentions. You see a lot of Pitbull and AKC dog breeders in the back pages of Dog magizines, where it's business to make money and they will ship the dog to you. There is bad on both sides.

[lvoss]

@Barklessdog:

The designer mixed breed is supposed to be a BETTER PET for your family. To me that's a nobler cause than trying to breed out the fighting spirit of a dog bred centuries ago for fighting, which is totally unacceptable today as a purpose. Seems backwards to me.

I am sorry but the "designer mixed breeds" have are not bred to be BETTER PETS they are bred so that unscrupulous for profit breeders can make more money. Since a mixed breed is not expected to have papers or health testing pure for profit breeders charge outrageous prices and put in little or no money into the dogs they breed and the puppies they raise.

I don't believe that the care and dedication we see in responsible basenji breeders has anything to do with them being a "natural breed". It is because the community of responsible breeders have taken a strong stand to make health a priority and make health results public. Even BYBs are feeling pressure to do some tests because of the dedication of BCOA members to educate the public about OFA's public database.

[tanza]

And I know just as many Labrodoodles that have Hip Dysplasia (which is in both breeds), they DO shed and some more then even a pure bred lab… they have Epilspsy which is a dominate gene in poodles. High rates of Addison and Cushings, PRA in Labs and Goldens, eye problems in Poodles also.
And with all three high rates of cancers. They say nothing on their web site about Heath testing, eye cerfs and/or hips with OFA?... and they only micro chip on request?

[Barklessdog]

Aren't breeding dogs with physical problematic abnormalities as bad as breeding dogs with genetic ones?

Why is OK to purposely breed AKC dogs with physical defects that define the breed?

http://www.redsofts.com/articles/read/362/52372/Pugs_Unique_and_One_of_a_Kind.html

This endearing little dog is gaining popularity as more and more people fall in love with this odd looking dog. For the Pug size is irrelevant and this brave and adorable dog will become your most loyal companion.

The head and tail are the most distinctive features of this breed. The short muzzle and decidedly "squashed" appearance have a lot to do with the increase in popularity that the breed is currently enjoying. If you are thinking of owning a Pug you will want to know some things about the breed before purchasing In order to make an informed decision.

The short muzzle is also the cause of many of the health problems that Pugs suffer from. Breathing problems, sinus problems and snoring are just some of the issues that result from this charming facial feature.

They are generally small and the breed standard states that they should be between 14-18 pounds. Pugs are prone to overeating and should be exercised regularly to avoid obesity.

If Pug breeders really wanted to perfect the breed, why wouldn't they give the poor dog a nose?

You can do all the blood testing you want, then overlook something obvious?

Why not set up a standard like the AKC has for designer dogs & breeders?

[tanza]

Setting the standard again is NOT AKC, it is the parent breed clubs, what you see in the AKC standard come directly from the breed parent club for that breed, period… so if these people are so responsible for these designer dogs, why don't they set up a parent club? Why don't they have health records rather then just making statements "no shedding"... no this, no that... it is all just noise, nothing to back it up...

[Quercus]

@Barklessdog:

Last time I was in a dog show in Chicago all the German Shepherds looked and moved like that. Someone is accepting this in the ring or they would not be awarding people with dogs like this.

I agree the breed standard you post says nothing about them walking like that or there legs being out of proportion.

Somebody is supporting this judging by Westminster, the only dog bred to walk like that in the shepherd group
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uSmCMDsSu4

When you think about it how else would you create a dog to move with a sloped back like that?

We don't breed German Shepherd here, we don't claim to be experts in their structure or movement. If you are honestly curious as to why they have an unusual amount of rear angulation, you should ask a German Shepherd Dog Forum

I think people, in general, are really judgemental about GSDs and their shape, when honestly do we non-GSD experts, non-canine structure experts know if the that extreme angulation is unhealthy for them? We 'feel' like it is, 'cause it looks wierd to us. I don't know….I am not going to judge and entire breed fancy, when I don't know anything about it.

And, again as people pointed out...AKC has NOTHING to do with monitoring breed standards. They are registry for purebred dogs. Breed clubs define their standards, and then breeders who are serious about their breed try to breed to that agreed upon standard. Judges are expected to judge to the standard.

[Quercus]

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Well, supposed to be...that is advertising. I have lots of clients with problem 'labradoodles' and 'goldendoodles' and 'puggles'. They are no more or less likely to be the 'perfect' dog than any dog who was adopted from a shelter, or purchased from a breeder.
Again, you can't MAKE a perfect dog for everybody...and IMO there are plenty of dogs out there to choose from, to find the best fit for anybody.