Bringing a dog into your life can be one of the best and most rewarding choices you can make. They are companions, a comfort, a joy, maybe sometimes a headache, but ultimately part of the family! Unfortunately, though, the desire for certain specific breeds of dogs is fueling a shadow breeding world where sicker and sicker dogs are being born. Will you join Care2 in committing to "adopt, not shop!"
There are ethical breeders in the world, but they are few and far between and usually very expensive. Most dogs that are bred to be "pure breeds" are actually just incredibly inbred, which means they have a lot of health problems and often lead painful, expensive and short lives. It's honestly extremely cruel that we breed dogs we know are going to suffer, just because we like the way they look.
The best way to disrupt this industry for the average dog lover is not to support it. Instead, consider adopting a dog from your local shelter! Often those dogs are mutts, which tend to be healthier. Shelters dogs need loving forever homes too!
If it's really important to you to have a certain kind of dog, consider rescuing one instead of purchasing one. There are breed specific rescues set up all over the world because these "designer" dogs often get relinquished when the owners realize how inbred and sick they are. So rather than supporting new breeding, you can adopt a dog who is already alive!
Here are some of the common breeds that veterinarians and other experts say will have significant health issues due to breeding practices: Golden Doodle, Pug, Chow Chow, Miniature Poodle, French Bulldog, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd and Cocker Spaniel. But that list is far from exhaustive. So before you get your next dog, be sure to read up on the breed. Better yet, adopt a shelter dog!
Some dogs are so inbred they can't even reproduce by themselves. For example, French Bulldogs have to be artificially inseminated and are most often delivered by cesarean section. That is a clear indication that that dog should not exist. French Bulldogs also have severe spinal problems that are painful, among other issues.
It's just not okay for us to keep breeding these dogs who live extremely painful lives. Will you sign on to commit to adopting instead of shopping for your next dog?
