Comments on: Do Dog Breeds Matter?

By: Pamela

Pamela — Sat, 17 Aug 2013 12:21:42 +0000

In reply to Human Rescues Dog. Since the "memo" was written by a Scotsman, maybe Hannah's having a hard time understanding the accent. :)

By: Human Rescues Dog

Human Rescues Dog — Sat, 17 Aug 2013 10:10:49 +0000

the golden retriever was bred to settle by your side quietly when the hard day’s work is over? 🙂 I think Hannah didn’t get that memo! It’s 8 pm tonight and she’s running around the house playing with Charlie, despite a long walk today and lots of play time hehe. Hopefully the ‘zoomies’ will be done soon.

By: Callie, Shadow, and Ducky's Mom

Callie, Shadow, and Ducky's Mom — Fri, 16 Aug 2013 15:22:00 +0000

In reply to Pamela. Pamela, I was not aware of the working lines vs pet/show lines color difference tendencies. That's interesting. Shadow has more of the reddish tones to her coat while Callie has a true golden tone to her coat (which is mixing with white as she ages). And Shadow's littermate, Emma, is as golden-toned as Callie. To look at Shadow and Emma you have only to look at the faces to know they are sisters but their coloring is different...and Emma loves being a couch potato where Shadow prefers action.

By: Jana Rade

Jana Rade — Fri, 16 Aug 2013 05:52:29 +0000

Fundamentally, dog breeds matter. Different breeds have different predisposition for certain tasks and activities. Of course, as we slowly turning them all into couch potatoes, it might not matter soon. But it would be pity. Different breeds can do so many wonderful different things.

By: Jen

Jen — Thu, 15 Aug 2013 02:30:57 +0000

In reply to melF. Love your answer Mel!

By: Jessica

Jessica — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 20:31:36 +0000

I go back and forth on this, as I suspect a lot of us do. I would hate to see the variations of inborn skills die down. The natural ability to work and perform a job is just such a fascinating part of dogs. But the actual breeding is such an ethical morass–reduced genetic diversity, increased health risks–that it makes me really uncomfortable. I do wish function (in the sense of both health and in temperament) were more highly regarded in the purebred community at large.

On the third hand, if I can have one of those, my rescued puppy has pretty big issues that a puppy from even a semi-decent breeder just wouldn’t have. I love Silas, but I wouldn’t wish a dog like him on the average pet owner.

By: Pamela

Pamela — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 12:13:58 +0000

In reply to melF. Good point, Mel, about the different lines for showing and for working. In Golden Retrievers, the working lines tend to be more reddish while the companion (and dog show) lines tend to be blonde or cream colored. It's interesting to see how easily even a novice can see the difference when the working qualities line up with a difference in color.

By: melF

melF — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 12:03:33 +0000

Very interesting take on breeds. I think whether breed matters or not depends on your personal preference and on what you might plan to do with the dog (i.e., hunting, herding, guarding, etc.). Some breeds are just better than others when it comes to certain things, but that doesn’t make them exclusive to that role.

And, many breeds have two variations of them now – the one that is bred for a job and the one bred for show. Did you know there are two kinds of Border Collies? One has had much of the herding bred out of him and the other is bred purely for their herding genetics. I was speaking with Jasper’s herding teacher the other day and she said that if a BC is AKC papered they won’t even let them into herding trials because they know an AKC dog was bred for show and not for what they were originally bred for. Shetland Sheepdogs have suffered a similar fate.

By: BoingyDog

BoingyDog — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 06:26:28 +0000

Great post and great perspective. I think they’re important when looked at from the perspective that you shared. But when they’re exploited based on their breed or misused, I suppose my feelings change a bit and I wish they were all mutts so nobody could choose a breed to mistreat. But I do hope that we change the image that purebred dogs are better than mutts – thanks for your statement about the fact that they’re just as loving and are equally amazing companions.

By: Donna

Donna — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 02:33:21 +0000

I do think breeds matter…especially for those seeking specific traits in a dog…but mutts matter too. Where else can we find such unique friends to share our homes (and our hearts) with?