A Peki-Chi, Really? A Rant by Betsy Rosenfeld
Posted: June 22nd, 2009 | Author: admin | Filed under: Ethical Dog Businesses | Tags: Add new tag, adopt, adoption, dog, dogs, puppy, Puppy Mills, rescue, The Complete Single's Guide to Being a Dog Owner | 4 Comments »Yesterday I was out walking Ranger and we ran into a family who was “walking” a white floppy ball of puppy fur (when puppies are that little, it’s more like dragging than walking). It was very cute and Ranger was soo interested in saying hello and being a kindly neighbor sort, I said hello asked what kind of dog it was.
The mom piped up (as though I’d think it was cute or impressive) that it was a Peki-Chi- a Pekingese Chihuahua mix. Forgive me, but I kind of wanted to shake her silly. Really? A Peki-Chi? Dont you watch Oprah? Don’t you know where that dog came from?
Puppy Mill Photo
Without question, that dog came from a puppy mill or backyard breeder because no self-respecting breeder who breeds for the love of a breed would be cross breeding to create such a “designer dog.” The only people breeding these dogs are out for the money.
As all of this was running through my head I smiled, suggested getting a harness and wished them good luck, and walked away, blood boiling. I thought it might not be such good PR for the book if I smacked her, although you never know.
In writing the book I have come to understand why certain people are scared of rescue, and or just feel more comfortable finding a dog through a breeder. I don’t like it, but I get it. I don’t however tolerate people who either buy dogs at pet stores (humane ones like Orange Bone and WoofWorx not included) and or buy them online from breeders, site unseen.
With pet stores, I often hear… well I felt like I was rescuing it. Again, on a gut level I get that their life wasn’t ideal- since I was a little girl I would only enter the Beverly Center from one side in order to avoid the pet store — but really go to the pound where dogs are jammed in one with another, all facing an uncertain fate and you’ll understand what rescue actually is.
Similary, I’d like to throttle those people who buy dogs online and believe that the pups come from happy places? Hello they come from puppy mills and shady breeders who don’t give a crap about their dog, except in a bottom line sense. Sure you may want to tell yourself “it’s a really nice place, i saw pictures” but guess what chances are, it’s not. The internet is a haven for dishonest business and in this case, dog are simply the commodity.
Online shopping for dogs is a no no
So next time you ask how much is that doggie in the window, whether it be on your computer screen window or the shop window? The answer is that it costs another dog’s life; the one that you didn’t adopt at the shelter.
To see a gallery of adorable dogs I’ve either helped or rescued myself that have come from the streets, the pound or a neglectful situation see below!
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hey i’m not seeing Barzinni on here!!!!
Hybrid “Designer Dog” sales are now outstripping those of purebreds. I think that a lot of this has to do with the fact that all the scientific research shows mutts live longer and are healthier.
Most people just want a happy, healthy family pet. But say “Boxer” and vets think heart disease; say “Bernese Mountain Dog” and they think cancer. The incidence and severity of inherited diseases in purebred dogs increases every year, and yet traditional breeders continue with outdated practices (like inbreeding and line breeding) that continuously limit genetic diversity. The BBC program “Pedigree Dogs Exposed” that screened last year brought many of the health problems associated with purebred dogs to the attention of the general public (see http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=44215931)
In addition, changing fashions and fads in the show ring have caused some purebred breeders to exaggerate physical characteristics that make dogs more susceptible to health problems problems (bulging eyes in Pekingese, elongated backs in Dachshunds etc). Recently the RSPCA in the UK cut it’s ties with the Kennel Club dog shows for “encouraging the breeding of deformed and disabled dogs” (see http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKGRI63987020080916).
However, it is possible for hybrid “Designer Dogs” to provie the best of both worlds, purebreds and mutts: the ability to carefully select the parent dogs for health and temperament, and test for inherited diseases (like purebreds); and the increased health and longevity provided by genetic diversity (like mutts).
Certainly you need to be careful. There are puppy mills and pet stores that have jumped on to the “Designer Dog” band wagon purely to make a profit.
However, there are also many dedicated hybrid breeders whose main aim is to produce healthy dogs, without the genetic problems that plague many purebreds. They carefully select the breeds they use, and test the parent dogs for any possible inherited problems. They aren’t trying to produce a particular “look”, or compete with purebreds – these breeders simply want to provide healthy, happy family pets.
Gem,
Thank you for your very thoughtful response. I totally agree that mutts are the way to go. I just worry about the integrity of breeders, particularly when it comes to designer dogs.
Moreover, if people truly want mutts, the shelters here are full of wonderful options.
I think you may be in Australia (from your email.) Do you have the same problems with puppy mills there?
Thanks for writing!
Betsy
I do agree with a lot of what you’re saying, however I could have easily been the proud mom telling you what my dog was and I probably wouldn’t have gone into the details of how I got her. I do have a pikingese chihuahua mix and I got her from a rescue organization. I didn’t and never would give my money to a puppy mill. I respect what you stand for I just think that you sound like you’re stereotyping anyone with a small dog like we are all Paris Hilton stuck up wannabees. Some people just like small dogs or they suit their living situation and lifestyle. I appologize if I am completely off base. I am simply tired of people assuming that small dogs are fashion assesories to anyone that owns one. My dog means so much more than that.