I am proud to say I own purebred Cardigan Welsh Corgis. I know without a shadow of a doubt I bought my dogs from caring, reputable breeders. They are people who test their dogs for health problems, require the dogs to be micro-chipped, and keep in touch to be sure everything is OK. With both Wilson and Jimmy, I signed a contract stating that in the event that I could no longer keep them, I was obligated to return them to the breeder. When Jimmy (at nearly 7 years of age) earned his MACH this past weekend, the first person I called was his breeder to share the happy news. Yes, almost seven years later, and we are still friends, still celebrate this kind of info.
And why did I want a purebred? I wanted the predictability that comes from knowing the breed. I know what size a Cardigan will reach. I also know, as a herding breed, they will be highly intelligent, very trainable and biddable, and have the endurance and energy I want in my dogs. I also know some of the negatives that come with the breed such as heavy shedding due to a double-coat, the potential for back issues, and the fact that since they are herders they have the tendency to chase/nip at moving things. Certainly, Jimmy and Wilson are each unique with their own personalities and quirks, along with a great sense of humor, but the underlying breed traits are there, and are what I was looking for!
I would be more than happy to get a Cardigan from our breed rescues. Fortunately, Cardigan breeders guard their pups like the gold that they are, and have done a great job of keeping them out of the hands of indiscriminate breeders, backyard breeders, and puppy mills. As a result, the waiting list for a rescued Cardigan is a long one indeed!
I am not ashamed to say:
Those are many of the same reasons (size, intelligence, trainability) I chose a cardigan for my first purebred dog, when we lived on a sailboat.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. There is room for all of us at the table of responsible dog owners and we should be encouraging and supporting each other.
ReplyDeleteYay!! Thank you for joining in on the fun! I think there is a very long wait list for most Newfies too! I
ReplyDeleteWonderful post!! Had no idea that today was National Purebred Dog day. I'm proud to say that I love my purebred dog.
ReplyDeleteThough Roxy the Bull Terrier X Ridgeback is a much-loved sweet girl. Scotties are HER first love. With well-bred dogs, you know what the dog's characteristics will be when they are out of the cute puppy stage and whether they will fit in with your life-style.
ReplyDeleteXXXOOO Bella & Roxy
I'm proud to say we love both of the breeds we've chosen. Our Cardi, Barkly, can't be beaten for a watch dog. He's the greatest alarm on earth. Our Black Russian Terrier, Vlad, is a natural guard that does things that are hard to teach other dogs to do. Our purebred dogs make our lives happy and whole.
ReplyDeleteWonderful, Taryn! I, too, am proud to have had wonderful purebreds in my life -- both Beagles and Cardigans. We find a great deal of joy in chatting with strangers and sharing information about our wonderful Cardigan and the distinctive traits of his breed. Let's face it -- dog love is dog love, no matter where you find yours!
ReplyDeleteI love your purebred dogs too!
ReplyDeleteI too have had a great experience with Honey's breeder. She just sent me an email that she's hosting an eye clinic and we're invited. It's great when breeders care so much about the temperament and health of their dogs.
ReplyDeleteI may never have another purebred dog. But I'm really glad for what I learned with Honey.
Great post!
ReplyDeleteOh, I had no idea today was National I Love My Purebred Dogs!!
ReplyDeleteWells, shoot, Ma loves me too, butts she is a terrible assistant and fell down on the job AGAIN, so I will say I loves your Purebred Doggies too!!! Did I ever tell you there is a Corgi that barks it's ass off at me on our walkies?? Yups! And I do the same right back! BOL We have fun, though I embarrass Ma with all the antics, butts that's just a bonus, right?
Anyhu, I loves your Purebred Doggies too!!
Kisses,
Ruby ♥
SO true, and we share the same reasons! All five of mine are purebred, and I can't see myself ever owning a mutt.
ReplyDeleteDM
I really wish I'd known about this ahead of time, because I totally would have jumped on this bandwagon! Good on you! :)
ReplyDeleteAs the creator of National Purebred Dog Day, needless to say I'm delighted to see this post! Purebred dogs and their ethical breeders have been painted with a very broad brush when in truth, many of us own mixed breeds as well as purebreds, and many of us include a rescue dog in the family. The day was created to restore balance to the conversation about responsible dog ownership, and I believe that the best way for a dog to avoid becoming a rescue is to be properly matched with a family in the first place. The more we know about the dogs we get, the better for all. Thank you for helping spread the word on our first ever National Purebred Dog Day. Perhaps next year, it'll be International Purebred Dog Day!!
ReplyDeleteNow I can't say if I like purebred dogs better or mutts; as I've never owned any type of dog before, but I grew up with only purebred dogs, and if I was ever to get a dog, no doubt it would be a purebred. That's just what I think.
ReplyDeleteWe have never had real purebreds maybe just Pip but she was a rescue but we think there is absolutely nothing wrong with them only sometimes the breeders. We think there is room for all types for responsible owners. We celebrate all. Have a fabulous Friday.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes Molly
Love this post. You mentioned all the reasons why I chose a pure bred dog too- you (kind of) know what you'll be getting. For a first dog, this was important for me to learn from. Your breeders sound fantastic, you're really lucky to have found some as lovely as that :)
ReplyDeleteI hope my last post went though
ReplyDeleteOh dear I see it didn't. I wanted to say I agree with everything you have said. I love the predictability of my pure bred dogs and the fact that I know there energy and exercise needs ahead of time or at least can make a good estimate. I love companion breeds and they make the best match for me. Now I adore my mutt and he is an amazing dog but in the future I will prorbably like the predictability of pure breeds.
ReplyDeleteGetting a rescue pug or bulldog is not impossible but VERY difficult. For full time workers like my husband and myself finding a pug or bulldog in rescue would be nearly impossible. The same goes with many other small breeds. We also happen to prefer to get our dogs as puppies, not the right choice for everyone but it is for us.
Our last two pure bred dogs came from excellent breeders with great commitment to the breed I am very proud of them!
retro rover
We got a couple of our Labs from breeders and the last 3 from rescues, so I assume they are pure-breed. We're lucky that there are hundreds of Labs available through rescues...lucky for us, not for them I guess.
ReplyDeleteI do too (love purebreds) for the same reason as you. Predictability. I know what I like in a dog, and Labs have it. But.... down the line, I might consider a Lab and Aussie Shepherd mix. That would be interesting...
ReplyDeleteSugar is a purebred and we have am awesome relationship with her breeder since she was a young pup. Totally understand what you mean. We are currently thinking to get another Golden n a bit conscious on where to get it, plan to rescue a young Golden ... Golden Woofs
ReplyDelete