General Chat

I am puzzled especially when I read today about a puggle which cost £1000. It is a cross between a beagle and a pug. Years ago, you had pedigrees, crossbreeds and mongrels.

Chris, Morning, well just. As a dog lover and keeper of many,many years, I totally deplore this disgusting interbreeding of species. Time was that you kept your pedigree dog up, so that it did not mingle with other breeds. I drew the line with Labradoodles, and didn't think people could stoop any lower. But whilst there are fools who are easily parted with their money, these practices will prevail.
Had me Rant, Thank You
Julia in Derbyshire

Still morning Julia - it was that with crossbreeds and mongrels you could not give them away. Haven't had a dog for 2 years now - OH has enough with me but over the thirty odd years prior to that we had 3 rescue dogs - 2 from vets and 1 from Blue Cross. One Newfoundland cross, lurcher cross and the last a pointer cross. I can recall the Blue Cross form asking what kind of dog we wanted and I said 4 legs and a tail! Afternoon now!

Hi Chris, Afternoon, I have nothing wrong with cross-breeds, but to deliberately cross them is tantamount to interfering with nature, to me. I know if I had payed the price for a full pedigree Pug, nearly £1000 in these parts, it would not be allowed to sniff the outdoors, let alone meet up with another dog, whatever breed.LOL
Julia in Derbyshire

I agree Julia as I have said earlier crossbreeds/mongrels you could not give them away - only pedigree dogs were sold and I have owned two in the past.

Deliberate crossbreeding is, I agree, interfering with nature.

The man that owned the 3mth old puggle it was nabbed out of his garden and then a ransom was asked.

All current pedigree dogs have been 'made' and are a result of selective breeding and cross-breeding, even though some breeds are very ancient, with 'purer' bloodlines. Having seen some of the ghastly practices in 'enhancing' certain breed characteristics, purely for show (German Shepherds, Cavaliers, Bulldogs etc.) I would argue that nature's way is to let the dogs interbreed, not to produce litters from a small gene pool. Yes there are many reputable pedigree breeders, but to crossbreed is not a bad thing. Charging a lot of money, though, I guess if someone is willing to pay....

I wonder if with cross breeding, if the breeder is not reputable, is there more chance of the resulting pup inheriting the bad characteristics of both breeds. Don't pugs have breathing problems? From his photo Louise (the dog's name) was quite cute but he was definitely pug like. What I found disgusting was the number of police involved in the sting to get him back.

I've always had mongrels, 2 were rescue dogs.

Having watched a programme on the Kennel Club, Cavaliers in particular and selective breeding to make dogs appear to have the definitions that judges in shows want it is tantamount to incest !
In breeding grandfather with grandau etc and selective breeding can lead to such horrible probs for the dogs, breathing with flat nosed dogs, back leg probs with Alsations and Labs etc.

A dog is not a toy to be paraded around, it's a pet who will give hours of unconditional love and enjoyment ( Yes there are exceptions)
But then it's big money for those who do this type of breeding.

A disgusted dog lover !