I’m not a big fan of Dog TV Shows and Movies. The ones that get less attention aren’t that bad but the larger production shows are a problem. I’m talking about the Greatest American Dog show on CBS, movies like 101 Dalmatians, and other such large production shows. The reason I’m against such shows is that some people watching them feel the need to run out to get one of these dogs. They look at a Border Collie on commercials or TV shows and want to run out to get one. Then when the dog is trashing their apartment or home they either take them to the shelter or throw them in the backyard.
These people look at Eddie, the Jack Russell terrier on the TV show Fraser a few years ago, and everyone had to have one. What they don’t realize is that these are special breeds and have traits that not everyone can deal with.
Breeders
Most responsible breeders will make sure that their puppies are in the right homes but unfortunately, there are many irresponsible breeders out there. Just recently in the area where I live, someone opened a pet store named “Pet Land.” My wife and I were horrified to find that they are selling puppies there. No responsible breeder would allow his or her puppies to be sold in a pet store. As far as I’m concerned, these are just puppy mill dogs and this activity should be banned.
Larry
8 comments ↓
A better title for your article might be: “Pet Shops and Hollywood Dogs”. The problem isn’t with breeders. It is with “puppy mills” and the puppy brokers such as Pet Shops.
I draw a distinction between puppy mills and breeders. My parents and later, my sister and I bred AKC “Show Dogs”. We were responsible breeders. We only had one or two or three litters a year. We carefully screened our buyers. I NEVER sold to somone who wanted to buy more than one dog.
I never sold a dog to somone who said they wanted one because of a movie or TV show. I needed more reasons than “….my neighbor has one and I want one.”
I chafe at being lumped together with “puppy mills” because I am a Breeder. (Although its been over ten years since we’ve welped a litter, I still consider myself a breeder). Puppy mills are in it because puppies “sell”. They are in it just for the money. I bred dogs looking for certain traits that I desired. Selling puppies was simply a way to find good homes for the excess and re-coup some of the expenses for owning multiple dogs.
There are also the “backyard” breeders who welp a litter so the kids can see puppies being born. Or, they have a pure-bred dog with papers and know someone else who has a papered dog. No thought is given to inheritable diseases or temperment. They don’t have any problem selling pure-bred dogs with papers but, are no where to be found when the adult dog can’t walk because of hip displasia or goes blind due to collie eye.
Sorry, but it’s too easy to lump Show Dog breeders in with puppy mills and backyard breeders.
….Chris
You are right I should have titled the post better because I wasn’t talking about “Show Dogs” I was talking about TV shows and movies. Although, “Hollywood Dogs” is probably not an accurate description either because the dogs on the Greatest American Dog show on CBS are not “Hollywood Dogs.” They are owned by the average American supposedly.
I’m sorry I didn’t make a distinction between conformation, puppy mills, and backyard breeders but technically, they are all breeders. I’m sure if you spoke to someone running a puppy mill, he or she would say that they are indeed breeders, and in their own twisted minds, the backyard breeder would think the same. I’m sure there are conformation breeders (Show Dog breeders) out there that are not as thoughtful as you, and some of the puppies may even end up in Pet Shops or worse.
Actually, I have spoken to a puppy mill breeder. This person regarded themself as a “businessman”. They made no pretense that they were breeding dogs for any reason other than to make money. ….and, that they had a “right” to make money any way they saw fit.
It was NOT about improving the breed. It was about “marketability”.
I’ve also tried to educate the various “backyard” breeders that I’ve come into contact with. (usually, co-workers) They are clueless about bloodlines and breeding for improvement. They don’t understand genetic testing, think I spent way too much money on vet bills, and dog shows. Most of all, they (right along with puppy mills) assert they have a “right” to breed their pure-bred dog just like I did. To them, “papers” indicate their dog has as much quality as mine. ….and, they save money by NOT going to dog shows and NOT going to vets to certify that their breeding stock is free of inheritable diseases.
My answer is that I guess everybody has the “right” to act stupid.
I have one hope for CBS’s “Greatest American Dog” and that hope is that SOMEONE who does Flyball will appear and showcase Flyball for the general public and THAT kind of exposure causes a surge in people seeking to learn how to train their dog to do flyball and join a flyball team.
I can always hope….
Actually the border collie on the show does have flyball training. I should know I trained Teresa and Leroy in flyball about 5 years ago. They chose not to compete since she was more interested in other activities.
I have to say over the many years I’ve lived and owned dogs I’ve been very lucky because I’ ve owned dogs from each of these places (not in this order) and all my dogs have lived long , happy and healthy lives.
1. a pet shop (my very first dog as a child)
2. a back yard breeder
3. pound puppies - with unknown breeding
4 a breeder who was supposed to be “reputable” and wasn’t.
5. and also a show dog breeder
Like I said I’ve been lucky - all but one (#4) have been great dogs (who were all neutered and loved by our family.)
Movies and TV always create trends and waves.But trends and waves exist in flyball too.
Border Collies were the dog to have if you wanted a fast dog,and now with the success of these fast Border crosses breaking records Border staffys, Border jacks , Border Whippets are coming into the forfront - it seems everyone is on a list and hoping to get approved for one. - I’m aware of many Breeders who frown on this cross breeding practice. - this has been a topic Larry has posted about in the past.
I don’t believe in puppy mills, I think that’s different. Those dogs never do anything but get bred. - that’s a pathetic life for any creature.
I also know and acknowledgea huge amount of thought goes into creating a good litter of pups by Breeders. I commend them for doing this. Without thier efforts the “traits” that we look for in certain breeds would completely be a gamble and probably dissapear.
Breeders increase the odds of getting the sought after traits, and minimizing the traits that are less desirable. But nothing is a guaruntee. - Luck. I believe in it - and each of the breeders of the dogs I own or have owned have increased my odds of getting a good one.
I have been watching the show and I am not impressed. I do hope that the average person watching the show is not going to see one of the dogs, like him/her, and go out and buy one without researching the breed. But we live in a society that, unfortunately, does that commonly.
The boxer for instance. Smart dog, doing well, and a handful to train and live with. The BC as well, of course.
If you actually watch Greatest American Dog, you’ll see that the judges are stressing using positive reinforcement vs. force in training, and the show seems to be highlighting those who strive to have a good relationship with their dog.
Normally, I wouldn’t watch a reality show like this, but my friend, Bill, is on the show with his Brittany, Star. Bill is a very popular gentleman in Texas agility. Amazingly, the show is actually showing his personality as it really is.
Kim - I’m curious if they are doing the same for Teresa and Leroy, because they aren’t showing Teresa in a very good light lately.
Yes, it’s a hokey show, but I think they will actually end up doing some good…
The Teresa I have met does come off as a know it all and wants to train HER way. But, I do think they are making Teresa seem to be the bad girl on the show. They are making her seem like a jerk and she is not. I don’t really care for her but she loves her dogs.
Leave a Comment