Is it bad to want a pure breed friom a good breeder?

[Delynnr]

I have had a purebred sheltie who turned out to be an amazing dog, regardless of the fact that he was from a neighbor who wanted to have a couple litters of puppies. Her dog had great genetics, the stud dog had great genetics and they did research before breeding the two together. Today many would label them 'BYBs' but their dogs were amazing, and led long happy healthy lives. We knew where almost all of his siblings ended up and all of them lived to over 15. Yes - I know we were lucky - but he is likely the closest to breed standard I will ever get. We also knew both of the parents and loved their looks, personality and their puppies were something special.

My parents current dog came from a horrible 'breeder' and she is a genetic lemon. If my parents and sister had not loved her so much they would have given her back to the breeder. They had any number of issues that would have given them cause. The 'breeder' would have just put her down and continued breeding more crappy, yappy, psychotic Shelties.

Boku and Caza were a complete accident. Created when someone dumped an abused Aussie on the hwy by my grandparent's farm. It took a month for anyone to be able to touch her and by that time she was pregnant. She was a pretty dog and sweet - just terrified of humans. The stud was my Grandfather's donated yellow Labrador. A purebred who was deemed to be worthless by his legal owner because he was gun shy. Knowing the previous owner I bet he took the dog as a puppy to a field and shot off a shotgun by the dog and was annoyed when the puppy was scared. Stupidity is rampant where they came from. They were a lot of work as puppies (triple trouble) but now they are extremely sweet dogs, safe with all ages of kids, other dogs, cats, and can go from snuggling on the couch to hiking at the drop of a hat (or leash). They might be mutts but they are good dogs.

So the long (sorry I know I ramble) and short of it is - do what is right for you at the time. Shelter dogs, rescue puppies, pound puppies, pure bred dogs - whatever - make sure the dog is right for your family and go for it. I too look at all the amazing Aussies out there and long for one - as well as a nice Berner - but that was not right for me a couple of years ago. It might never be right. I know that I spoil my dogs with treats, love, toys and a comfy place on my bed and I would still be saving up money for the kind of pure bred dog that I would be looking for. I have learned enough to never settle for the genetic disaster that my parents paid for. If I get that through rescue I would be okay - but not for $$$.

[MuttleyCrew]

I agree with everyone; do what feels right. I happen to be a mutt slut, but that's just me. I love big mutts too, and usually NOBODY wants them so I cave. As long as your doggies have good homes, and I know they do, that's what matters. All dogs count as far as I'm concerned.

[Baroooo]

A lot depends on what you personally want to do with your dog. If you want to show in conformation, compete in breed club activities, or responsibly breed - then you really do need a pure bred puppy from a good breeder. For just about everything else, a dog is a dog - you don't snuggle with the papers. Some of the most amazing dogs I've ever known have been of unknown parentage.
Knowing the breeding of a dog gives you a little better idea what to expect from that dog as far as size, temperament, and behavioral traits - but it's no guarantee! I was almost given a 24" tall basset hound of impeccable breeding. They just wanted the long legged little freak off their farm - lol. You never know for certain.

Anyway, I wouldn't feel that you're wrong for wanting a purebred puppy. If you are - then so am I, so at least you have company. We've balanced our household zoo with rescues, homebreds and purebreds and they all have very special places in our hearts and lives.

[ShilohsGirlJen]

The reason I write this is recently several people have asked me why we get a pure when there are so many shelter dogs out there. It makes me feel bad when I should not and no one should be dictating to me as it is. Thanks for everyones thoughts on this.