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Not every dog can be rescued. There are some dogs that simply have a bad temperament and will never be completely safe. Temperament in dogs is a heritable trait
by PeanutNore 12y ago
Not every dog can be rescued. There are some dogs that simply have a bad temperament and will never be completely safe. Temperament in dogs is a heritable trait, and selecting a dog from a conscientious breeder who has selected the parents for breeding based on known good temperament and health testing (typically through the OFA program) including genetic testing, makes for a puppy with a predictable temperament and (if the OFA health testing program is followed) a much lower risk of heart, thyroid, vision, and joint problems, as well as genetic disorders, than selecting a dog from a shelter at random.
- michaelochurch 12y agoNot every dog can be rescued. There are some dogs that simply have a bad temperament and will never be completely safe. Agreed. No-kill actually means "90+ percent live release" because some animals are so sick (physically or mentally) that euthanasia is the humane thing to do. Temperament in dogs is a heritable trait, and selecting a dog from a conscientious breeder [...] than selecting a dog from a shelter at random. Perhaps, if only because of the pernicious effect of the puppy mills. 99 percent of shelter cats are mutts and just fine. I'd guess that in terms of average health and temperament, the order is random/natural-bred mutts > well-bred pedigree > puppy/kitty mill animals.
- chadzawistowski 12y agoI'd guess that in terms of average health and temperament, the order is random/natural-bred mutts > well-bred pedigree > puppy/kitty mill animals. Breeders will always put health and temperament first. If they don't, they're a mill. A nice pedigree and a super healthy dog are not mutually exclusive.