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The rapid and popular growth in the production of the cross bred dog is again giving cause for concern in the world of dog welfare, as the reality of what is being bred can result in completely new, previously unforeseen, problems. The reasons for this breeding are also sometimes far from altruistic.
We know that all pedigree dogs suffer from a very restricted gene pool because of the human desire to keep the specific look, as well as retaining some heightened selected characteristics. It takes commitment and determination on the part of responsible breeders, to take great care (and usually expense) to have their breeding stock tested for the possible problems that can be found in their particular breed and then to breed from unaffected and healthy dogs only.
However, with every human activity there are many who are genuinely unaware of the possible problems, or worse, those who knowingly breed from affected dogs, causing misery to the trusting buyers and usually physical pain to the dogs.
What happened was a rapid growth in crossbred dogs, in the belief that this would provide a pet that could prove even more convenient to live with people. The first of which was the Labrador crossed with a Poodle to produce a dog that does not shed its coat, a trait from the Poodle breed. The problem with this belief is that people rush to produce and buy these puppies and often at huge cash expense, only to find that the reality is that they did indeed still shed their coat. This is because the gene makeup of any living being is 50% mother and 50% father and if the genes that determine the coat and skin are from the Labrador parent, then the offspring will still leave their needle like hairs everywhere. If you want a dog that will not shed its coat then the Poodle is the only guarantee.
The combinations are now endless with some dogs produced from a multitude of breeds in their makeup and when things go wrong, the rescue centres are filled with the dogs that have been rejected as they were not as had been described or expected.
My honest advice is to please research even these multi pedigree dogs, as these too can retain some of the, less than desired, problems from their parentage. This is something I know all too well as one of my dogs, a combination of German Shepherd, Alaska Malamute and Siberian Husky, has severe Hip Dysplasia, which requires constant medication to keep the inevitable pain at bay. This medication also has undesirable effects that will possibly lead to further problems for her at a later date.
There are also psychological considerations with these "man made" issues as any dog with a physical problem instinctively feels vulnerable and it really is distressing to see my dog watch as her brother goes out for a good run with my other younger dogs and she has to stay on a steady, undemanding play routine with the older dogs.
How relieved I am that I have used 'Amichien� Bonding 'with her and she will always feel safe with us.
Nature takes its time to create any changes in a species, as this is too important to risk the endless problems that speed will inevitably cause.
Oh and if you really want a Labitybeagchowyorkiewoodleycollie then please visit one of the fantastic rescue centres, where you will find thousands of wonderful dogs, that other people have let down, only waiting for your love and care and at a quarter of the price.
Jan Fennell
14th June 2011
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