Very arrogant comment. There are people around who have been deeply involved in animal welfare in Hong Kong for many years, who would not go near ANY breeders. Having 'only just found out' about a certain scene you know better than them, do you?
Considering how much is spent on trying to eliminate conditions like arthritis, cancer and bone health issues from humans, why is it acceptable to create breeds where these conditions are so prevalent? German Shepards are well known for spinal issues (in fact have a long list of conditions), and hip problems in Golden Retrievers. What are your 'reputable breeders' now doing to reverse this?
To the OP, you obviously did not do much research, there is ample information around about the factory line of sick puppies from breeders and pet shops, including on this forum.
I was living in San Francisco in 1998 when I bought my Chihuahua from one of the best breeders in California. My girlfriend at that time loved Chihuahua's. There were none available at the SPCA so I did research and found an excellent breeder. My dog is nearly 14 years old and has been a wonderful companion for all these years.
I do know better than them. They choose to tar all breeders with the same brush because of well publicised bad ones and it's people like them and you who make it difficult for decent folk to go about the business of buying the pet they want. The certain scene I'm talking about are the clubs, the show clubs, the swimming, the dog friendly bbqs and sports days. Breeding dogs, I know as much as the next man. What the bleeding heart, tree hugging, Prius driving, hand wringing retards do is of no interest to me.
(NOW THAT'S ARROGANT!)
Well by breeding out these issues in some cases you would be getting rid of some of the characteristics that define a breed, and returning future generations to a more natural state. So yes, I suppose some breeds would cease to exist.
A better example might be a pug, which by definition has to have difficulty breathing and regulating heat. Give it back a longer nose and it is no longer a pug.
Last edited by Kiwi3; 06-06-2012 at 08:02 PM.
I have yet to see a nice specimen of German Shepherd in HK. I've seen several and they look like clones of each other... hunched back, SEVERE hip displaysia, heads too big, obvious patella problems. Judging by what I've seen with this breed, no German Shepherds should be bred in Hong Kong, assuming the dogs I've seen were born here.