Originally Posted by
nikalas
I just don't think it's as simple a that and I don't think our wants of a dog were arbitrary narrow specifications. One of our overriding considerations was that the dog would be good with children. We haven't got any but, we've got god children and numerous friends have kids who are in and out of our house. Many of those kids aren't use to dogs so, having a dog that can be trusted even with non dog friendly kids, is a must. One bite, and it's the dog that gets put down. Moses has always been super gentle with children and babies. Yes, lots of this is due to his upbringing but the breed is also well known for it. Both Otso's parents are also great with kids so, as I said before, we loaded the dice in our favour. Compare this to a friend of ours who's re-homed lurcher has bitten both of their children and me when I walked it once drawing blood despite coming from a "family home". Only one example I know, but my wife and I just didn't want to take the risk.
I can't speak for other breeds but know for a fact that every Lapphund pup bred will have a waiting list for it and unless, something unforeseen happens as in Moses' case, will never find itself in a Rescue Home. That said, the breed rescue society would take it and/or the breeder be responsible for re-homing and it'd be snapped up as in the case of a 12 year old recently who's owner had died. There are some absolute horrors in pedigree dog breeding, King Charles Cavs and Syringomyelia, Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Spinabifida and GSD's and hip problems spring to mind, but many breeds are healthy, non-showy and still bred to be functional dogs. If that breed happens to be right for you and you will give that dog and happy and healthy life then that's a dog that'll never end up in a Rescue Home. The KC and Breed Societies are under great pressure to put their houses in order and desperately need to but it's largely not KC registered dogs that are filling up Rescue Homes.
The problem lies with unregulated, irresponsible or accidental breeding and would be simply solved by a national canine register. Every dog owner should have to prove themselves fit to own a dog (I like the idea of an exam or assessment), apply for and pay for a license, get the dog microchipped and, unless they're a registered and approved breeder, be obliged to have the dog neutered. If someone is found to have an unregistered dog, then they would be prosecuted. Breeders should have to apply for a licence for every litter and, prior to the mating, be able to show they have a number of prospective owners lined up.
I don't think we'll ever see eye to eye on this one Longdogs but I know from previous correspondence that we do agree on the importance of responsible dog ownership and that something has to be done about the thousands of dogs that do end up without homes.