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[jacqui835]

I have explained that to them... but they keep saying its their choice, which is it. im trying my best. they dont want a pure cav or a pure pug so i dont quite understand why they want a mix..

they have their heart set on a pup

I absolutely love pugs, I think they're one of the most attractive dogs (and I'm very much a big dog person). But when I go to the park, it's easy to tell the pugs from the pug crosses. Pure pugs can not run the way the crosses can, they make terrible noises when they breathe and the owners all joke together about their snoring problems and how they need to be carried on long walks.

I buy pure breed and cross breed dogs, but only from healthy, tested lines. Sometimes you like certain things about a breed, but other things - health/breathing/spine problems in the case of the pug, make it totally unsuitable for you and since the pure breeders actually breed for the flat face and and double curled tail that cause all the problems, you can feel like you're left with no choice. I can understand why someone would want a pug cross, because I am one of those people. I think what you should try doing instead is ensuring that they check that the parent animals are quality and have been tested for health problems.

Promote responsible, ethical breeding, but don't judge someone too quickly for not wanting a pure bred when the breed has obviously been bred for looks at the expense of health.

Edited May 24, 2010 by jacqui835

[Her Majesty Dogmad]

I spoke to an old friend tonight who is related to another old friend of mine. I am horrified that they both went and got "designer dogs" from back yard breeders recently. They've known me for over 20 years, the last 15 of which I've been involved in rescue. They've seen all my dogs, they've come to Doggie Rescue's shelter with me ..... they've read the DR magazine.

Yet, neither one of them told me they were about to get a dog. One of them went to a puppy farm. I was speechless.

[skip]

dogmad - that must be very disappointing. Specially as like you say they would have seen many lovely dogs that you have had in the past.