If you have an extra hour or so...

I highly recommend watching this! I heard about this documentary in 'Bark' magazine, but then forgot about it until I stumbled across it on the internet. It is quite an eye-opening look at the world of purebred dogs and some of the sobering health issues arising due to inbreeding and the irresponsibility/greed of some breeders and owners.

I'm not trying to be an extremist by sharing this video. Most of you know I own a mixed breed and he is the greatest dog ever. But, this is not to say that I dislike purebred dogs, think they are all unhealthy, or think that no one should own one. However, it is the responsibility of all dog owners or potential owners to do their homework before getting a dog of any kind. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of breeders to bring dogs into this world only for the bettering of the breed - not to cut a profit, to selfishly build up their ego, or produce dogs focusing strictly on appearance. What matters most is that a dog, whether purebred or mixed breed, fits well with its owner and lives a long, full life. And as a dog owner, trainer, and devotee, it is my responsibility to help educate people on the pros and cons of having a dog of any kind.

If these issues interest you at all, please watch each segment of the video and contemplate just how serious things could get regarding the welfare of dogs everywhere. The video may present a pretty bleak, pessimistic outlook on the situation, but even if you think it is exaggerated, it is better to be informed than ignorant.


Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6