I always heard this as a kid, but other people have told me that pure bred dogs can have health problems bred out of their lines, whereas mutts will inherit all their ancestor's issues.
378 sats \ 3 replies \ @Undisciplined 8 Jan
I don't think dogs are generally bred for optimal health, but it makes sense that they could be.
I've always wondered if someone could make money just trying to breed really good dogs, instead of pure breds.
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481 sats \ 2 replies \ @siggy47 OP 8 Jan
I'm a huge fan of American Bulldogs. Best dog I ever owned. This "breed" has different types, but the model was the old "Southern White" working dogs of the American south. No one's quite sure of the breeding stock for the different types, but they were mostly bred for stamina, strength, health, and guarding ability. Of course, some breeders went down the looks rabbit hole, and their dogs paid the price health wise.
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645 sats \ 1 reply \ @Undisciplined 8 Jan
I have an affinity for Staffordshire Terriers, for very similar reasons. Sadly, many are still bred for fighting, because of their jaw strength. They tend to be very good around kids though. Some tests score them as second to Golden Retrievers in how tolerant they are to kids poking, tugging, and just generally pestering them.
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481 sats \ 0 replies \ @siggy47 OP 8 Jan
Very similar dogs. I have a Staffy Bull Terrier now. Wonderful animal
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242 sats \ 2 replies \ @fm 11 Jan
the more pure, less the genetic diversity. My pure dogs lasted way less then crossed breeds..
Also, the way people breed dogs is not good.. They go for volume instead of quality and end up messing up..
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0 sats \ 1 reply \ @siggy47 OP 11 Jan
Yes, the quality of the breeding is a huge issue. There are some breeds that have breeders who breed for utility, the dog's working ability. For example, some Eastern European German Shephard breeders. The dogs are not bred for conformity or appearance, so they wouldn't win any bullshit dog shows, but they are athletic and healthy.
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242 sats \ 0 replies \ @fm 11 Jan
yeah.. German Shepherds are great example,
The real good ones do not have that dysplasia that we pushed on them for the Contests..
The bad ones are the winners.. Go figure..
My last one was a recue and not pure. She lived to aprox 15 years old.. Pure ones are lucky to live half of that with quality time
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1 sat \ 0 replies \ @TNStacker 6 Jan
Biologists say genetic diversity is positive.
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