sorry ally I seem to be missing some thing because I dont understand what your post is about?

Mo

Mo, as I have a pound rescue "Alaskan" Husky sitting beside me right now, aged 16 3/4 and still walking two one mile walks daily, born in Yellowknife of non-pedigreed nor registered Husky parents, which is what sled dog breeders do up there, I feel I can comment. BTW, she is my fourth mutt that has reached past the age of 14.

You might want to read about Alaskan Huskies and their traditon in the North.

Alaskan Husky - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"The Alaskan is the sled dog of choice for world-class dog sled racing sprint competition. None of the purebred northern breeds can match it for sheer racing speed. . .

The Alaskan Husky, like its cousin the Border Collie, is a working large dog and defined by its ability to work. Serious aficionados of the breed are hesitant to cede the breed definition to "looks" (external appearance) in fear of losing the dog's defining working qualities and character by placing form over function, as has happened to many other breeds such as the Poodle (which was once regarded as an outstanding hunting dog rather than a modern fashion accessory). This preference for form over function can be seen in other northern breeds such as the AKC Alaskan Malamute which is bred for a curly tail: the curly tail is a purely decorative standard, and results in a shorter back that is not beneficial to running."

Where I live, only 10% of dogs are registered. In the North, less are. I would not have the gall to suggest to those breeders that the purebred way is the better way when their tradition tells them differently . . . and is probably correct.

That there are others breeding crosses to cash in is true, but I will give good breeders of mutts like these their due and not slate them all the same. It offends me that, in your use of language, you use concrete terms instead of making allowances for good mutt and crossbred breeders.

When I read Ally's posts, both of them, I understood her to be offended the same way.

This girl of mine came to the pound when her owner lost his farm and home due to financial problems. Her owner was kind enough to fill out her story on the relinquishment form, which I got when I adopted her. I had not counted on a harness trained dog, but that is what I got. In the 14+ years that I've had her she's not required more than her annual looksee at the vets (now a bi-annual due to her age) . . . we have, however, had to replace some furniture she took a liking to when we obviously had not run her enough on that given day.

I am fully aware of all the sled dog xcrossing including having hounds in the mix, for speed, BUT this has come about because of the competitiveness of the people that race them, there are even people racing pure hounds, but they have to wear coats because of the cold, we can argue til the cows come home on these mixes, and I am sure if you are a member of all the sled dog forums you will be aware of all of this as I am. and well done you for being so lucky in getting a pound dog that has turned out fine, shame I cant share this with the cross malamute, that was so badly dysplastic, and human aggressive that we could not even get into his kennel to feed him and ended up euthanising him. because he had absolutely no chance of having a caring home similar to that one you provide your dog. good for you taking in the rescues, we need more like you, it will help empty our center.

I have to add to this, the malamute is not s sprinting dog it has a shorter back because it hauls heavy loads, and longer back would be detrimental to the malamute, as it would lose strength, the tail is to be of a certain lenght and the reason for this is so that when the dog lies in the snow it can curl up and cover is nose with said tail to keep the air warm going through the dogs nose and into the lungs.

mo

Mo

Alaskan Huskies are not crosses, Mo. Most are mutts since history, bred for a purpose, but not pure. Keep in mind, we have never had any kind of a percentage of purebred dogs in Northern Canada.

Same can be said of the farm collies throughout the Canadian and American prairies.

I apologise for the use of x's in this instance, I realsie it is a bone of contention for some members, x's mutts are really one and the same in my mind, but I will bear this in mind in any future posts.

Mo

Totally agree. I cannot condone the breeding of cross breeds or pedigrees without the appropriate care and attention to the health, temperament and structure of the dogs to be bred.

If you can prove to me that your dog (and the other dog to be bred for that matter) is free from virtually *ALL* genetic diseases and ailments common to the breeds, fit for purpose (be it working venues, show, or companion and if companion should pass TDI and CGC minimum), and has the temperament of a SAINT. Be it Puggle or Schnoodle, Dobermann or Beagle...be my guest. But to be honest, this is the ONLY time dogs should be bred.

When someone comes on here asking for help, I'm all ears. I prefer to mention what mistakes they're making in the process, as I am free to air my opinion, and I do want people to learn from their mistakes. As of late, I prefer to be kinder in my approach though. Too many times have new users run away because they are torrented with none to helpful remarks given by people who are so righteous as to condemn, but not so righteous as to offer help or advice.

As for cooing at puppies...please, I have yet to meet a puppy that I haven't coo'd over. I've felt pity for their circumstances, I've felt that whoever bred said puppy should be punished or fined for the abuse they've inflicted, but puppies, all puppies, are cute to someone.

Now, as for the "Rescue by Country" debacle. I've lived in Canada for 1.5 years, I've lived in the USA for going on 16.5 years and I've lived in the UK for 3.5 years. I'm 21 years old and during each of my stays in each country, I've been involved in rescue. This has given me a broad spectrum for comparision. For instance, out here in the UK I have to work twice as hard as there are far too many dogs needing rescue or shelter assistance in regards to the amount of kennels or foster homes available. DH hates me everytime I send him a text saying.."Surprise...don't worry, its only until...". I am constantly advertising and perusing applications for new foster homes. We are in such short supply!

In the USA and Canada, I noticed more "strays", but also we had more facilities to accomodate those strays. We were amply prepared with foster homes and kennel space available constantly. I have worked for small time humane society shelters and the bigger metropolitan shelters too. We did have some dogs that were difficult to rehome or rehabilitate, but the ones who were deemed "permanent residents" were slapped with that label for a reason. Take "Anya", the 3 legged yorkie x Bulldog...that's right..bulldog. She was probably nearing 15 when she was surrendered to us. She stayed as the "office mascot" for the last 4 years of her life. The Office Manager brought her home every night to monitor her respiratory conditions.

There's a problem in all three countries. You have to understand though, there's closing on 70 million in the UK now! And we're only the size of Florida. Its hardly fair to compare the UK to Canada or the USA. Our population is highly condensed, houses/property sizes are incredibly small but expensive.

Anywho, that's my take.