The Purebred Mutt: Purpose

 

(Photo Credit: Wikipedia)

Hybrid dogs are not bred responsibly and they will never become purebred dogs. Why? Because of their purpose. Purebred dogs have been bred primarily for a function, like herding, hunting, or as a companion. Hybrid dogs are being bred primarily for their label. Very few breeders breed, say, a cockapoo to a cockapoo. It’s usually a cocker spaniel to a poodle, every time. If people were attempting to create a breed, they would breed the offspring of the initial cross (F1 dogs), and then breed the resulting offspring of that litter (F2 dogs), and so on. This real attempt at creating a breed can be seen in the Australian Labradoodle. Breeders are breeding multi-generation doodles with the ideal traits together to create a non-shedding dog that excels as a guide dog.

The problem with not aiming to create a breed is that purebred dogs have clubs with standards that usually keep temperament and health as the primary goal. I acknowledge that some purebred dogs have been grotesquely overbred, making crippled, unhealthy pets like German Shepherds, Bulldogs, and Basset hounds. However, there are so many other healthy breeds that are similar to these dogs that this does not justify a hybrid dog. And if you prefer that mutt-like look, there are breeds who qualify, like the Berger Picard, Pyrenean Shepherd, or Bolognese. Better yet, buy a mutt at a shelter. Many are hybrid dogs, and a shelter dog is a lot cheaper (by at least $1,000) than a hybrid from a “breeder” and just as sweet.

There is a purebred dog perfect for almost any living situation, and if you don’t want a dog with a pedigree, pick one whose lineage is a complete mystery. Shelters have dogs for almost any lifestyle, too!

Silken Windhounds

I haven’t blogged about dogs for a while, so I thought I would write about a rare breed that has caught my attention in the last couple of years: the Silken Windhound. The name sounds like it’s from a fantastical world, but it’s a real breed! It perfectly describes this mystical dog that seems to step straight out of a storybook.

 

Photo Credit: Silken Windhounds of Califorina

The Silken Windhound was created in the last half-century in Texas to fulfill the need of a small, longhaired sighthound. This combination of Borzoi and Whippet has created a stunning dog. Standing at 18.5-23.4 inches (47-60 cm) at the shoulder, they are a nice size for most households. Their coats, which come in any color and color combination, aren’t as thick as Borzoi and they don’t shed as much.

Photo Credit: Silken Windhounds of California

These dogs have perhaps the most stable temperaments of the sighthound breeds. Windhounds are eager to please and get along with the family’s adults, children and pets, even smaller ones like cats and chinchillas, if properly socialized.

Photo Credit: Silken Windhounds of California

Some can be rather sensitive, but socialization at an early age should minimize this. Windhounds can be shy with strangers, but they are not guard dogs. They have a high prey drive, so a leash is necessary.

Photo Credit: International Silken Windhound Society

I usually love herding breeds, but the Silken Windhound is a breed I would consider owning. Although they aren’t likely to protect me and would be very hard to acquire due to their rarity, their size is ideal for a house with children, and the long coat probably gives them tougher skin that doesn’t tear as easily as a greyhound or whippet. Also, their sweet nature, elegance, and long coat that doesn’t shed much are very appealing.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/silkenwindhound.htm

http://www.silkenwindhounds.org/

http://www.uksilkenwindhoundclub.org/home.cfm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silken_Windhound

Anxiety

 

As we approach the middle of summer, firework season, which for many is better known as dealing-with-terrified-dogs season, is nearing. The tales are common – dogs howling, biting through wire crates, crashing through windows.

 

One of my own dogs, Angel, hides under us and refuses to go outside when the sky darkens, not even to use the bathroom. I’ve tried desensitization with treats, ignoring her calmly, comforting her, pheromones, and thundershirts. Nothing helps. We may try oral drops that use chamomile and other herbs this year, but if it doesn’t work for my cousin’s dog, we may simply struggle through another summer making sure we get Angel out to potty before the sun sets.

What has helped your dog overcome its anxiety? What hasn’t? I’d love to hear about different ways of reducing this anxiety!