Tuesday, February 28, 2006

"Designer breeds" rare and exotic hybrids or just another rip off?

"Designer breeds" rare and exotic hybrids or just another rip off?

Goldenoodle, Labradoodle, Cock-a-poo, Puggle, Peek-a-poo ... and on and on it goes. Fancy names, fancy claims and a great big fancy price!

Hypoallergenic?
Well maybe if some of the puppies in the litter actual got that gene from the poodle side but the only way to be sure to get a non-shedding dog is to actually purchase a purebred puppy from a non-shedding breed such as the poodle or wheaten terrier.

Will eventually be recognised as a registered purebred?
This is the biggest falsie of them all starting 60 years ago with the cock-a-poo and growing. These mixes will never be recognised, at least not in your lifetime or mine so why pay $1200 and up for an unrecognised mixed breed when you can get the exact same thing by rescuing one of the millions of puppies and dogs that have been surrendered to the pound each year for $100. or less.
Don't believe me? Then take this simple quiz.
http://www.grumpybumpers.com/dogs/

For further information on so called Designer breeds please see the links section in the SIDEBAR.

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

What are CKC registration papers and why are they important?

What are CKC registration papers and why are they important?

To be considered a purebred, both parents of the puppy must be registered with the Canadian Kennel Club. The dam (mother) must be registered with the Club in the name of the person signing the application for registration as owner or lessee at the time of the birth of the litter. Only the recorded owner or lessee of the dam at the time of birth of the litter may apply for registration of the litter and only the recorded owner or lessee of the dam at the time of birth will be considered the recorded owner at birth of the litter.

It is CANADIAN LAW as stated in the ANIMAL PEDIGREE ACT that no dog may be sold in Canada as purebred without the animal being registered with the Canadian Kennel Club (C.K.C.)

CANADIAN KENNEL CLUB registration papers are your certification that your new puppy is a recognized Purebred Dog.

If someone offers to sell you a purebred puppy with no CKC registration papers for a cheaper price THIS IS NO BARGAIN and you should understand why.

In accordance with the By-laws, Dogs must never be sold on a "with or without papers" basis. The breeder is responsible for the submission of and payment for all registration applications. Such costs may be included in the price of the dog but under no circumstances shall the buyer be asked to submit or pay for any applications to register or transfer the ownership of a dog.

The CKC charges a very small amount to register a litter then an additional small amount to register the individual puppy. They do not charge hundreds of dollars!!! It is also illegal to sell an unregistered dog as a purebred so ask why would a seller choose to offer a purebred puppy without registration papers at a few hundred dollars off if the dog really is a recognised purebred dog?

If you make this purchase you more then likely have bought from a person who does not mind selling you a dog under false pretext. Perhaps they have been suspended or disbarred from the Canadian Kennel Club or have bred from a dog purchased on a CKC Non-Breeding Agreement? A Non-Breeding Agreement is a legal document, which formalizes an arrangement between a dog breeder and the purchaser, denying the right to breed a dog without the breeder's consent.

If the sell is willing to break this legally binding contract what other illegal or dishonourable acts are they capable of? What else might they have not been straight forward with YOU about? Did they really do genetic health checks on the parents? Did they really protect the dog from being mated by the mixed breed male down the street? Did they really get an OK from the Vet on the puppies health check?

These types of sellers are only concerned with making money. Rarely do such persons do genetic health checks on the parents so they have no idea what genetic time bomb may be waiting to pop up with no consideration for all the associated vet bills and emotional pain you might later encounter. After all they now have your money and won't be there for you in the future if or when a serious problem arises.
When deciding to purchase a purebred dog it is generally because you have done some research and found that you like the look, size, coat type, energy level, temperament and purpose of the breed. It is well worth the price of a registered purebred from a reputable breeder to ensure you get what you want, after all you will not only be responsible to this animal for next 10 to 15 years but it will live in your home and play with your children.
Do you really want to bring home a ticking time bomb!

$1000. to $1500. does sound like a lot of money for a pet but spread over the life of the animal and the joy and comfort they provide it comes to less then $100.00 per year.

If the price difference between the registered dog and the unregistered dog is really that great of a factor please consider waiting awhile until you have saved up a little more.

Other options could include:
Searcing for a breeders retired dog or returned youngster.
Contacting the desired breed's national rescue group.
Purchasing an unwanted mixed breed dog from a shelter or pound.