Is your dog a purebred? If so, you may want to get him a special treat: today is National Purebred Dog Day! Our canine companions come in all shapes and sizes, and we love them all. In this article from Fairfield Animal Hospital, your Cy-Fair veterinarian discusses purebreds.
Health
One thing to be aware of is that many purebreds are prone to specific health conditions. This is a direct result–and often a downside–of their physiology. For instance, brachycephalic pets, which are pets like Persian cats and Pug dogs, have pushed-in faces. Their appearance is cute, but it’s actually the result of a birth defect, one that can lead to a variety of respiratory issues. Although many breeders do guarantee their animals free of specific traits, at the end of the day, it’s impossible to predict what issues may arise down the road. This is one reason you may want to look into insuring your pet. Proper veterinary care is also a must.
Temperament
The AKC currently recognized 197 new dog breeds, with more being added each year. So far, that’s 197 stories of how different dogs came into existence! Most dog breeds came about as a direct result of breeders looking for specific traits. For instance, the Labrador Retriever was bred to retrieve water fowl, and the Border Collie was a herding dog. Many terriers were bred to hunt vermin. Before purchasing a purebred, look into how and why that breed was developed, and what Fido’s original ‘job’ was. Make sure it aligns with your lifestyle. For example, if you want a dog to go jogging with, then a brachycephalic pup isn’t going to be the best option. If you want a quiet, indoor couch potato, a husky may not be right for you.
Breeders
You may have seen horror stories on the news about unscrupulous puppy mill owners, and the horrendous conditions their dogs are kept in. This is one reason we often advocate adopting from shelters. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t responsible breeders out there. There are some wonderful ones. It’s also true that there will always be a demand for certain purebreds. If choosing a breeder, just choose one with great references, policies, and ethics.Please contact us at Fairfield Animal Hospital, your Cy-Fair veterinary clinic, with any questions about your dog’s health or care. We’re here for you!
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