All articles tagged with #dog breeding
A 35-year-old man in Compton, California, who may have been breeding pit bulls, was found mauled to death in a backyard where he was feeding the dogs. His girlfriend discovered his body in a kennel area and alerted authorities. Investigators found 13 dogs, including eight puppies, in the yard, and the animals were turned over to county animal control officials.
A large study in the UK found that a dog's snout length, body size, and sex can influence its life expectancy, with flat-faced, or brachycephalic, dogs generally living shorter lives. The study revealed that small-sized, long-faced females tend to live the longest, while flat-faced breeds like English bulldogs and French bulldogs have shorter life expectancies. The findings have prompted concerns from experts about the health and welfare of these breeds, with calls for prioritizing health over aesthetic trends in dog breeding. Additionally, the study suggests that purebred dogs tend to outlive mixed breeds, and ongoing research is exploring the life expectancies of popular designer dog breeds.
Lord Tweedmouth, also known as Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks, bred golden retrievers in the mid-19th century to create a hunting dog that was friendly and could withstand the harsh Scottish weather. Through meticulous breeding and record-keeping, Tweedmouth successfully produced the first golden retriever puppies in 1868. While the breed no longer serves as hunting dogs, their lovable and loyal nature remains. The Guisachan Estate, where the breed was developed, now lies in ruins but is still celebrated as the ancestral home of golden retrievers, with a summer festival held every five years.
Hundreds of Golden Retrievers gathered in the Scottish highlands at the ruins of Guisachan House, where the breed was first bred 155 years ago. Dogs from around the world, including Australia, Japan, and North America, joined the event organized by the Golden Retriever Club of Scotland. The highlight was a mile-long procession of Goldens led by a bagpipe-playing Scotsman. The event aimed to promote the history and tradition of proper Golden breeding and maintain the breed's characteristics of confidence, biddability, companionship, and loyalty.
Striker the Samoyed, a former champion at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, is enjoying his retirement playing, romping, posing, and shedding at his home in Toronto. Despite losing in the final round of the competition last year, Striker is still a champion and a natural ham who believes he should be the center of attention at all times. His owners say he is an unusually chill dog who wakes up happy and is always up for anything. Striker's appearances at Westminster in 2021 and 2022 made him a huge crowd favorite, and he was the best in his group both years.
French bulldogs have become America's favorite dog breed, according to the American Kennel Club, dethroning Labrador retrievers after 31 years. However, the breed's popularity has raised concerns about quick-buck breeders and unhealthy dogs, as well as the ethical implications of breeding dogs prone to breathing, spinal, eye, and skin conditions. The British Veterinary Association has urged people not to buy flat-faced breeds, such as Frenchies, and the Netherlands has prohibited breeding very short-snouted dogs. The American Veterinary Medical Association is exploring ways to improve flat-faced dogs' welfare. Prospective purebred owners should research breeders' history and health testing and accept waiting for a puppy.
French bulldogs have become the most popular purebred dog in the US, ousting Labrador retrievers from the top spot after 31 years, according to the American Kennel Club. However, the breed's dizzying rise has raised concerns over quick-buck breeders and unhealthy dogs. The breed's popularity is sharpening debate over whether there's anything healthy about propagating dogs prone to breathing, spinal, eye, and skin conditions.
The French bulldog has become the most popular purebred dog in the US, according to the American Kennel Club, replacing the Labrador retriever after 31 years. However, the breed's rise has sparked concerns over quick-buck breeders and unhealthy dogs, as well as the debate over whether breeding dogs prone to breathing, spinal, eye, and skin conditions is ethical. The British Veterinary Association has urged people not to buy flat-faced breeds, such as Frenchies, and the Netherlands has prohibited breeding very short-snouted dogs. Prospective purebred owners should research breeders' history and health testing and accept waiting for a puppy.