Quote:
Originally Posted by pezbaby
Don't those dogs have lots of health problems and short life expectancies because they are bred to be so large?
disclaimer: I'm always in favor of adopting a rescue pet, so I'm extremely biased against breeders.
I support expert breeders because I place a high value on having a dog that's parents I know for a fact were healthy and screened to not be carriers for things like genetic hip problems. I seek breeders who breed primarily for temperament and health (as apposed to mainly conformation breeders with which there is more concern for in-breeding).
Of course some people will call this selfish, but I see it as "voting" with my $ for animals that are well-treated their entire life, and a greater insurance that I will get to enjoy having a healthy dog for as long as possible. Having a relationship with the breeder is also nice in case any problems do arise down the road. I do respect the idea of getting rescue animals (my cat was homeless) though.
Giant breeds do have shorter life expectancies, but we can offer a great environment, and I don't see that as a reason not to own them...