Crufts

[KatyM]

Did anyone see Crufts last night?
They had a discussion about so called "designer breeds". They were complaining about all the people buying/ breeding cross breeds like labradoodles. They said you do not know what you are getting, pot luck! It makes me so mad! Our dogs are wonderful! Breed for wonderful temperaments. I don't understand why people feel so strongly about successful crossbreeds when there are true breeds with so many genetic health problems, such as breathing difficulties for the flatter faced breeds.

[We5Kings]

Yes, I saw that. It is anoying how they insist on referring to our crossbreeds as Designer dogs when, of course, all breeds were, originally, crosses. I've just finished reading a fascinating book( "Darwins dogs" by Emma Townshend)which is about how breeds came into being and how Charles Darwin used dogs to explain evolution etc.
Not all breeders of pedigree dogs are bad. Many of them are scrupulously careful and dedicated to breeding out problems.
I sense that a lot of breeders are afraid of how popular our crosses are and that some breeds will be lost. But there have always been fashions in dogs and inevitably some breeds fall by the wayside
It's a shame that this term "Designer Dogs" is being used as an insult. The piece on Crufts was unnecessarily negative. Anny

[harleyboy53]

Totally agree,the state of some pedigree dogs is appalling.Speaking of which what on earth was it that won the Toy class,looked like it was on wheels.Apologies to all lovers of what ever it was.

[Bid]

PAT dog of the year is a cockerpoo though, so ya boo to the KC snobs!

[popey1]

I went to Crufts on the Friday and the Sunday. I absolutely love all dogs and obviously love Labradoodles. When I went to the Discover Dogs section to show my boys all the different breeds some breeders were a bit funny with you as soon as you mention you've got a Labradoodle. It's such a shame as Alfie is such a stunning dog with the sweetest temperament and I would pick him over any of the 'pure bred' dogs time after time. You have to do your research with any dog and check the health of both the parents and if this is done there is no reason you shouldn't have a very healthy Labradoodle. It does make me mad when they call them designer dogs. Then you look at the pictures behind the presenters and the biggest picture is of Labradoodles. Talk about sending mixed messages!!!

[Sarahdol75]

My OH has never been a doggy person, until I persuaded him to get Harley.

We watched crufts this year, and my OH said Harley could do that, and would win.

Labradoodles, are the best.

[Bid]

I hope that they will stop their dissing the designer dogs after the GSD appeared looking crippled yet was awarded best of breed. The peke inthe BOS should also be looked at imo - it could hardly walk or breathe!

[stout]

That poor GSD how they can possibly say that was a healthy or happy dog. The poor thing also looked terrified

It was also interesting that during the commentary there were lots of references to when the breed was developed or that the breed was a cross, so surely they were also designer dogs at some point in time?!