In a quite hillarious and transparently bitter fit of pedigree breed snobbery, the Labrador Retriever Club and Poodle Club of America are ‘voicing their concerns’ about the decision of president Barack Obama to consider a Labradoodle for the first family’s new dog.

The clubs have put out a statement which reads:

In light of the recent announcement by the Obama family that the “labradoodle” is under consideration as the next “first dog,” the Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. (LRC) and the Poodle Club of America (PCA) are voicing their concerns about this trend – one that they feel is detrimental to canine welfare and potential pet owners.

“These crossbreds are a deliberate attempt to mislead the public with the idea that there is an advantage to these designer dogs,” said LRC, Inc. Board Member Frances S. Smith DVM, Ph.D. and Diplomate American College of Theriogenology. “The crossbred dogs are prone to all of the genetic disease of both breeds and offer none of the advantages that owning a purebred dog has to offer.” To read the LRC’s full statement go to: http://www.thelabradorclub.com/subpages/labradoodle.php

“Some breeders breed to improve a breed while others do it for profit,” says Fred Kampo, vice president of the LRC. “‘Doodle’ breeders hype them as the ideal dog, but every dog in a litter of mixed breed pups is different — there is no predictability in size, temperament, energy level, coat type so selling them for thousands of dollars to an unsuspecting public as so-called ‘designer dogs,’ often at prices higher than what a reputable breeder of purebred dogs would charge makes no sense. Our clubs can’t sit back and watch people being misled any longer.”

According to the PCA’s “Report to the Media on Poodle Rescue,” “Labradoodles were first produced in Australia in 1989 through an experimental breeding program sponsored by the Royal Guide Dog Association. The goal of this experiment was to produce a dog more suitable for disabled individuals with allergies than the typical Labrador Retriever. The Association believed that by crossing the steady temperament of the Lab with the Standard Poodle, with its low shedding coat, a solution for this small population of people would be found. Upon analysis of the breeding program however, it was found that fewer than 35% of the labradoodles produced were acceptable as guide dogs and an even lower percentage were found to be ‘hypoallergenic.’ The last labradoodle bred to attempt to become a guide dog was born in 1996 and the Association has no plans to continue the experiment.” Read the complete report at:

http://tinyurl.com/85n4u2

“We aren’t necessarily advocating for the Obamas to get a poodle as we are always concerned about our breed’s profile being raised,” said Jack MacGillivray president of the PCA. “We do not want to encourage disreputable breeding or see more dogs come into our rescue program. However if the choice is between a ‘doodle’ mix and a purebred, we felt we needed to speak out and educate the Obamas and dog lovers everywhere about the difference between a purebred and a mixed breed.”

Should the Obamas decide on the Portuguese Water Dog (PWD) as their choice for first pet, both clubs agree that the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America (www.pwdca.org) is their best resource. As with the LRC and PCA, club members are responsible PWD breeders dedicated to the principles of preserving and protecting the integrity of their beloved breed.

Let’s take a look.

“The crossbred dogs are prone to all of the genetic disease of both breeds and offer none of the advantages that owning a purebred dog has to offer.”

Wow! Really?

So what on earth is this mad man doing going after a blinking crossbreed when, if we are to believe these two breed clubs, is genetically as troubled as both breeds and has ‘none of the advantages’? If he can’t even get his research right when choosing a dog, how on earth is he going to get on when it comes to invading Iran? The guy is obviously spent, he’ll probably end up invading Ireland instead – which is prone to the same problems as Iran but offers none of the Middle Eastern advantages.

But hang on, here’s a thought. Perhaps the president has discovered that those involved with Labradoodles don’t speak with the muffled tones of those who’s heads have become so firmly lodged up their own back passage they no longer make any sense at all?

I don’t know. Just a thought.

Anyway, moving on:

However if the choice is between a ‘doodle’ mix and a purebred, we felt we needed to speak out and educate the Obamas and dog lovers everywhere about the difference between a purebred and a mixed breed.”

Seriously? You wanted to speak out about educating the president and dog lovers everywhere? My, how considerate of you. Perhaps you could also point people in the direction of watching Pedigree Dogs Exposed. You know, just to ‘help educate’ them. I’m pretty sure the president understands the difference between a purebred and a mixed breed. In fact I’m certain he does – I’ve heard him speak on the subject. So, whilst it’s awfully kind of you to offer to ‘educate’ him, I’m fairly confident he’s pretty well informed. And hey, look at that, he still ended up considering a mixed breed any way! Wow, would you believe it.

“Some breeders breed to improve a breed while others do it for profit,” says Fred Kampo, vice president of the LRC. “‘Doodle’ breeders hype them as the ideal dog, but every dog in a litter of mixed breed pups is different

Damn those dogs and their ‘difference’! Damn them to hell for not being an exact replica of each other. Oh, hang on. A dictionary just fell on my lap…..

di·verse  (d-vûrs, d-, dvûrs)
adj.
1. Differing one from another.

Diversity is a bad thing?

Well I never knew. Consider me ‘educated’.

“‘Doodle’ breeders hype them

Hype them? What, not at all like you’re trying to hype your own breed in your quest to ‘educate’ the president. Do you people listen to yourselves? I mean, really? Do me a favour.

selling them for thousands of dollars to an unsuspecting public as so-called ‘designer dogs,’ often at prices higher than what a reputable breeder of purebred dogs would charge makes no sense. Our clubs can’t sit back and watch people being misled any longer.”

Glory be. Here’s the nub. Just what the hell gives ANY breeder the right to dictate the selling price of another breeder’s dog? It’s there in black on white though. I’ll return the rhetorical: Why shouldn’t a crossbreed be more expensive than, say, a Bulldog? Why shouldn’t a dog which is fitter, healthier and destined to live twice as long and incurr less than half the veterinary expenses be sold at double the price? Answers on a postcard.

It seems to have escaped their attention how breeds are actually created in the first place. EVERY dog breed must have started out as a so-called ‘designer dog’. They are ALL of the SAME species. They are not a different sub-species, a dog is a dog is a dog is a dog. Fact. But this public display of purebreed snobbery is great value for people like me. It entertains equally as much as it ‘educates’. So thanks, at least, for the laughs.

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Related posts:

1. Obama Goes Back on Promise to Adopt a Crossbreed Shelter Dog
2. Breed Clubs Have a Responsibility, So Why Are They NOT Promoting Health?
3. Kennel Club Barking Up Wrong Tree With Obama
4. Former French President Chirac hospitalised after mauling by his clinically depressed poodle
5. Obama Should Get a Labradoodle