The quest for the perfect dog is imperfect by nature
Image by wikimedia.org
Judith Lewis writes for the Los Angeles Times that while the Obama family’s quest for a family dog has yet to reach a conclusion, some new wrinkles in the search have revealed why they’re having so much difficulty. First Lady Michelle Obama revealed in an interview that they want an adult rescued Portuguese water dog that is house-trained. Not too much to ask for, eh?
But Lewis, being an animal activist, objects. Many people animal groups would love to see the Obamas adopt a pet, but in consideration of daughter Sasha’s allergies, they’ll only consider a purebred. And as Lewis puts it, “last time I checked, Portuguese water dogs weren’t turning up at the pound with any regularity.” People who keep them generally aren’t in the market for payday loans, either.
Avoid puppy mills
Most of the pure-bred dogs in shelters tend to come from backyard breeders or puppy mills. The constant inbreeding for desirable characteristics opens the door for harmful mutation, particularly the inability to breathe properly. Responsible breeders, says Lewis, don’t put their dogs up for rescue; they “re-home” them.
If the Obamas adopt, she hopes that they adopt from a conscientious breeder. Insisting upon a rescued dog “is to relegate our future with the canine species to random relationships in which humans are forced to settle for whatever renegade breeders produce and fail to care for.” If a Portuguese water dog isn’t available, canine experts suggest a border terrier. They’re affectionate, intelligent, even-tempered, and obedient. Moreover, they’re also alert and fearless. These traits, coupled with a general hardiness of breed, would make for an ideal First Pet.
Related Video:
Puppies are a lot of work, (I’ve raised a few myself) and terriers are a spirited breed, to say the absolute least. The West Highland White that I reared from a pup was so tenacious and so vindictively shrewd in his attempts at escape led to a new fencing project every two weeks, at least, until he was cornered – and then I still had to watch the gate to make sure he didn’t make a break for it! I’m sure the First Kids will have an immense amount of fun with whatever dog they settle on.