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A Matter of Breeding: A Biting History of Pedigree Dogs and How the Quest for Status Has Harmed Man's Best Friend
A provocative look at the “cult of pedigree” and an entertaining social history of purebred dogs
So-called “purebreds” are the mainstay of the dog industry, and expert Michael Brandow argues that these aren’t markers of time-honored traditions but rather commercial inventions of the nineteenth century that were marketed as status symbols to a growing middle class. Combining social history and consumer studies with sharp commentary, this book reveals the sordid history of the dog industry and shows how our brand-name pets pay the price with devastatingly poor health.
So-called “purebreds” are the mainstay of the dog industry, and expert Michael Brandow argues that these aren’t markers of time-honored traditions but rather commercial inventions of the nineteenth century that were marketed as status symbols to a growing middle class. Combining social history and consumer studies with sharp commentary, this book reveals the sordid history of the dog industry and shows how our brand-name pets pay the price with devastatingly poor health.
288 pages, Paperback
First published February 3, 2015
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June 2, 2021
Written by a New York City dog walker, this is a history of dog breeding and how it's hurting the animals we consider family. While it was an interesting takedown of the dog breeding industry that is actively inbreeding animals and causing them health problems in the process, the book gets distracted by its own history midway through and never manages to get back on track.
See my full review on Booktube!
See my full review on Booktube!
January 9, 2015
I WON THIS BOOK FOR FREE FROM GOODREADS FIRST READS GIVEAWAYS!!!!!!!
First off I want to say that when I entered this giveaway, I wanted this book so bad. Mostly because it seemed to be what my family and I have said our entire lives: mutts are healthier. I was raised in a dog loving house but we never had a purebred house dog. Looking back I remember my dad saying that mutts were more "durable". At the time I had no clue what he was talking about. I thought he was talking about for us rough children to play with. It is only after reading this book that a light bulb went off and said oh wow dad was right. The family dog from when I was 14 is still living with my parents and still has all her teeth and is still hiking and fetching.
This book was so full of info I had never heard though. I had heard the word "cull" before but I never imagined it had to do with putting puppies to sleep because they didn't conform to the breed standard. (Why would anyone want to be Aunt Marge?) Some parts were horrifying and made me cringe. For an informational book it was fascinating and quite the page turner (I read this is one day). It certainly gave me more info to share with my dog loving friends.
It's full of dog history and some funnier bits on the life of a dog walker, but not just the sparkly rainbow parts. It is however, things that people should know. Just as we have discovered that grain free food is better for our dogs than big name brands, we need to learn that what we are forcing our dogs to produce in the name of purity is destroying their genetic makeup. I hear about these things happening like hip dysplasia and such but I have never seen it.
Dog lovers need to read this book and educate the public. My only worry is that the people who really need to get this message are probably the ones who will never read it. As for me I give this guy some serious props because it is never easy to try and make change. This is a fantastic book and I am going to set it out on the front of my shelf in my library so people can ask "oh what's that about?" Because I want to help get the word out.
First off I want to say that when I entered this giveaway, I wanted this book so bad. Mostly because it seemed to be what my family and I have said our entire lives: mutts are healthier. I was raised in a dog loving house but we never had a purebred house dog. Looking back I remember my dad saying that mutts were more "durable". At the time I had no clue what he was talking about. I thought he was talking about for us rough children to play with. It is only after reading this book that a light bulb went off and said oh wow dad was right. The family dog from when I was 14 is still living with my parents and still has all her teeth and is still hiking and fetching.
This book was so full of info I had never heard though. I had heard the word "cull" before but I never imagined it had to do with putting puppies to sleep because they didn't conform to the breed standard. (Why would anyone want to be Aunt Marge?) Some parts were horrifying and made me cringe. For an informational book it was fascinating and quite the page turner (I read this is one day). It certainly gave me more info to share with my dog loving friends.
It's full of dog history and some funnier bits on the life of a dog walker, but not just the sparkly rainbow parts. It is however, things that people should know. Just as we have discovered that grain free food is better for our dogs than big name brands, we need to learn that what we are forcing our dogs to produce in the name of purity is destroying their genetic makeup. I hear about these things happening like hip dysplasia and such but I have never seen it.
Dog lovers need to read this book and educate the public. My only worry is that the people who really need to get this message are probably the ones who will never read it. As for me I give this guy some serious props because it is never easy to try and make change. This is a fantastic book and I am going to set it out on the front of my shelf in my library so people can ask "oh what's that about?" Because I want to help get the word out.
December 27, 2016
How to tell if the author hates you:
*If you own a purebred dog
*If you ever admired the looks of a purebred
*If you ever referred to your dog by its breed (ex: "I have a golden retriever")
*If you ever asked someone what kind of dog they had
*If you ever guessed a dog's breed
*If you make more than $50,000 a year
The author took a subject that has a lot of potential and ruined it by writing a purpetual rant. He made the added mistake of forever linking purebreds with the wealthy and trashing them both.
If you didn't know that the English Bulldog couldn't reproduce naturally or breath correctly I can see how this would be eye opening. But he fails to make a compelling argument, or even mention herding dogs and most other working dogs. He uses a misleading quote and evidence regarding guide dogs and search and rescue dogs.
The author does include an extensive history of several breeds, but the breeding practices of 200 years ago don't have a lot in common with breeders of today. As the owner of an adopted dog, this book did not do dogs of any ancestry any favors.
*If you own a purebred dog
*If you ever admired the looks of a purebred
*If you ever referred to your dog by its breed (ex: "I have a golden retriever")
*If you ever asked someone what kind of dog they had
*If you ever guessed a dog's breed
*If you make more than $50,000 a year
The author took a subject that has a lot of potential and ruined it by writing a purpetual rant. He made the added mistake of forever linking purebreds with the wealthy and trashing them both.
If you didn't know that the English Bulldog couldn't reproduce naturally or breath correctly I can see how this would be eye opening. But he fails to make a compelling argument, or even mention herding dogs and most other working dogs. He uses a misleading quote and evidence regarding guide dogs and search and rescue dogs.
The author does include an extensive history of several breeds, but the breeding practices of 200 years ago don't have a lot in common with breeders of today. As the owner of an adopted dog, this book did not do dogs of any ancestry any favors.
May 8, 2015
You can check out my blog post about this book here:
http://notthenewyorktimesbookreview.b...
Here is the review:When I was nine, my parents wanted to get a family dog. We had a family friend who was involved in showing German Shepherds. She had connections with breeders and through her, we brought Jody into our family.
Jody (his pedigreed name was Jodler von Chicagoland, with the "J" pronounced the German way, like a "Y") was AKC certified and had been a show dog. We got him when he was four years old, and had been disqualified from the show ring because of his hip dysplasia.
We weren't interested in having a show dog. We wanted a family dog. And we got one. Jody was the best. Loyal and loving, guard dog and friend, he was part of our family until the hip dysplasia got so painful he couldn't walk and we had to put him down (this was before hip replacement surgery for animal or human was common).
Brandow could have used Jody as an example to make his point in his book, A Matter of Breeding: A Biting History of Pedigree Dogs and How the Quest for Status Has Harmed Man's Best Friend.
In the book, Brandow goes into great detail about how dog breeding is harming dogs. He describes dogs he knows personally as well as delving into historical and cultural influences that have created the breed focused culture in which we live. He ties the now reviled practice of eugenics with the focus on breed superiority, which he calls breedism. The creation of dog fancy organizations as well as dog breeders in search of the perfect specimen have created a culture more focused on breed superiority than on canine companionship.
This history of breedism and breediness (isn't that a great word?) has resulted in dogs that have been, and still are, often chosen not to be companions, but to be specimens of perfection and status symbols. Brandow drives home the point that all of this - the inbreeding, the focus on show dogs, and the search for breed standards that don't allow dogs to be dogs - is harming animals we claim to love.
Dogs shouldn't have to suffer horrific pain from hip dysplasia, like Jody did. Or die from cancer at a young age like so many Golden Retrievers. Or have haeart and breathing problems like so many bulldogs.
He makes a strong case for the damaging effects of dog breeding and pedigree. He does so with footnotes and references and quotations galore. Brandow does not hide his disgust for breeding and pedigreed pretentiousness, and I felt his contempt come through the pages. I found his hard hitting approach off-putting, even though I agree with him that dog breeding has resulted in suffering for dogs.
I've had pedigreed dogs. I've had mixed-breeds as well. When my kids were young, we had Bas (short for Sebastian). Bas was a mixed-breed stray who we brought into our family. He was a cuddle-sweet dog, energetic, adorable and loving, who slept on my daughter's bed.
I admit that I have a soft spot in my heart for German Shepherds. Brandow might be disgusted with this, perhaps seeing this as me buying into and perpetuating the pedigree culture.
But what I realized after reading this book is that I love German Shepherds, not because they are purebred, but because they remind me of Jody. I also have a soft spot for small, black dgos with velvet ears. They remind me of Bas.
Jody wasn't a great dog because he was a German Shepherd, and Bas wasn't a great dog because he wasn't purebred. They were great dogs. Period.
My big takeaway from this book is if you're going to get a dog, get a dog to love. There has been, and still is, a huge culture revolving around breed superiority, which doesn't seem to get to the heart of the many great reasons to bring a dog into your life.
http://notthenewyorktimesbookreview.b...
Here is the review:When I was nine, my parents wanted to get a family dog. We had a family friend who was involved in showing German Shepherds. She had connections with breeders and through her, we brought Jody into our family.
Jody (his pedigreed name was Jodler von Chicagoland, with the "J" pronounced the German way, like a "Y") was AKC certified and had been a show dog. We got him when he was four years old, and had been disqualified from the show ring because of his hip dysplasia.
We weren't interested in having a show dog. We wanted a family dog. And we got one. Jody was the best. Loyal and loving, guard dog and friend, he was part of our family until the hip dysplasia got so painful he couldn't walk and we had to put him down (this was before hip replacement surgery for animal or human was common).
Brandow could have used Jody as an example to make his point in his book, A Matter of Breeding: A Biting History of Pedigree Dogs and How the Quest for Status Has Harmed Man's Best Friend.
In the book, Brandow goes into great detail about how dog breeding is harming dogs. He describes dogs he knows personally as well as delving into historical and cultural influences that have created the breed focused culture in which we live. He ties the now reviled practice of eugenics with the focus on breed superiority, which he calls breedism. The creation of dog fancy organizations as well as dog breeders in search of the perfect specimen have created a culture more focused on breed superiority than on canine companionship.
This history of breedism and breediness (isn't that a great word?) has resulted in dogs that have been, and still are, often chosen not to be companions, but to be specimens of perfection and status symbols. Brandow drives home the point that all of this - the inbreeding, the focus on show dogs, and the search for breed standards that don't allow dogs to be dogs - is harming animals we claim to love.
Dogs shouldn't have to suffer horrific pain from hip dysplasia, like Jody did. Or die from cancer at a young age like so many Golden Retrievers. Or have haeart and breathing problems like so many bulldogs.
He makes a strong case for the damaging effects of dog breeding and pedigree. He does so with footnotes and references and quotations galore. Brandow does not hide his disgust for breeding and pedigreed pretentiousness, and I felt his contempt come through the pages. I found his hard hitting approach off-putting, even though I agree with him that dog breeding has resulted in suffering for dogs.
I've had pedigreed dogs. I've had mixed-breeds as well. When my kids were young, we had Bas (short for Sebastian). Bas was a mixed-breed stray who we brought into our family. He was a cuddle-sweet dog, energetic, adorable and loving, who slept on my daughter's bed.
I admit that I have a soft spot in my heart for German Shepherds. Brandow might be disgusted with this, perhaps seeing this as me buying into and perpetuating the pedigree culture.
But what I realized after reading this book is that I love German Shepherds, not because they are purebred, but because they remind me of Jody. I also have a soft spot for small, black dgos with velvet ears. They remind me of Bas.
Jody wasn't a great dog because he was a German Shepherd, and Bas wasn't a great dog because he wasn't purebred. They were great dogs. Period.
My big takeaway from this book is if you're going to get a dog, get a dog to love. There has been, and still is, a huge culture revolving around breed superiority, which doesn't seem to get to the heart of the many great reasons to bring a dog into your life.
February 1, 2015
I'm a long-time animal lover. Currently I have two cats and a fish, all of them rescues. Yes, fish need rescuing too. Though I'm not a dog owner, I was intrigued when I saw this title available for review and I requested it. The blurb describes it as provocative and entertaining; it's definitely the former and occasionally the latter. It's also angry and cynical. But, the book lives up to it's title, going into great detail about how breeds were developed, the social purposes behind breeds, and how dogs have been harmed by breeding for purity and looks. The author draws interesting and uncomfortable comparisons between dog breeding and human eugenics. There's a lot of history in this book, some of it new to me and some it familiar. Brandow puts a different perspective on many events and at times his anger and harshness were to take. But the information, as well as his opinions, is eye-opening and the information is solidly backed up with documentation. There are almost 500 citations, the final 8% of the e-book was sources.
I'm not certain that the people who really need to read this will ever pick it up but maybe the people who do read it will be able to share some of the information with those who need it the most, whether that's a breeder or the average dog owner. I know I'll be suggesting it to some friends, though I doubt they'll need much convincing.
I'm not certain that the people who really need to read this will ever pick it up but maybe the people who do read it will be able to share some of the information with those who need it the most, whether that's a breeder or the average dog owner. I know I'll be suggesting it to some friends, though I doubt they'll need much convincing.
March 10, 2021
Lots to like and lots to dislike.
The main point of this book is one I can get behind 100%. I won't go into detail, but everything about "purebred" dogs and the culture surrounding it (and dog culture in general tbh if you ask me...) is vile. The first few chapters were really great, and it's an important message that I wish more people knew about. For the most part the author does a good job at explaining what's going on and what's so bad about it. It's not a super objective scientific account, but he explicitly tells us that's not what he's going for and he doesn't pretend otherwise at any point, so that's good with me.
I honestly enjoyed the tone, but I have to say that it's absolutely awful as a piece of argumentative writing. Unless the goal was to exclusively preach to the choir, I think this is an incredibly off-putting way of going about it for people who don't already agree with you from the beginning. I don't think anyone would be persuaded by the facts when they're presented in such a way, and I think most negative reviews here show that (as well as shocking amounts of brainworms in some cases). This didn't bother me personally as I was totally on the same page, which is probably why I found the author's snarkiness funny at times, but I think it's still a big weakness. (I think this sort of criticism can easily verge into misguided tone policing when dealing with certain topics that personally affect some authors and make them write in an 'angry' tone, but I don't think that's the case here. He clearly just uses his snarkiness as a source of humour rather than legitimate anger at some injustice he's experienced, and it's a bad choice, in my opinion.)
Another big problem, the main one, really, is that this could have used some HEAVY editing. The first time he goes on tangents is kinda fun for thirty pages or so, but then it's a few hundred more of slightly different iterations of the same tangent, and I was borderline skimming towards the end. As much as I enjoy laughing at the English , it just got excessively rambly and disorganised towards the second half of the book.
So yeah... maybe check out the first few chapters and drop it afterwards.
Also I googled the author and ended up on his Twitter and, oh god, I wish I hadn't!
The main point of this book is one I can get behind 100%. I won't go into detail, but everything about "purebred" dogs and the culture surrounding it (and dog culture in general tbh if you ask me...) is vile. The first few chapters were really great, and it's an important message that I wish more people knew about. For the most part the author does a good job at explaining what's going on and what's so bad about it. It's not a super objective scientific account, but he explicitly tells us that's not what he's going for and he doesn't pretend otherwise at any point, so that's good with me.
I honestly enjoyed the tone, but I have to say that it's absolutely awful as a piece of argumentative writing. Unless the goal was to exclusively preach to the choir, I think this is an incredibly off-putting way of going about it for people who don't already agree with you from the beginning. I don't think anyone would be persuaded by the facts when they're presented in such a way, and I think most negative reviews here show that (as well as shocking amounts of brainworms in some cases). This didn't bother me personally as I was totally on the same page, which is probably why I found the author's snarkiness funny at times, but I think it's still a big weakness. (I think this sort of criticism can easily verge into misguided tone policing when dealing with certain topics that personally affect some authors and make them write in an 'angry' tone, but I don't think that's the case here. He clearly just uses his snarkiness as a source of humour rather than legitimate anger at some injustice he's experienced, and it's a bad choice, in my opinion.)
Another big problem, the main one, really, is that this could have used some HEAVY editing. The first time he goes on tangents is kinda fun for thirty pages or so, but then it's a few hundred more of slightly different iterations of the same tangent, and I was borderline skimming towards the end. As much as I enjoy laughing at the English , it just got excessively rambly and disorganised towards the second half of the book.
So yeah... maybe check out the first few chapters and drop it afterwards.
Also I googled the author and ended up on his Twitter and, oh god, I wish I hadn't!
February 2, 2016
This book would be more useful if it contained more factual information about breed issues rather than the emphasis on the author's (self-admitted) reverse-snobbery. It's fun to deconstruct the "just-so" stories behind the founding of many breeds, but replacing those with just-so stories of your own weakens the core argument, and I think it is an important discussion to have.
March 6, 2015
Utter animal rights propaganda. All breeders are lumped into the category of commercial breeder (in my opinion actionable for defamation). There appears to be no understanding of basic genetic concepts, phenotype vs. genotype, hybrid vigor (touched upon but not actually used correctly), kingroup protection, coefficient of inbreeding, etc. Dogs are bred for purpose and important ones like finding bombs, guiding and helping the disabled and sick, etc. Those jobs require selection of traits through breeding. There is just so much opinion stated as fact, no science, and no honest representation of the issues that plague the dog world such as breeding for profit over purpose, puppy mills, a lack or regulation preventing milled animals crossing the border, incentivizing spay/neuter of disqualifying dogs, an utter lack of response by the USDA on regulating temperament interventions to improve temperament (the #1 reason dogs end up in shelters) or health testing to prevent heartbreaking and expensive genetic illness. This book should be listed under fiction.
July 27, 2016
This book was a chore to read. It felt like all the book was doing was hating on anyone who owned purebred dogs. Mixed breeds, or mutts, were only okay if there was no human involved in the breeding process. While I do agree that some dogs have problems, because of people thinking that certain traits are more appealing and then breeding them to be more pronounced, I didn't like the way people who prefer a specific type of dog were condemned. This is not a book I'd recommend.
1.5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
1.5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
February 3, 2015
The introduction and the first chapter, and the conclusion, were excellent.They went into great detail about some of the genetic disorders that are increasingly damaging purebred dogs, and how that hurts the breeds people say they love.
I'm 56, and I've seen "purebred" dogs and cats get more and more exaggerated in my lifetime, so much so that many are literally crippled. We once had a purebred dog who died tragically of a breed-related problem. Since then- well, we get the shelter cats and the rescue (mutt) dogs.
And- reading this, that's just good sense. Apart from the alarming details about some of the more popular breeds out there, the bulk of the book combines a history of the "ancient breeds"- which are not as ancient as all that; it's mostly a marketing gimmick- with the problems it causes for the dogs and their people.
It is clear that breeding purely for aesthetics- and always more exaggerated features-is doing serious harm to dogs. As is the whole pedigree nonsense; what this means is that more and more dogs are inbred from a smaller and smaller genetic pool, with predictable genetic results. I will say that I had not realized exactly how bad these are for many breeds.
It is also sobering to realize how much the common wisdom behind breed loyalty has in common with human eugenics; they arose at the same time, and share many concepts and language. Once one could no longer express these prejudices against other humans, it's still safe to do it via dogs.
While both the beginning and the end are tight, the middle tends to meander from history to philosophy and around some more. It would have been a stronger book if the middle chapters were more tightly focused on a specific theme each, rather than meandering amongst the themes.
(Our own dog is a mutt- or, as I may claim, a unique breed! She is very elegant, and gets many compliments. We had a genetic analysis done which said that she is 25% husky, 25% Jack Russel terrier, 12.5% corgi, and the rest mystery mutt (i.e. heckhound in her case). I'm glad we got that analysis done, because it explains a lot- but I am also glad she has the hybrid vigor common to many mutts (although, sadly, not the brains).)
I found this book compelling enough to read it in less than a day. The footnotes and index look really good, and allow an interested party to find more detailed information about various areas.
Very recommended for dog lovers!
I received this book via LibraryThing in exchange for writing an honest review.
I'm 56, and I've seen "purebred" dogs and cats get more and more exaggerated in my lifetime, so much so that many are literally crippled. We once had a purebred dog who died tragically of a breed-related problem. Since then- well, we get the shelter cats and the rescue (mutt) dogs.
And- reading this, that's just good sense. Apart from the alarming details about some of the more popular breeds out there, the bulk of the book combines a history of the "ancient breeds"- which are not as ancient as all that; it's mostly a marketing gimmick- with the problems it causes for the dogs and their people.
It is clear that breeding purely for aesthetics- and always more exaggerated features-is doing serious harm to dogs. As is the whole pedigree nonsense; what this means is that more and more dogs are inbred from a smaller and smaller genetic pool, with predictable genetic results. I will say that I had not realized exactly how bad these are for many breeds.
It is also sobering to realize how much the common wisdom behind breed loyalty has in common with human eugenics; they arose at the same time, and share many concepts and language. Once one could no longer express these prejudices against other humans, it's still safe to do it via dogs.
While both the beginning and the end are tight, the middle tends to meander from history to philosophy and around some more. It would have been a stronger book if the middle chapters were more tightly focused on a specific theme each, rather than meandering amongst the themes.
(Our own dog is a mutt- or, as I may claim, a unique breed! She is very elegant, and gets many compliments. We had a genetic analysis done which said that she is 25% husky, 25% Jack Russel terrier, 12.5% corgi, and the rest mystery mutt (i.e. heckhound in her case). I'm glad we got that analysis done, because it explains a lot- but I am also glad she has the hybrid vigor common to many mutts (although, sadly, not the brains).)
I found this book compelling enough to read it in less than a day. The footnotes and index look really good, and allow an interested party to find more detailed information about various areas.
Very recommended for dog lovers!
I received this book via LibraryThing in exchange for writing an honest review.
September 13, 2018
I gotta say this book, as interesting as it sounds, is not doing itself any favors.
1. The author is judgy and ranty
Right from the get go he sounds off when he describes the English and gays, the upper class and the deformities of dogs
Case in point the phrase "gay dads" is used repeatedly- he could have just said dads after that was introduced.
He harps on the English like he has a personal grudge
He describes the worst of the worse, seemingly going out of his way to find how dogs were physically deformed before the breeding got to that point. see page 24 (gross)
2. he doesnt really present new information. Its stuff that most dog people who would be reading the book already know
The origin of bull dogs
3. Serious AKC and English hate- did I mention that already?
its shame as his writing style is pretty easy to read
pg 54 "England is a fertile breeding ground for snootiness, a kinda cultural greenhouse for the rest of the world to whom it exports outmoded ideas on class and race that might have withered and died if not for their nurturing." ummmm what?!
4. He belittles his clients. Yes they love their dog (healthy, deformed or not. ) Its not bad that they love them yet it seems like he mocks them for that love. (does this guy even like dogs?)
5. I feel like he exaggerates how bad some of these bred in deformities are. Frenchies don't always tumble down the stairs. Or the fact these "designer dogs" started bc there were people who needed a certain type of dog that suffered from allergies
He also doesnt seem to believe that there are responsible, reputable breeders either.
now I will admit that I am only on the 2nd chapter and I do intend to finish, but dang if it aint hard not to skim
Questions remaining to be answered: does he condone any breeding? I mean you can't herd sheep without a herding type dog- some breeds are bred more for work than form. Or does he think its mutts or nothing
EDIT O couldn't finish too ranty
1. The author is judgy and ranty
Right from the get go he sounds off when he describes the English and gays, the upper class and the deformities of dogs
Case in point the phrase "gay dads" is used repeatedly- he could have just said dads after that was introduced.
He harps on the English like he has a personal grudge
He describes the worst of the worse, seemingly going out of his way to find how dogs were physically deformed before the breeding got to that point. see page 24 (gross)
2. he doesnt really present new information. Its stuff that most dog people who would be reading the book already know
The origin of bull dogs
3. Serious AKC and English hate- did I mention that already?
its shame as his writing style is pretty easy to read
pg 54 "England is a fertile breeding ground for snootiness, a kinda cultural greenhouse for the rest of the world to whom it exports outmoded ideas on class and race that might have withered and died if not for their nurturing." ummmm what?!
4. He belittles his clients. Yes they love their dog (healthy, deformed or not. ) Its not bad that they love them yet it seems like he mocks them for that love. (does this guy even like dogs?)
5. I feel like he exaggerates how bad some of these bred in deformities are. Frenchies don't always tumble down the stairs. Or the fact these "designer dogs" started bc there were people who needed a certain type of dog that suffered from allergies
He also doesnt seem to believe that there are responsible, reputable breeders either.
now I will admit that I am only on the 2nd chapter and I do intend to finish, but dang if it aint hard not to skim
Questions remaining to be answered: does he condone any breeding? I mean you can't herd sheep without a herding type dog- some breeds are bred more for work than form. Or does he think its mutts or nothing
EDIT O couldn't finish too ranty
May 23, 2015
Brandon’s thesis is that the breeding of pedigreed dogs particularly for dog shows has damaged the animals physically and mentally, which in many ways, is undeniable. While he traces the history of dog breeding to the social status of royalty, conferring a dubious nobility on various breeds, he too frequently deviates into class conflicts, taking aim at those owners of pedigreed animals for whom he worked as a dog walker, underscoring that he was required to use a “tradesman’s” entrance. This bias takes away from the valid message –how breeds such as the bulldog cannot even whelp their young, but must have caesarians, how other breeds suffer from dwarfism, hydrocephalus, faulty hip sockets or defective heart valves, all at the expense of inbreeding to “affix” what are mostly cosmetic characteristics. In Brandon’s gunsights, is the Labrador Retriever, America’s most popular dog,
which he faults as a couch potato rather than the water retriever it was meant to be before it became a status symbol of suburbia. Brandon’s writing tends to be occluded which tempts the reader to skim rather than sink into murky depths. And that’s a shame because the topic is interesting and one wishes it had a better treatment.
which he faults as a couch potato rather than the water retriever it was meant to be before it became a status symbol of suburbia. Brandon’s writing tends to be occluded which tempts the reader to skim rather than sink into murky depths. And that’s a shame because the topic is interesting and one wishes it had a better treatment.
August 8, 2017
I highly recommend readers to do their own research and do not trust everything the authoer, Michael Brandow, says; he tends to leave off most of it. I agree that mutts are generally more healthy than most of the purebred dogs but not all purebreds are bad. I know puppy mills are big and some breeders are bad but not all breeders are bad. He should make a better argument instead of just ranting about purebreds. It is way too one sided.
Received a free copy from Library Thing Early Review Program in exchange for an honest review.
Received a free copy from Library Thing Early Review Program in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2018
I didn't dislike this book because I disagreed with the points he was making, I disliked it because it felt a bit of a samey rant about those awful Brits and thier class system and the American snobs who tried to emulate them. I would have prefered a bit less history and a bit more analysis of why today people still feel the need to purchase "pure bred" dogs.
February 20, 2015
For readers interested in an assessment of the social history behind the development of genetic dog breeding the author presents a revealing and compelling dialog. Readers who may be more interested in the details of the resulting animal suffering may be somewhat disappointed. Each chapter begins with a description of the misery that is bred into many dog varieties, and then quickly evolves into a treatise on the history of the influential snobs and their casual breed standards. The dog stories are powerful and heartbreaking, while the people stories at times become tedious.
The first chapter describes the English bulldog and its struggle to eat, drink, walk, and breathe during its short life. All of its suffering is the result of man’s genetic selections and inability to acknowledge its suffering. The reader is no sooner caught up in the heartbreaking theme of the book than the author inserts jolting distractions on homosexuality and his own inclinations. Maintaining a sharp focus on the dogs might be a stronger story without the distractions.
Dog lovers who have never thought about the suffering that mankind imposes on its best friends should read this book as an introduction to more thought on the subject. Most designer dogs suffer terribly, and the question is whether the inhumane practice should be modified or outlawed completely. Anyone who reads this book will have a different view of dog shows and the Westminster grand finale.
The first chapter describes the English bulldog and its struggle to eat, drink, walk, and breathe during its short life. All of its suffering is the result of man’s genetic selections and inability to acknowledge its suffering. The reader is no sooner caught up in the heartbreaking theme of the book than the author inserts jolting distractions on homosexuality and his own inclinations. Maintaining a sharp focus on the dogs might be a stronger story without the distractions.
Dog lovers who have never thought about the suffering that mankind imposes on its best friends should read this book as an introduction to more thought on the subject. Most designer dogs suffer terribly, and the question is whether the inhumane practice should be modified or outlawed completely. Anyone who reads this book will have a different view of dog shows and the Westminster grand finale.
May 5, 2015
One of the very, very few books I just don't bother to finish. As a dog lover and mixed-breed dog owner, I'm fully in agreement with all the reasons that purebreds are problematic at best, but this is less a history of how pedigreed breeding came to be what it is today and mostly the author being incredibly obnoxious about anyone who owns such a dog - or really, anyone at all.
February 8, 2015
No what I expected - not a historical account.
June 29, 2022
This book was long and exhausting, a meandering book that repeated it's facts multiple times in each chapter that were 40-50 pages long, when all one needed to do is just read the last chapter. While it might appeal to those that are avid supporters of the Adopt don't Shop mentality, I doubt it'll sit right with the people I believe the author is trying to reach.
Simply put, the tone of this book is downright hostile, in the beginning he claims to love all dogs, but you can hear the venom come through his writing when he discusses purebred dogs. Especially in Chapter 5, when the author projects his loathing of purebreds onto this poor golden retriever puppy, because it refused to interact with the mini Cujo mixes on the other side of the fence. He blames this on purebreds being genetically inferior and too stupid to bark at these badly behaved mutts ... I mean no? The author has been a dog walker for multiple years, but the way he describes dogs is like he's looking at them through an anthropomorphic lens, which he then goes on to criticize the purebred set for. He repeatedly points out that the purebred fanciers only breed dogs and compete in shows to make themselves feel better, but some of the Adopt don't Shoppers, are the same way. Flaunting it every chance they get that they "rescued" the poor nondescript mongrel that sits in front of them. The author only softens his tone in the last chapter, but by that time you just want the book to end and don't really care.
The author brings up good points, (a lot of breeds severely lacking genetic diversity, outcrossing for better gene pools in breeds, etc ) but these are ultimately saturated with his condescending tone and ridiculous opinions that the target audience will most likely come away feeling defensive. Ultimately labelling the author as a self-righteous prick, instead of someone trying to help dogs.
In conclusion, I don't know if I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys/loves having purebred dogs, but is also concerned for their welfare. I do, recommend however: https://www.instituteofcaninebiology....
this website discusses the actual science on how to help our purebreds become healthier and therefore, happier dogs.
Simply put, the tone of this book is downright hostile, in the beginning he claims to love all dogs, but you can hear the venom come through his writing when he discusses purebred dogs. Especially in Chapter 5, when the author projects his loathing of purebreds onto this poor golden retriever puppy, because it refused to interact with the mini Cujo mixes on the other side of the fence. He blames this on purebreds being genetically inferior and too stupid to bark at these badly behaved mutts ... I mean no? The author has been a dog walker for multiple years, but the way he describes dogs is like he's looking at them through an anthropomorphic lens, which he then goes on to criticize the purebred set for. He repeatedly points out that the purebred fanciers only breed dogs and compete in shows to make themselves feel better, but some of the Adopt don't Shoppers, are the same way. Flaunting it every chance they get that they "rescued" the poor nondescript mongrel that sits in front of them. The author only softens his tone in the last chapter, but by that time you just want the book to end and don't really care.
The author brings up good points, (a lot of breeds severely lacking genetic diversity, outcrossing for better gene pools in breeds, etc ) but these are ultimately saturated with his condescending tone and ridiculous opinions that the target audience will most likely come away feeling defensive. Ultimately labelling the author as a self-righteous prick, instead of someone trying to help dogs.
In conclusion, I don't know if I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys/loves having purebred dogs, but is also concerned for their welfare. I do, recommend however: https://www.instituteofcaninebiology....
this website discusses the actual science on how to help our purebreds become healthier and therefore, happier dogs.
September 11, 2018
First, we unnaturally bred dogs to be fixated on some narrowly prescribed task. Then we told them, sorry, but you can no longer do the little your genes can remember since you were standardized into show dogs and pets.
It took me 8 months to finish this book, so I think that says it all... I was hoping for a cool insight into the way we changed the genetics of dogs into the screwed up breeds we have today, and while that was of course much of the conversation in this book, it largely focused on the people side of it and how social class and the wealthy played such a big part. And yes, I get that this had to be mentioned and discussed, but it was focused on way too much.
At one point I yelled, "My God, this is pedantic!" I enjoyed the early chapters that had the author's personal experiences, but soon lost interest and began skimming until making it to the end. Maybe I should stop trying to force non-fiction upon myself...
One thing that I did really appreciate was having a different viewpoint on this issue, as Brandow has many years of experience working with dogs - ten of which he says were while working as a dog walker. As a vet student, I am used to reading and hearing views and studies from a veterinary/science-y point of view. Having a more social/societal view of why purebreds aren't the best was great.
There are many cutting statements presented in this book that made me want to clap and then plaster them on billboards. Everyone says they love their dogs so much, yet we are the ones harming them! (I myself will never own a purebred unless it is a rescue, even though there are many breeds that I love. I don't think it's right to buy a dog of "higher status" just because that's ow it has been historically perceived. And the health disparities, don't even get me started...)
This is likely a great book for those who don't want all the science behind pedigree dogs and want to hear about this and that famous person, but I simply didn't have the patience for it. It stills get 2 stars for the strong points it makes and for calling out people for how we have harmed man's best friend.
It took me 8 months to finish this book, so I think that says it all... I was hoping for a cool insight into the way we changed the genetics of dogs into the screwed up breeds we have today, and while that was of course much of the conversation in this book, it largely focused on the people side of it and how social class and the wealthy played such a big part. And yes, I get that this had to be mentioned and discussed, but it was focused on way too much.
At one point I yelled, "My God, this is pedantic!" I enjoyed the early chapters that had the author's personal experiences, but soon lost interest and began skimming until making it to the end. Maybe I should stop trying to force non-fiction upon myself...
One thing that I did really appreciate was having a different viewpoint on this issue, as Brandow has many years of experience working with dogs - ten of which he says were while working as a dog walker. As a vet student, I am used to reading and hearing views and studies from a veterinary/science-y point of view. Having a more social/societal view of why purebreds aren't the best was great.
There are many cutting statements presented in this book that made me want to clap and then plaster them on billboards. Everyone says they love their dogs so much, yet we are the ones harming them! (I myself will never own a purebred unless it is a rescue, even though there are many breeds that I love. I don't think it's right to buy a dog of "higher status" just because that's ow it has been historically perceived. And the health disparities, don't even get me started...)
This is likely a great book for those who don't want all the science behind pedigree dogs and want to hear about this and that famous person, but I simply didn't have the patience for it. It stills get 2 stars for the strong points it makes and for calling out people for how we have harmed man's best friend.
August 17, 2025
This book was definitely well researched in the historical aspect of the information that was provided. However, despite having a strong opening and conclusion, I feel it did not pack the punch it really needed to on such an important topic. Brandow went well in-depth on the history of America vs England in dog shows and social status, but quickly rushed on the modern impacts of purebred dogs.
I wish that Brandow had consulted more veterinarians as well as positive-reinforcement certified dog trainers/canine behaviorists. While he did include many unfortunate statistics of the poor health most purebred dogs suffer from, I would have loved to hear more insight from veterinarians about this topic. And as a certified dog trainer based in New York City, I was able to relate to many of the anecdotes Brandow shared about his own experiences as a dog walker in the city; but I would have loved if he was able to get more insight on how purebred dogs temperaments are affected by mass inbreeding.
I also wish he pushed harder on the modern morality and philosophical aspects of purebred dogs as opposed to the historical. Again, this is a spot I felt was weak except in the introduction and conclusion. Overall I definitely learned some history but the rest of the information, the actual effects of purebred dogs, fell flat and I did not learn anything new.
I would recommend this book to those who are less informed on the topic of purebred dogs as a whole, but I will let them know that a lot in the middle gets rather repetitive. A book worth being part of the dog sphere on the whole, but I would have preferred something more.
I wish that Brandow had consulted more veterinarians as well as positive-reinforcement certified dog trainers/canine behaviorists. While he did include many unfortunate statistics of the poor health most purebred dogs suffer from, I would have loved to hear more insight from veterinarians about this topic. And as a certified dog trainer based in New York City, I was able to relate to many of the anecdotes Brandow shared about his own experiences as a dog walker in the city; but I would have loved if he was able to get more insight on how purebred dogs temperaments are affected by mass inbreeding.
I also wish he pushed harder on the modern morality and philosophical aspects of purebred dogs as opposed to the historical. Again, this is a spot I felt was weak except in the introduction and conclusion. Overall I definitely learned some history but the rest of the information, the actual effects of purebred dogs, fell flat and I did not learn anything new.
I would recommend this book to those who are less informed on the topic of purebred dogs as a whole, but I will let them know that a lot in the middle gets rather repetitive. A book worth being part of the dog sphere on the whole, but I would have preferred something more.
January 3, 2018
I think the author addresses an important and real subject with this book, but here in a dramatic and exaggerated way! In fact, there are problems with the current way that purebred dogs are bred, there is a whole commercial and unconscious side! But we must not forget the history, cultural and genetic heritage that each breed carries - we need purebred dogs! In this regard, the author was very little careful! The lack of knowledge he criticizes is the same as he uses here in many topics! It is a book that can negatively influence the most susceptible and least informed minds!
September 11, 2019
A Matter of Breeding seems to have garnered its share of controversy, since it tackles a topic that is obviously a sensitive one for fans of purebred dogs. The writing can be repetitive and very angry on certain points, making it feel a bit like a rant in those places. But Brandow's message is clear and disturbingly relevant. The prioritizing of adherence to breed standards(and in the case of "backyard breeders", of capitalizing on certain breeds' popularity) over an animal's health is an issue that should be of concern to any animal lover!
May 27, 2023
Cold Hard Truth
This is, quite honestly, the cold hard truth about "purebreed" dogs, and it's not at all pretty. I'm glad that every dog I've ever had had been a mutt, in fact it's a matter of pride for me. My dogs (all mutts) have all been well behaved, super intelligent, and most of all free from genetic defects. Boycott pure breeds, and save a shelter dog's life - best decision you'll ever make!
This is, quite honestly, the cold hard truth about "purebreed" dogs, and it's not at all pretty. I'm glad that every dog I've ever had had been a mutt, in fact it's a matter of pride for me. My dogs (all mutts) have all been well behaved, super intelligent, and most of all free from genetic defects. Boycott pure breeds, and save a shelter dog's life - best decision you'll ever make!
March 17, 2025
While I agree on the point, the author comes off as the guy you get sucked into a conversation with at a party without any recourse to escape. You're stuck listening to him make the same four or five points repeatedly, utilizing words he expects you not to know to impress you (I know what a Procrustes analysis does, he clearly does not, but that doesn't stop him from describing breed standards as "Procrustean" 15 times). This book isn't about to change any minds, regardless of the validity of his evidence, and makes a great argument for why you have to be at least a little likable in pursuit of your persuasive writing projects.
January 28, 2020
Great book
If you want to learn about this mess, and how we got here, read this book. It is an eye opener. Some of this is not new.
And if you want a companion, go to your local shelter. We did, and Dexter is a very happy pooch.
If you want to learn about this mess, and how we got here, read this book. It is an eye opener. Some of this is not new.
And if you want a companion, go to your local shelter. We did, and Dexter is a very happy pooch.
December 24, 2023
I get this guy doesn't like the English as this is what the whole book seems to be about, rather than dog breeding. If you think of any given vice the English have it and if you flick to any part of the book he's discussing it at length. This was pretty off-putting and therefore dnf.
August 9, 2017
An interesting read, and Michael Brandow has an enjoyable writing style and a way with words that I liked.
September 22, 2018
Slow and repetitive but makes a good point. Hundreds of years of selective breeding has led to unhealthy dogs.
June 5, 2019
This is an interesting book, but not exactly what I expected. I was hoping for more of the science of breeding, whereas the book focused on social history.
November 27, 2019
1.5? Unfocused, disorderly, rambling and self-righteous with some interesting breed history scrambled in
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