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Designer Dogs: An Expose
In Designer Dogs, Madeline Bernstein, one of the country’s most respected animal welfare crusaders, reveals our culture’s obsession with new types of dogs—engineering puppies that keep getting smaller or sillier looking—and the horrifying health consequences of this on those we claim as our best friends. She also provides extraordinary revelations on how this has led to a world of “disposable pets”—puppies and adult dogs abandoned when their medical expenses become too costly and added to the 6.5 million animals entering shelters each year, or put on the street—and informed insight into what’s ahead: made-to-order puppies; hybrid animals; shorter life spans for dogs; and even the extinction of breeds like French bulldogs, pit bulls, King Charles spaniels, mastiffs, Skye terriers, bloodhounds, and more. And Bernstein calls out those responsible for the savagery, both domestic puppy mills and backyard breeders, and also an international dog trafficking ring that she’s been on the front line exposing.
- GenresNonfictionAnimalsDogs
208 pages, Hardcover
First published June 12, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 16, 2023
I am all for exposing the current for profit animal industry. I hate animals being used for profit and our pleasure. It talks about the not so cute things animals must endure at the hands of humans. We have to stop this. This is animal cruelty at its worst. Everyone should read this and then spread the word!
July 17, 2023
This was a rather controversial book when it came out, for a number of reasons. It's getting on somewhat dated now, but it's still informative in general. It admittedly has both strong and weak points, and, having had a fair bit of experience in the animal industry, so to speak (I worked for a groomer for several years while in my undergrad program and studied equine and animal science in college, after a run of four years in FFA and livestock raising and showing in high school), there are some statements the author makes that I genuinely take issue with, but I think it's definitely worth a read if you're contemplating adding a four-legged friend to your family.
Full disclosure: books about animals fire me up, so there's going to be some soap-boxin' here. Read at your own risk.
Two-star review (2.5, really, but couldn't do a 3). I generally agree with other reviewers who said that there isn't a lot of original material in this book that you couldn't get elsewhere, but I didn't really have an issue with that. It's something of a one-stop shop for information on the atrocities, and they are that, which invariably occur with the breeding of, in this case, dogs, for nothing more than a quick buck. That's also the case for almost any animal bred for nothing more than profit or prestige, however: designer cats like Savannah cats, show or racehorses (think the indefensible practices associated with Big Lick Tennessee Walkers, for the love of all that's holy), and even designer fish, snakes and other reptiles, with new morphs coming out with great regularity. All these animals can run into the tens or hundreds of thousands, and sometimes even into the seven figures. As the author capably notes, profit often runs counter to the best interests of the animal, with tragic consequences, so it's a laudable enterprise to make the public aware of the serious welfare issues involved.
Just a heads-up: there's a lot of rather peripherally-related content included in this book that isn't specific to "designer dogs" or other animals. There's a chapter, for example, on laboratory animals, especially beagles, which are bred for experimentation, but the author also offers a word of caution to the public regarding the prevalence of theft and shelter seizure, which is also how research facilities obtain their supply, although these have been much curtailed in recent years due to public outcry. There's also an informative chapter on financing and predatory lending associated with the purchase of expensive designer dogs, including the exploitative practice of "leasing" rather than outright sale, leaving unsuspecting, would-be purchasers unaware that this is what they signed up for (the practice is so problematic that it's now illegal in California and several other states). Again, good to let the public know about these predatory practices.
There were some problems, however. Some of the issues I had with the book: one is the use of nebulous and undefined terms, such as "legitimate" vs. "illegitimate" breeders (and others, such as the often-used but little-defined term "backyard breeder") - who gets to decide that, and how? What would constitute a "legitimate" breeder, in the author's estimation?
I also take issue with some of the author's unscientific and frankly, unsupported claims throughout, such as the suggestion that crossbreeding causes genetic problems, at least to a greater degree than any other type of breeding, indiscriminate or otherwise. There's very little research to support this suggestion, and a fair bit to the contrary, in fact. Because they're usually unrelated, crossbred animals typically have a lower risk and incidence of inherited genetic defects than purebreds which have experienced a high degree of inbreeding.
The issue is similar with her suggestions about temperament - this has as much if not more to do with environment and early handling and socialization than genetic factors, which this book doesn't acknowledge as much as it should. It claims that crossing different breeds can cause temperament problems, but as above, there's no real empirical research to support that. Every animal is an individual, although some breeds clearly have more energy, prey drive and protective instinct, but the claim that crossbreeding something like a laboradoodle is likely to cause behavioral problems is dubious. That was probably my main issue with this book - a lot of the claims are largely unsupported, and, in my opinion as a researcher, nonsensical. There were a few citations with articles, but they're mostly popular journals and magazines rather than scientific ones.
Soapbox time. Another major issue I have with this book is its uncritical promotion of the whole, so-called "ADOPT, DON'T BUY" marketing campaign, and it is just that, which often-well-meaning people have been trumpeting for years. What follows is just my personal opinion: ask someone else, and you'll get a different opinion every bit as valid as mine, but, here's my thing:
Animals are expensive, if you care for them right, and that amount is increasing with every passing day. There are now food banks for cats and dogs. You're going to invest a lot of resources into an animal if you have it for a decade or more. As such, even professionals will recommend conducting a copious amount of research about the type of pet that will best fit your lifestyle and present circumstances, with regard to energy level, size, health, grooming requirements, potential for aggression, purpose (do you want an energetic, semi-working dog to hike and jog with or a lapdog) and a lot more, such as any special feeding requirements, medical considerations, such as the propensity for health problems, and even insurance requirements or breed bans in your area.
So, after doing your homework, be realistic, but, in my opinion, ultimately, GET WHAT YOU WANT... because you're going to be investing a lot of time, money and emotional investment into that animal. Getting what you really want greatly increases the chances that it will be with you for life - and don't let anyone try to shame you into doing otherwise, or into doing something you don't really want to do - like taking on the responsibility of someone else's cast-off.
Again, just my opinion, but if your dream dog is a champion-lined, female White Black & Tan Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, then, by God, that's what you should have: just be sure to do your research and that the person you get it from is an ethical, knowledgeable breeder with experience and a sterling reputation who is committed to breeding healthy, happy dogs primarily for the love of the breed, not profit.
Case in point: there are so many people on the "don't BUY, ADOPT!" bandwagon these days - not least because of the public shaming of those who purchase from responsible breeders purebred and now crossbred designer dogs (the vast majority of the former, at least, in my experience, DO breed true to type, in terms of energy level, size, coat type, temperament, prey drive, health, and myriad other factors about which it's important to make as predictable as possible to fit someone's lifestyle and circumstances), but this notion is simplistic at best. For several reasons, people like the author don't or won't acknowledge that, because they either haven't thought it through, are letting their emotions get the best of them, or emotionally manipulate people to boost their own narcissistic self-righteousness. More below.
It really irks me no end when someone claims that if you buy a dog, even from a responsible breeder, YOU are responsible for KILLING a homeless animal in a shelter. Bunk. And don't let anyone shame you into doing what THEY want. People like that aren't worth your time or consideration, and their opinion of you means nothing. It took me more than half a lifetime to develop the inner fortitude to refuse to allow other people to dictate to me my 1) beliefs, 2) values and 3) conscience.
And, while we're on the subject, pardon the pun, but the notion of "pet adoption" in general is one of my biggest pet peeves: no animal, in my opinion, is ADOPTED. Just my opinion. Children are adopted; animals are bought and sold, gifted, traded, or, whatever, but NOT adopted, because legally, they're property. So, the argument really comes down to a marketing ploy: "BUY OUR dog, not THEIR dog," which is a sales pitch. And, I think the notion also often sets up an unrealistic expectation, like the similarity ridiculous term "forever home." No one can foresee the future, and it's just a fact of life that there's no such thing as a "forever home." Accidents, illness, divorce, job loss or transfer, and a plethora of other factors often mean that best-intentioned owners have to relinquish beloved pets, and there's nothing wrong with that, especially if it's in the best interest of the animal.
Example: if you and your two 150-lb Great Danes live on a two-acre property where they can frolick in green fields, exercising their hearts for hours a day to prevent premature heart disease and death, which is so common among giant-breed dogs, but someone loses their job due to an accident or illness, resulting in permanent disability, their life forever changed, and now you're having to move to a 900-square-foot apartment due to a permanent loss of income, the best thing for the dogs would be to rehome them with someone who can offer them the care and space they need. The best thing for THEM is not a "forever home," it's whatever home can give them the space and attention they require to be happy and healthy, even if it takes a couple of tries. If someone has a child born with a lifelong disability, God forbid, and one or both parents will be spending days or weeks on end at a hospital, sometimes out of state, fighting for their kid's life, for the foreseeable future, perhaps even for life, it's well worth considering if your beloved family dog would do better with another loving family who can give it the time and attention it needs. "Forever" isn't always best for the pet.
I digress.
And to put another nail in the coffin of the "adopt, don't buy" marketing pitch: perhaps this is best exemplified by an anecdotal story, although, according to multiple friends and acquaintances over the years, an all-too-common one: not all is what it seems, with regard to "saving a life." Quite a few years ago, I had an acquaintance who jumped on this bandwagon with both feet, and became quite active in the adopt-at-all-costs (literally) movement, with tragic consequences. She acquired two pugs, her favorite breed since childhood, from a shelter, or breed "rescue," I can't remember which ("breed rescues" in my experience are often brokers in sheep's clothing, in my opinion, masquerading as something else - they get free dogs from people relinquishing them and then turn around and sell them). Pugs are brachycephalic dogs which many people say shouldn't exist - but, they do - and, as such, they have to have homes, too, when they become "homeless."
So, badgered incessantly to ADOPT, and, having had some training and experience with animal health, she got one, and then, a year or two later, another, so the first one would have a companion. Although they were young dogs, just a couple of years old, the moral of the story is: BOTH were dead from genetic diseases commonly associated with poorly-bred dogs of that breed, within three years of her acquiring them. Both dogs were less than five years old when they died. Both of them lived less than half of their expected life span, because of how poorly bred they were.
This person, of course, had no way of knowing that when she got them - and you wouldn't, either. Literally tens of thousands of dollars in vet (and therapy) bills later, jaded, not to say heartbroken and traumatized, she was completely off the "adopt" bandwagon because of the experience of having to euthanize both of her beloved pets in what should have been the prime of their lives. This acquaintance years later went to a well-known and ethical show breeder to purchase a pug, and, a couple of years later, another. The last I heard, when I knew her in college, both had lived at least twice as long as she'd had the "rescues."
SHE HAD NO IDEA what she was getting when she acquired some random dogs with no history. That's the risk you take with "adoption" from a shelter or broker (i.e., "rescue"): be aware of other people's bad experiences. Want another one? One of my professors. His six or seven-year-old, stunningly beautiful Golden Retriever's premature cancer death - it apparently kills about 72% of all American Goldens, according to a 1998 study, especially lymphoma. Twenty thousand dollars in chemo treatment later, I think it lived about eight or ten weeks after diagnosis. This dog, too, lived less than half of a typical life expectancy for a dog that size.
At the risk of repeating myself, the point here is: when you get a dog from a shelter or as a "rescue," you have NO IDEA what you're getting. This is even more the case with crossbreds and "mutts." Some are great; no health or behavior issues, loyal, long-lived, wonderful companions... but others, as in the above cases, aren't. The "adopt-at-all-cost" lot won't acknowledge this reality, especially in the case of purebred dogs like those above which find themselves homeless, but it can be true for any animal. They say that they "temperament test" and health-screen them, but that's usually cursory at best, and, again, you almost never have ANY genetic history.
This is more critical with "designer" or popular-breed dogs which end up in shelters and "rescues," but it can also be the case with even mixed-breed dogs - like the proverbial box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get. I've read studies (sorry that I don't have the citations here) which estimate that up to HALF of all shelter dogs, in particular, are returned or relinquished at some point - often because of undetected behavioral or medical problems. The shelter or "rescue" environment in which they're "screened" is vastly different than your home. It often takes time to determine what they're really like, and if any damage has been done to the dog, physically and/or behaviorally, before you end up with it. That's why so many of them are taken back. That fact almost NEVER comes up when talking to the "adopt" crowd.
In contrast, when you purchase a well-bred, usually young dog, or, better yet, a middle-aged, retired brood dog or cat from a responsible breeder who is heavily invested in improving the stock of that particular breed, and is in it for the long-term, you have ideally multiple generations of history, genetic and other testing (vision, hearing, hearts, joints, cancer), x-rays of hips, backs, heads, whatever, for the puppies, parents, and, ideally, additional generations of ancestors. Reputable, ethical breeders will do all this work, and incur all this expense, in the best interest of their animals. You're much more likely to know what you're getting, and, vitally, there's someone particular to hold responsible if something does go south. With regard to temperament: there are some unknowns, but with a puppy, ninety percent of the behavior of the adult dog is determined by early training and socialization, so if there's a problem, well, that's almost exclusively due to the person looking back at you in the mirror.
Responsible, ethical breeders live and die by their reputations, so it's not uncommon to offer a guarantee against common health problems associated with particular breeds (cancer in Goldens or deafness in Dalmatians). Devoted breeders know how to screen for and keep genetic defects out of their line, because if they fail to do so and sully their reputation, the consequences for them are dire. Another critical hallmark of a responsible breeder: they will also take back any animal they breed, for any reason, if the owner finds that they can't keep it anymore, to avoid it ending up in a shelter or being offloaded on someone who may or may not really want to invest the time and money over the lifetime of that animal. There are LOTS of these breeders out there; you just have to do the work to find them, and probably get on a wait list, but the wait will be worth it in the long-run. Considering the cost of vet care these days, it will likely save you a bundle in the long-run as well.
That said, I think this was a decent book, if preachy at times, especially about the "adopt" issue (and I guess I did my fair share in rebuttal here), but it does do some good in warning the public about the plight of these poor designer dogs which are almost seen as accessories, no different than handbags and shoes. It also does a good job of reminding the public to do the work and not to undertake pet ownership lightly, as it is at least a decade-long commitment, under ideal circumstances. There's another book of this type, "Doggie in the Window," which I haven't read yet, but I'm interested to see if it has the same approach. Making the public aware of what's involved in this industry, especially the shameful puppy-mill phenomenon, is always a beneficial undertaking.
Full disclosure: books about animals fire me up, so there's going to be some soap-boxin' here. Read at your own risk.
Two-star review (2.5, really, but couldn't do a 3). I generally agree with other reviewers who said that there isn't a lot of original material in this book that you couldn't get elsewhere, but I didn't really have an issue with that. It's something of a one-stop shop for information on the atrocities, and they are that, which invariably occur with the breeding of, in this case, dogs, for nothing more than a quick buck. That's also the case for almost any animal bred for nothing more than profit or prestige, however: designer cats like Savannah cats, show or racehorses (think the indefensible practices associated with Big Lick Tennessee Walkers, for the love of all that's holy), and even designer fish, snakes and other reptiles, with new morphs coming out with great regularity. All these animals can run into the tens or hundreds of thousands, and sometimes even into the seven figures. As the author capably notes, profit often runs counter to the best interests of the animal, with tragic consequences, so it's a laudable enterprise to make the public aware of the serious welfare issues involved.
Just a heads-up: there's a lot of rather peripherally-related content included in this book that isn't specific to "designer dogs" or other animals. There's a chapter, for example, on laboratory animals, especially beagles, which are bred for experimentation, but the author also offers a word of caution to the public regarding the prevalence of theft and shelter seizure, which is also how research facilities obtain their supply, although these have been much curtailed in recent years due to public outcry. There's also an informative chapter on financing and predatory lending associated with the purchase of expensive designer dogs, including the exploitative practice of "leasing" rather than outright sale, leaving unsuspecting, would-be purchasers unaware that this is what they signed up for (the practice is so problematic that it's now illegal in California and several other states). Again, good to let the public know about these predatory practices.
There were some problems, however. Some of the issues I had with the book: one is the use of nebulous and undefined terms, such as "legitimate" vs. "illegitimate" breeders (and others, such as the often-used but little-defined term "backyard breeder") - who gets to decide that, and how? What would constitute a "legitimate" breeder, in the author's estimation?
I also take issue with some of the author's unscientific and frankly, unsupported claims throughout, such as the suggestion that crossbreeding causes genetic problems, at least to a greater degree than any other type of breeding, indiscriminate or otherwise. There's very little research to support this suggestion, and a fair bit to the contrary, in fact. Because they're usually unrelated, crossbred animals typically have a lower risk and incidence of inherited genetic defects than purebreds which have experienced a high degree of inbreeding.
The issue is similar with her suggestions about temperament - this has as much if not more to do with environment and early handling and socialization than genetic factors, which this book doesn't acknowledge as much as it should. It claims that crossing different breeds can cause temperament problems, but as above, there's no real empirical research to support that. Every animal is an individual, although some breeds clearly have more energy, prey drive and protective instinct, but the claim that crossbreeding something like a laboradoodle is likely to cause behavioral problems is dubious. That was probably my main issue with this book - a lot of the claims are largely unsupported, and, in my opinion as a researcher, nonsensical. There were a few citations with articles, but they're mostly popular journals and magazines rather than scientific ones.
Soapbox time. Another major issue I have with this book is its uncritical promotion of the whole, so-called "ADOPT, DON'T BUY" marketing campaign, and it is just that, which often-well-meaning people have been trumpeting for years. What follows is just my personal opinion: ask someone else, and you'll get a different opinion every bit as valid as mine, but, here's my thing:
Animals are expensive, if you care for them right, and that amount is increasing with every passing day. There are now food banks for cats and dogs. You're going to invest a lot of resources into an animal if you have it for a decade or more. As such, even professionals will recommend conducting a copious amount of research about the type of pet that will best fit your lifestyle and present circumstances, with regard to energy level, size, health, grooming requirements, potential for aggression, purpose (do you want an energetic, semi-working dog to hike and jog with or a lapdog) and a lot more, such as any special feeding requirements, medical considerations, such as the propensity for health problems, and even insurance requirements or breed bans in your area.
So, after doing your homework, be realistic, but, in my opinion, ultimately, GET WHAT YOU WANT... because you're going to be investing a lot of time, money and emotional investment into that animal. Getting what you really want greatly increases the chances that it will be with you for life - and don't let anyone try to shame you into doing otherwise, or into doing something you don't really want to do - like taking on the responsibility of someone else's cast-off.
Again, just my opinion, but if your dream dog is a champion-lined, female White Black & Tan Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, then, by God, that's what you should have: just be sure to do your research and that the person you get it from is an ethical, knowledgeable breeder with experience and a sterling reputation who is committed to breeding healthy, happy dogs primarily for the love of the breed, not profit.
Case in point: there are so many people on the "don't BUY, ADOPT!" bandwagon these days - not least because of the public shaming of those who purchase from responsible breeders purebred and now crossbred designer dogs (the vast majority of the former, at least, in my experience, DO breed true to type, in terms of energy level, size, coat type, temperament, prey drive, health, and myriad other factors about which it's important to make as predictable as possible to fit someone's lifestyle and circumstances), but this notion is simplistic at best. For several reasons, people like the author don't or won't acknowledge that, because they either haven't thought it through, are letting their emotions get the best of them, or emotionally manipulate people to boost their own narcissistic self-righteousness. More below.
It really irks me no end when someone claims that if you buy a dog, even from a responsible breeder, YOU are responsible for KILLING a homeless animal in a shelter. Bunk. And don't let anyone shame you into doing what THEY want. People like that aren't worth your time or consideration, and their opinion of you means nothing. It took me more than half a lifetime to develop the inner fortitude to refuse to allow other people to dictate to me my 1) beliefs, 2) values and 3) conscience.
And, while we're on the subject, pardon the pun, but the notion of "pet adoption" in general is one of my biggest pet peeves: no animal, in my opinion, is ADOPTED. Just my opinion. Children are adopted; animals are bought and sold, gifted, traded, or, whatever, but NOT adopted, because legally, they're property. So, the argument really comes down to a marketing ploy: "BUY OUR dog, not THEIR dog," which is a sales pitch. And, I think the notion also often sets up an unrealistic expectation, like the similarity ridiculous term "forever home." No one can foresee the future, and it's just a fact of life that there's no such thing as a "forever home." Accidents, illness, divorce, job loss or transfer, and a plethora of other factors often mean that best-intentioned owners have to relinquish beloved pets, and there's nothing wrong with that, especially if it's in the best interest of the animal.
Example: if you and your two 150-lb Great Danes live on a two-acre property where they can frolick in green fields, exercising their hearts for hours a day to prevent premature heart disease and death, which is so common among giant-breed dogs, but someone loses their job due to an accident or illness, resulting in permanent disability, their life forever changed, and now you're having to move to a 900-square-foot apartment due to a permanent loss of income, the best thing for the dogs would be to rehome them with someone who can offer them the care and space they need. The best thing for THEM is not a "forever home," it's whatever home can give them the space and attention they require to be happy and healthy, even if it takes a couple of tries. If someone has a child born with a lifelong disability, God forbid, and one or both parents will be spending days or weeks on end at a hospital, sometimes out of state, fighting for their kid's life, for the foreseeable future, perhaps even for life, it's well worth considering if your beloved family dog would do better with another loving family who can give it the time and attention it needs. "Forever" isn't always best for the pet.
I digress.
And to put another nail in the coffin of the "adopt, don't buy" marketing pitch: perhaps this is best exemplified by an anecdotal story, although, according to multiple friends and acquaintances over the years, an all-too-common one: not all is what it seems, with regard to "saving a life." Quite a few years ago, I had an acquaintance who jumped on this bandwagon with both feet, and became quite active in the adopt-at-all-costs (literally) movement, with tragic consequences. She acquired two pugs, her favorite breed since childhood, from a shelter, or breed "rescue," I can't remember which ("breed rescues" in my experience are often brokers in sheep's clothing, in my opinion, masquerading as something else - they get free dogs from people relinquishing them and then turn around and sell them). Pugs are brachycephalic dogs which many people say shouldn't exist - but, they do - and, as such, they have to have homes, too, when they become "homeless."
So, badgered incessantly to ADOPT, and, having had some training and experience with animal health, she got one, and then, a year or two later, another, so the first one would have a companion. Although they were young dogs, just a couple of years old, the moral of the story is: BOTH were dead from genetic diseases commonly associated with poorly-bred dogs of that breed, within three years of her acquiring them. Both dogs were less than five years old when they died. Both of them lived less than half of their expected life span, because of how poorly bred they were.
This person, of course, had no way of knowing that when she got them - and you wouldn't, either. Literally tens of thousands of dollars in vet (and therapy) bills later, jaded, not to say heartbroken and traumatized, she was completely off the "adopt" bandwagon because of the experience of having to euthanize both of her beloved pets in what should have been the prime of their lives. This acquaintance years later went to a well-known and ethical show breeder to purchase a pug, and, a couple of years later, another. The last I heard, when I knew her in college, both had lived at least twice as long as she'd had the "rescues."
SHE HAD NO IDEA what she was getting when she acquired some random dogs with no history. That's the risk you take with "adoption" from a shelter or broker (i.e., "rescue"): be aware of other people's bad experiences. Want another one? One of my professors. His six or seven-year-old, stunningly beautiful Golden Retriever's premature cancer death - it apparently kills about 72% of all American Goldens, according to a 1998 study, especially lymphoma. Twenty thousand dollars in chemo treatment later, I think it lived about eight or ten weeks after diagnosis. This dog, too, lived less than half of a typical life expectancy for a dog that size.
At the risk of repeating myself, the point here is: when you get a dog from a shelter or as a "rescue," you have NO IDEA what you're getting. This is even more the case with crossbreds and "mutts." Some are great; no health or behavior issues, loyal, long-lived, wonderful companions... but others, as in the above cases, aren't. The "adopt-at-all-cost" lot won't acknowledge this reality, especially in the case of purebred dogs like those above which find themselves homeless, but it can be true for any animal. They say that they "temperament test" and health-screen them, but that's usually cursory at best, and, again, you almost never have ANY genetic history.
This is more critical with "designer" or popular-breed dogs which end up in shelters and "rescues," but it can also be the case with even mixed-breed dogs - like the proverbial box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get. I've read studies (sorry that I don't have the citations here) which estimate that up to HALF of all shelter dogs, in particular, are returned or relinquished at some point - often because of undetected behavioral or medical problems. The shelter or "rescue" environment in which they're "screened" is vastly different than your home. It often takes time to determine what they're really like, and if any damage has been done to the dog, physically and/or behaviorally, before you end up with it. That's why so many of them are taken back. That fact almost NEVER comes up when talking to the "adopt" crowd.
In contrast, when you purchase a well-bred, usually young dog, or, better yet, a middle-aged, retired brood dog or cat from a responsible breeder who is heavily invested in improving the stock of that particular breed, and is in it for the long-term, you have ideally multiple generations of history, genetic and other testing (vision, hearing, hearts, joints, cancer), x-rays of hips, backs, heads, whatever, for the puppies, parents, and, ideally, additional generations of ancestors. Reputable, ethical breeders will do all this work, and incur all this expense, in the best interest of their animals. You're much more likely to know what you're getting, and, vitally, there's someone particular to hold responsible if something does go south. With regard to temperament: there are some unknowns, but with a puppy, ninety percent of the behavior of the adult dog is determined by early training and socialization, so if there's a problem, well, that's almost exclusively due to the person looking back at you in the mirror.
Responsible, ethical breeders live and die by their reputations, so it's not uncommon to offer a guarantee against common health problems associated with particular breeds (cancer in Goldens or deafness in Dalmatians). Devoted breeders know how to screen for and keep genetic defects out of their line, because if they fail to do so and sully their reputation, the consequences for them are dire. Another critical hallmark of a responsible breeder: they will also take back any animal they breed, for any reason, if the owner finds that they can't keep it anymore, to avoid it ending up in a shelter or being offloaded on someone who may or may not really want to invest the time and money over the lifetime of that animal. There are LOTS of these breeders out there; you just have to do the work to find them, and probably get on a wait list, but the wait will be worth it in the long-run. Considering the cost of vet care these days, it will likely save you a bundle in the long-run as well.
That said, I think this was a decent book, if preachy at times, especially about the "adopt" issue (and I guess I did my fair share in rebuttal here), but it does do some good in warning the public about the plight of these poor designer dogs which are almost seen as accessories, no different than handbags and shoes. It also does a good job of reminding the public to do the work and not to undertake pet ownership lightly, as it is at least a decade-long commitment, under ideal circumstances. There's another book of this type, "Doggie in the Window," which I haven't read yet, but I'm interested to see if it has the same approach. Making the public aware of what's involved in this industry, especially the shameful puppy-mill phenomenon, is always a beneficial undertaking.
January 20, 2019
This is the more annoying and manipulative version of the book I just read, How Much is that Doggie in the Window. I thought this book was going to be about the phenomenon of creating new dog “breeds” by crossing existing breeds, but instead it was hundreds of pages of “buying commercially bred dogs is bad and here’s why.”
I know there are plenty of horror stories associated with commercially bred dogs, but I still feel like the magnitude of the problem was exaggerated here. The author made it sound like if you bought a commercially bred puppy, you are certainly doomed to enormous vet bills, a sick or possibly dead puppy, an unethical financing arrangement which can end up ruining your credit, and other terrible outcomes. I think many commercially bred puppies end up being fine; it’s the parents of these puppies that I feel bad for.
Another gripe I have with this book is the length at which the author quoted existing and proposed laws and statutes. It’s good to know what laws are out there, but did she have to quote them in their entirety? On the plus side, that made this dull book go by quicker (because I didn't feel compelled to read every word of all the statutes).
If you only have time to read one book about commercial dog breeding, read How Much Is that Doggie in the Window, not this one.
I know there are plenty of horror stories associated with commercially bred dogs, but I still feel like the magnitude of the problem was exaggerated here. The author made it sound like if you bought a commercially bred puppy, you are certainly doomed to enormous vet bills, a sick or possibly dead puppy, an unethical financing arrangement which can end up ruining your credit, and other terrible outcomes. I think many commercially bred puppies end up being fine; it’s the parents of these puppies that I feel bad for.
Another gripe I have with this book is the length at which the author quoted existing and proposed laws and statutes. It’s good to know what laws are out there, but did she have to quote them in their entirety? On the plus side, that made this dull book go by quicker (because I didn't feel compelled to read every word of all the statutes).
If you only have time to read one book about commercial dog breeding, read How Much Is that Doggie in the Window, not this one.
January 27, 2019
Designer Dogs is an in depth look at the inhumanity of the dog industry that everyone should read, especially those interested in adding a dog to their home.
And yet, after reading the first few chapters, I skimmed through the rest, and then abandoned the book. Why? Two reasons.
First, with me, Bernstein was preaching to an already pretty well-informed choir. Having worked in shelters and other animal fields for more than a decade, I knew a lot of this stuff - at least the basics, if not the nuts and bolts. For anyone wanting to delve a bit deeper, Bernstein cites court cases as well as anecdotes to educate the reader.
Second, I just don't have the stomach for the horror stories like I used to, and my fears and emotions get the better of me. Thank God for the Animal Control officers and rescue workers who can face the results of neglect and abuse everyday. I am no longer one of them.
So by all means, read this book. Learn about bunchers, the history and shortcomings of the Animal Welfare Act, and the hazards of genetic engineering. Then, hopefully, you'll do a bit of research into breed characteristics and where to find a reputable shelter and - when you're financially and emotionally ready - adopt, rather than buy, a dog. And if you've read the book, you'll know that purebred dogs are fairly easy to come by from shelters and rescue groups. None of my dogs have been purchased, yet their numbers have included three boxers, an English bulldog, and a Yorkshire terrier, along with the "mutts". (And my latest rescue mutt - a chihuahua/dachshund mix - is, apparently, being touted in certain circles as a designer dog called a "chiweenie" - yikes.)
And yet, after reading the first few chapters, I skimmed through the rest, and then abandoned the book. Why? Two reasons.
First, with me, Bernstein was preaching to an already pretty well-informed choir. Having worked in shelters and other animal fields for more than a decade, I knew a lot of this stuff - at least the basics, if not the nuts and bolts. For anyone wanting to delve a bit deeper, Bernstein cites court cases as well as anecdotes to educate the reader.
Second, I just don't have the stomach for the horror stories like I used to, and my fears and emotions get the better of me. Thank God for the Animal Control officers and rescue workers who can face the results of neglect and abuse everyday. I am no longer one of them.
So by all means, read this book. Learn about bunchers, the history and shortcomings of the Animal Welfare Act, and the hazards of genetic engineering. Then, hopefully, you'll do a bit of research into breed characteristics and where to find a reputable shelter and - when you're financially and emotionally ready - adopt, rather than buy, a dog. And if you've read the book, you'll know that purebred dogs are fairly easy to come by from shelters and rescue groups. None of my dogs have been purchased, yet their numbers have included three boxers, an English bulldog, and a Yorkshire terrier, along with the "mutts". (And my latest rescue mutt - a chihuahua/dachshund mix - is, apparently, being touted in certain circles as a designer dog called a "chiweenie" - yikes.)
March 3, 2019
Holy geez, everyone needs to read this book that has ever thought about getting a dog. It's simply unreal that people are so clueless about this topic. They think just because they get a pet from a breeder it somehow makes it better, smarter or more well-behaved. Well hears the truth, it's a bunch of crap. It's this total misconception that a shelter/rescue dog is somehow inferior but so not true. There are also pure breeds found at shelters as well as breed specific rescue groups.
So for people to understand where their pure breed dog comes from & how it impacts so many other things, they need to get to the origin. This breeding business is incredibly lucrative & scandalous at the same time. It makes me want to cry, scream & hit things when I read certain parts of this book. Just because a breeder has papers for the dog doesn't mean anything. It's a damn piece of paper that can obviously be forged, especially in this day & age. It's horrible to know the mistreatment of animals happens all over the world & what they go through when they are getting smuggled into different countries. Animal trafficking is a real thing & people should be made aware of it. So give this book to someone who can learn a thing or two so they can make an informed decision.
So for people to understand where their pure breed dog comes from & how it impacts so many other things, they need to get to the origin. This breeding business is incredibly lucrative & scandalous at the same time. It makes me want to cry, scream & hit things when I read certain parts of this book. Just because a breeder has papers for the dog doesn't mean anything. It's a damn piece of paper that can obviously be forged, especially in this day & age. It's horrible to know the mistreatment of animals happens all over the world & what they go through when they are getting smuggled into different countries. Animal trafficking is a real thing & people should be made aware of it. So give this book to someone who can learn a thing or two so they can make an informed decision.
June 2, 2023
So very hard to read but a book I wish everyone would read. There is one way to stop puppy mills and that is not to buy from them. This book will tell you why and how to avoid perpetuating puppy mills and animal abuse. So, so many people buy a dog because they think they are cute or a status symbol, but when these dogs arrive with so many problems a lot of the dogs are given to shelters or simply abandoned. I will never understand people spending thousands of dollars on a dog. The chapter on people taking out loans to buy designer dogs, thus spending a lot more money from paying interest was amazing. This book goes a long way to educate people about animal cruelty and being a responsible pet customer.
May 19, 2019
The problem with this book, for me at least, is that there was nothing new in there. I think the same would be true of anyone involved in rescue. I knew about backyard breeders, puppy mills, idiots that flock to breeds because celebrities have them, lax USDA oversight and the totally insufficient animal protection laws in the country.
But if you want to learn more about those things, then this is a good book for you with plenty of examples. Bottom line, if you want a pet, adopt, don't shop.
But if you want to learn more about those things, then this is a good book for you with plenty of examples. Bottom line, if you want a pet, adopt, don't shop.
December 4, 2018
A quick read on the unethical breeding of designer dogs - designer cross-breeding, backyard inbreeding of expensive breeds and overall unethical practices the writer came across in her years of working in animal welfare.
Sadly, many of these cases are not news to me - perhaps I am slightly more educated on such practices. Nonetheless, I would recommend this to all thinking of buying a dog - adopt, don’t shop.
Sadly, many of these cases are not news to me - perhaps I am slightly more educated on such practices. Nonetheless, I would recommend this to all thinking of buying a dog - adopt, don’t shop.
November 17, 2020
Full disclosure - I owned a goldendoodle and she was the best dog you could ask for. However, she was a stray - probably the result of some backyard breeding. In looking for another dog, I came across this book and picked it up thinking it would be *about* goldendoodles, etc. but instead found it was about puppy mills, unethical breeders, etc. I read it anyway and am thinking I am going to get my next dog at an animal shelter. The stories are heartbreaking.
March 17, 2019
Well written but repetitive. Nothing new to anyone who really loves dogs. I thought the author did not know all about well bred dogs. Dalmatians are great dogs with little health problems if from responsible breeders.
October 27, 2018
Needed photos.
January 2, 2019
Interesting but I thought it would be more oriented to genetics and biology rather than laws and ethics
January 31, 2019
It was a very upsetting book for me....:-(
February 25, 2019
An important book! I had no idea where all these adorable Instagram pets came from. I wish everyone knew. I cannot believe what a disgusting manufacturing practice is used to make them, how the government whitewashed its website of regulations on breeders, and that there soon might be puppies and kittens you can design online (requesting breeds be forced to mate) and have one of the animals mailed to your door, as if a perfume or shampoo. Shelter dogs are the way to go; this tells why!
March 16, 2019
Very informative
May 1, 2019
Carries an important message, but trailed off towards the end. Still a good (and informing) read.
January 4, 2023
A great insight into the world of designer dogs - unfortunately dogs are still treated as fashion accessories, and this book discusses the unethical breeding associated with fashionable dogs. Some of the points are over-emphasised, and I think the majority of people who will buy this book are on board with the opinion of the author.
November 11, 2020
This book has an important message that everyone who is interested in getting a dog needs to hear.
Read
January 21, 2019harrowing
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