Spring Break
Mutts not better than purebreds
By: Lauren Fortenberry
Issue date: 3/17/08 Section: Mail Call
As a dog fancier involved in both dog rescue and dog showing, I find flaws in much of your article involving breed choice for the next Reveille.
The mutt versus purebred debate is one that is long-lasting and oversimplified. Mutts are no more healthy or intelligent than their purebred parents. Crossbred dogs can have the exact same multitude of genetic defects that purebreds do. True, in the smaller gene pool of a breed, there is a higher chance that a dog will have said conditions. However, if two breeds share the same genetic problems, their offspring will be just as at risk for them. For example, hip dysplasia is a common ailment in German Shepherds and is also found in Golden Retrievers. Growing up, I had a German Shepherd/Golden Retriever mix that had severe HD and had to have two hip surgeries. Eventually he was put down for it. It made no difference that he was a mix. Intelligence and trainability is similar in that it all depends on the type of dogs in the mix.
As a side note, there is no breed of dog called an American Collie or a Shetland Shepherd. There is a Rough and Smooth Collie and a Shetland Sheepdog, which looks like a miniature Rough Collie. I am guessing the 'Shetland Shepherd' mentioned in the article was actually a Sheltie/German Shepherd cross. The collie can be called the Scotch Collie, as it originates from Scotland. American Collie, though, is a new one for me. Maybe they simply meant an 'American bred' Collie.
The statement about collies was far from accurate as collies are generally considered one of the smartest breeds of dog out there. They are highly trainable and often succeed at competitions such as rally obedience and agility. Reasons behind Reveille's behavior could be a multitude of problems, none of which have to do with breed. Apparently, they are not 'manly enough, yet this was a breed of dogs bred to work in harsh conditions with their master. They are extremely intelligent, noble and loyal dogs. What more could you ask for in a mascot?
The idea of choosing a mascot based on how 'tough' it looks is also problematic. Many breeds today face legislation because of these perceptions. We should not promote these false ideas by choosing a mascot based on what dog breeds are seen as vicious. Vicious' breeds such as American Pit Bull Terriers and Dobermans make excellent, loving companions in the hands of a proper owner.
I am all for rescuing a dog, whether a Collie or not. It would be a great way to help a dog in need of a home.
While not everyone is as involved in dogs as I am, I would hope the staff of The Battalion would take the time to at least verify that they are not making up dog breeds.
Lauren Fortenberry
Class of 2009
The mutt versus purebred debate is one that is long-lasting and oversimplified. Mutts are no more healthy or intelligent than their purebred parents. Crossbred dogs can have the exact same multitude of genetic defects that purebreds do. True, in the smaller gene pool of a breed, there is a higher chance that a dog will have said conditions. However, if two breeds share the same genetic problems, their offspring will be just as at risk for them. For example, hip dysplasia is a common ailment in German Shepherds and is also found in Golden Retrievers. Growing up, I had a German Shepherd/Golden Retriever mix that had severe HD and had to have two hip surgeries. Eventually he was put down for it. It made no difference that he was a mix. Intelligence and trainability is similar in that it all depends on the type of dogs in the mix.
As a side note, there is no breed of dog called an American Collie or a Shetland Shepherd. There is a Rough and Smooth Collie and a Shetland Sheepdog, which looks like a miniature Rough Collie. I am guessing the 'Shetland Shepherd' mentioned in the article was actually a Sheltie/German Shepherd cross. The collie can be called the Scotch Collie, as it originates from Scotland. American Collie, though, is a new one for me. Maybe they simply meant an 'American bred' Collie.
The statement about collies was far from accurate as collies are generally considered one of the smartest breeds of dog out there. They are highly trainable and often succeed at competitions such as rally obedience and agility. Reasons behind Reveille's behavior could be a multitude of problems, none of which have to do with breed. Apparently, they are not 'manly enough, yet this was a breed of dogs bred to work in harsh conditions with their master. They are extremely intelligent, noble and loyal dogs. What more could you ask for in a mascot?
The idea of choosing a mascot based on how 'tough' it looks is also problematic. Many breeds today face legislation because of these perceptions. We should not promote these false ideas by choosing a mascot based on what dog breeds are seen as vicious. Vicious' breeds such as American Pit Bull Terriers and Dobermans make excellent, loving companions in the hands of a proper owner.
I am all for rescuing a dog, whether a Collie or not. It would be a great way to help a dog in need of a home.
While not everyone is as involved in dogs as I am, I would hope the staff of The Battalion would take the time to at least verify that they are not making up dog breeds.
Lauren Fortenberry
Class of 2009
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