chartpolski 23,467 Posted November 9, 2012 Report Share Posted November 9, 2012 On my daily walks, I've noticed more and more "Sporting" or "Working" type dogs out and about with "pet" owners. Recently talked with people who have GSP's, Wiemaranners, Beddy's, Patterdales, Beagles,and even Lurchers and Greyhounds. They all say they aren't interested in the working side of the dogs, but just enjoy getting out in the fields and lanes with them. Is this a good or bad thing for the "working" breeds ? It means the breeds are still being bred, but will they become the next "must have" breeds, like Westies and Labradoodles recently were ? Will they be ruined by being bred for, and owned by, "pet" dog owners; or are these breeds allready ruined ? Or is it a good thing that these "working" breeds are being owned by "non-working" owners ?? Cheers. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Malt 379 Posted November 9, 2012 Report Share Posted November 9, 2012 Cant say I've noticed any difference where I am, there's always been a mixture of working and non working breeds being owned by pet owners.. Maybe people in other areas are starting to pick 'working' types because its now well documented about inherited health problems in certain breeds and people know that working breeds are bred for function over form with not as much emphasis put solely on the look of the dog? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mochastorm 68 Posted November 9, 2012 Report Share Posted November 9, 2012 There will always be wastage from litters born to working bitches. Anyone breeding a litter has probably had the difficulties of homing all the pups to working homes, and the next best option has got to be a caring pet home. Just a bit of a shock when their dear little pets start displaying their prey drive and start coursing the local wildlife across the dog walking areas. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
northern lad 2,292 Posted November 9, 2012 Report Share Posted November 9, 2012 Where I am whippets and border terrier numbers are dramatically increasing,still lots of staffies about but nowhere near as many as there used to be....most people I talk to whilst walking mine who own whippets/borders have no intention of working them as you say Charts they seem to be the in thing now.The usual Cavaliers,Westies,Yorkies etc seem to be "out of fashion"at the minute. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
P5HEN 168 Posted November 9, 2012 Report Share Posted November 9, 2012 depends how you look at things really, i dont think the working lines will gain any benefit from these pet/show dogs chart, but i think a man of your knowledge knows were to get his dogs from but i suppose it will help the dogs that are getting passed around pillar to post find a decent permanent home even it only be for a pet, in the 's there was a lurcher on every corner round my estate now all you see are all shapes n sizes of staffs! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
chartpolski 23,467 Posted November 9, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 9, 2012 I'm actualy in two minds about it ! I'd rather people got "working" breeds, even if just for pets; than get King Charles Spaniels, English Bulldogs, etc and perpetuate the breeding of deformed dogs. On the other hand, when a breed becomes the "flavour of the month", the prices go sky high and unscrupulous breeders breed from inferior stock. So it's a two edged sword ! All in all though; I think I'd rather see a "pet" owner walking a GSP in the fields, than a KCS !! Cheers. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Runningdogs3 59 Posted November 9, 2012 Report Share Posted November 9, 2012 Must admit some of my litter went to pet homes but I checked them all out first and made sure they had had a Saluki before or at least had the know how to look after one. Didn't like the idea of my pups going to people who wanted them as a fashion accessory and the getting shut because they couldn't cope with their natural instincts. They all look so cute as pups but they aren't so cute when they are being destructive, wrecking the garden and chasing everything in sight because they are bored and pissed off. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
chartpolski 23,467 Posted November 9, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 9, 2012 Wonder why this post was moved ? It is specificaly about "working" dogs and mentions Lurchers and Greyhounds. Cheers. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bigdaz 688 Posted November 9, 2012 Report Share Posted November 9, 2012 Bound to ruffle some feathers but, I'd put a dog in a caring pet home before I'd let it go to some of the supposed good working homes that I know of. 6 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rogue and running dog 26 Posted November 9, 2012 Report Share Posted November 9, 2012 On one plus side if more people are having them as pets may stop people looking at us like we're thugs for having a lurcher! Like a fella was saying the other day on a different topic he can't walk his dog at night across a field with a lamp because he maybe going lamping but someone with a boxer wouldn't get questioned? Maybe of working breeds were being kept as pets they wouldn't. Question us all the time and we could take our dogs for a walk in peace 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BULLDOUG 199 Posted November 9, 2012 Report Share Posted November 9, 2012 The sad part is when the pet owners decide to breed there "WORKING DOGS" to supply the pet trade, untested unproven ...... Can only add to the demise of the working breeds IMO. I would rather Cull than pet out a working bred pup. ATB D 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
scothunter 12,609 Posted November 9, 2012 Report Share Posted November 9, 2012 its a good thing for greyhounds.but im biased lol there my favourite dog.everyone i see in a pet home makes me happy.btw im referring to rescue greyhounds. my mate has a weirramma and tbh it stops me from going in his house,as its a scatty b*****d and he has no control over it when it starts jumping around.whether thats cause its not worked and when its not out wlking with him,its locked in the kitchen or a cage.which is pretty shit for the dog,but his kids love it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
neems 2,406 Posted November 9, 2012 Report Share Posted November 9, 2012 It's good in that it makes working dogs less obvious,but bad when they start getting bred imo Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jimster68 123 Posted November 9, 2012 Report Share Posted November 9, 2012 we have a few none working lurchers/ greys near us .and most of their owners love em ,a couple have been picked up at rescue centres and some have been passed to them in one way or another . as most lurcher owners are willing to stop and chat ,most admit they have never had a lurcher before but now wouldnt part with theirs ,the thing with lurchers is they are a versatile breed ,they can race /show/work/ and make great pets ,and dont suffer from most ailments . as long as people who dont work them look after them in a responsible way ,then good look to them . ive got to admit some of the worst looking lurchers ive seen have been with people who call themselfs REAL DOG MEN .the same people are the ones who dump them when they need treating ,dump em when they cant be bothered training them and they dont perform in the field . i think almost everyone who owns a working dog knows someone who gets a new dog every few months then gets rid for their next best thing . thier wouldnt be so many lurchers in none working homes if some REAL DOG MEN put the effort in . too many people breed pups out of inferior workers and pups are passed around for peanuts,or given away .its no wonder so many fail in the field . so with so many failed workers the ones that dont get pts have got to end up somewere,and its joe public that end up taking them on. jim 5 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Calli 93 Posted November 9, 2012 Report Share Posted November 9, 2012 Responsible ownership is all I care about If you want a pet then fair play why not But if you want a worker then a little more responsibility needed with regard to location and livestock Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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