Photo above of Miss P, the beagle that won best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show. AP Photo/Seth Wenig.
Last week, more than 3,000 dogs representing 190 breeds competed in the Westminster Kennel Club 139th Annual Dog Show at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. A beagle whose uncle had previously been crowned top dog—Miss P—emerged as Best of Show.
The world of pampered and pedigreed pooches seems far removed from the lives of homeless dogs. But, what happens in the ring at Westminster historically has a ripple effect at the country’s shelters.
Suddenly, the winning breed becomes the new must-have hound du jour. A similar scenario plays out when a blockbuster movie features a particular breed. Think Lassie, 101 Dalmatians, Air Buddies, Scooby-Doo or Beethoven.
Wanting to own a breed hailed as “the best” by a panel of expert judges, some novice dog owners seek to purchase the same breed for their families. That instant popularity is rarely in dogs’ best interest.
The problem is two-fold.
First, there is no one-size-fits-all best breed that works for every family. Home, yard, activity level, age of children and size of the family are among the many indicators to consider in finding the perfect canine companion. If the celebrated breed du jour is a bad match for the family, that dog—no matter how aesthetically perfect or expense—is likely to end up at a shelter.
Secondly, there’s an explosion of people wanting to get the breed of dog who won, says Elizabeth Oreck, Best Friends Animal Society puppy mill initiatives manager. “It generates a lot of sales of that breed,” Oreck says.
Best Friends warns the sales of these puppies all too often take place online or in pet stores, where cruel, inhumane breeders deliver their “product” to naïve customers who have no idea that their expensive new puppy came from a terrible place.
Located in Utah, Best Friends is a national non-profit with a no-kill mission that uses events such as Westminster as opportunities to raise awareness about the dangers of puppy mills.
These businesses exploit animals to make a profit. While the marketing materials may picture frolicking puppies and other idyllic scenes, the reality is the animals bred are kept in inhumane conditions and receive little or no medical care. More than just being expensive, puppy mill animals are more likely to be sick, harbor genetic abnormalities and long-term behavioral problems.
Furthermore, many people are under the false assumption that American Kennel Club papers assure they’re getting a great dog.
“AKC papers are given so much weight and seemingly validate the quality of purebred dogs, but they really don’t,” Oreck says. “Papers just show a puppy’s birth date and parents’ names. They don’t guarantee the puppy wasn’t born in a mill. AKC papers should not be considered a seal of approval, when it comes to humane and responsible breeding.”
There is good news, though. Whatever type of dog people want—a puppy or an adult of a specific breed or temperament—their new best friend is available through animal rescue organizations and shelters.
Baton Rouge’s own Friends of the Animals (FOTA) has many cuddly canines who resemble many of the breeds shown at Westminster including:
Creature Feature
No surprise Griffin is a Brussels Griffon mix. This cute 15-pound guy with a bobtail and underbite loves to go for walks and snuggle. But, because he gets a little nervous around unfamiliar people and dogs, he is best suited for a quite home without children and other pets. For more information, contact his foster at [email protected].
Bijou is approximately two-year-old terrier. Weighing about 24 pounds, she is a super sweet and snuggly, happy girl. For more information, contact her foster at 225-205-2738.
At approximately 90 pounds and two years old, Taco appears to be a full-blooded black lab. This sweet, happy, obedient boy is good with all people, housebroken, walks well on a leash and knows basic obedience commands. With continued training, Taco will blossom because he’s very eager to please his people. He gets along with most dogs with proper introduction; but, he’d love to be an only dog, too. Taco is an active boy, so he’s best suited to a home with a fenced yard.
Dudley is a precious 4-month-old Chihuahua mix. Dudley loves people and enjoys the company of the several foster dogs in his home. He likes to be snuggled after playtime. This happy, playful, little pup is quickly learning his house manners. He’s almost housebroken, learning to walk on a leash and learning basic obedience commands. Once he goes to permanent home, Dudley will still need additional training. Because he’s very fast and will dart through an open door, he must go to a home with a secure, fenced yard.
Ratatouille entered foster care on the Deep South side of skinny. He has added a few pounds to his whisper small frame, his piano key black and white coat is shinier and he stands taller and more proudly now—long tail fanning a breeze behind him rather than tucked under. With his waffle coned sized ears widely placed on either side of his little worry-furrowed brow, ‘Touille gets along well with the cadre of canines in his foster home and wisely ignores the cats, who may still outweigh him. Not a rabble-rouser, ‘Touille is mild mannered and well behaved and spends much of his time lounging indoors watching the day unfold, or burrowed under his bedding groundhog style. He has suffered in this world. Yet, he holds no grudge and is eager to hang his hat in the home of the lucky family, who sees their future with him in it.
Viola is an adult Rottweiler mix, who loves stuffed squeaky toys and playing fetch. She’s also great athletic trainer: She’s a big fan of squats and requires a belly rub for every one her companion completes. She’ll lie in a lap like a baby all day for a belly rub. Some new experiences are still scary for this big sweetheart. A patient person will win her heart in no time, though. For more information, contact her foster at [email protected].
Luca is a real social butterfly, who has never met a stranger. This 3-year-old, petite-but-sturdy beagle gets along just as well with other dogs, as he does with people. Of course, like all hounds, this adorable, little go-getter also enjoys following a scent while exploring in the great outdoors. So, he’ll require a home with a very secure fenced yard. For more information about this charming, little fellow, please contact his foster at [email protected].
All these pets have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated, heartworm tested and microchipped. Many other adoptable dogs are available through Friends of the Animals. For more information, click here.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated since its original posting.
