Simple Economics: Supply and Demand

According to most recent statistics, in 1996 for the Puget Sound area alone, over 11 thousand dogs were euthanized simply because they were 'surplus'.  The statistic state wide is difficult to ponder:  over 40% of the dogs that went to Washington shelters in 1996 were euthanized. 

Shelters, pounds and rescue organizations do all they can to place the animals in their keep, but the surrendered, stray and neglected pets keep coming through the doors.  Euthanasia results because there is simply not enough space to house them all.  No-kill shelters turn away animals every day away simply because there is no room.

Every new dog that is purchased from a breeder or a pet store stimulates new supply.  Every pet not spayed or neutered is the potential for even more unwanted pets.


Hybrid Vigor

There is a common perception that mixed breed dogs are less healthy, less predictable that purebreds.   On the contrary, mixed breeds are on the whole healthier, often more intelligent, of more even disposition, and live longer lives than many purebred dogs.   This is due to what geneticists call hybrid vigor.    Inbreeding within the same breed lines can cause mild to severe defects, both emotional (nervousness, neuroses) and physical (displaysia, vision problems) - far too many unfortunate purebred pets are the result of unwise, unhealthy breeding for the sake of ‘breed’. Mutts however, with more genetic diversity, on average, tend to be more evenhanded, have steadier temperments, and steadier dispositions than their purebred counterparts.