DANDIE DINMONTS: now that the public 'loves' them, do you think puppy mills will rocket this breed's numbers?

Question

Just about a week ago, someone asked what some of the rarest breeds were, and I answered (as far as AKC numbers) that Dandie Dinmont Terriers are always in the bottom 25 registrations...after seeing all the hype about Bill Cosby's dog, all I can think is 'Uh-oh...here come the puppy mills & backyard breeders trolling for dollars." Do you think the small, dedicated group of breeders will manage to protect this breed? Or will unscrupulous people be convincing enough as potential 'good owners' to buy their pups on AKC limited registrations & then quickly CKC/APRI (etc) re-register them and breed away?

Answer 1

I think the Dandie people are pretty protective -- but we'll have to see. I'm hoping that the public exposure will make them more wary.

I haven't seen a huge increase in the number of Bull Terriers around since Rufus won last year -- although the Bull Terrier may be a harder breed to deal with than the Dandie. I'm more concerned about the PBGV, whose popularity has been increasing (it seems) over the years, anyway.

I disagree with the person who said that "profits go up" for the breeders of a certain breed following a big showing at Westminster. Responsible breeders do not allow this sort of thing to influence their prices. Be cautious of the breeder who does. In fact, we generally find ourselves working harder to talk "the masses" out of our breed than catering to their demand after such public exposure. Just because there are more people wanting a breed, it doesn't mean that all of those people have the right home/lifestyle for that breed.

I speak from experience in my own breed (thanks "Snow Dogs" and "8 Below" -- NOT!!)

Answer 2

Winning Best of Show's in popular dog competitions, is a double edged sword. While on the one hand it promotes and informs people about a breed they might not otherwise be familiar with, it also opens a door for unresponsible breeders to try to make some quick money. Ultimately, these backyard breeders and puppymills contribute to flooding the market with unhealthy and often dogs that have little in common with the conformation aspect of the breed. That is why it is important NEVER TO BUY from stores and backyard breeders! YOu will pay more for a quality pup, but in the end you ensure the health and stability of the breed. Don't forget, you get what you pay for!

Answer 3

After a dog has gone as far as that one did in Westminster the prices tend to go up and as rare as they are it would be hard for a puppy mill or backyard breeder to be able to even start to breed them for profit. i don't see people buying an AKC puppy and changing the registrations. The 7 dogs that made last nights final judging will all be recognized as having done so and the breeders of these breeds will see the profits go up on the puppies, but it makes it difficult for the puppy mills to even get started with a breed that is bringing high amounts as a puppy.

Answer 4

It's funny you asked this. I was thinking about this last night. That dog was so darned cute but the whole time I was thinking... please please please don't let him win. Isn't that terrible?

I hope that the attention to that breed fades quickly. I can only imagine that if the breed catches on how many will flood the market. And the other thing is, those dogs won't look anything like Harry did with all his grooming. He was adorable for sure but ungroomed, I can only imagine what he'd look like.

Let's hope that Harry goes back to Austrailia quietly and the Dandy doesn't catch on. We have enough to worry about without badly bred, moppy looking dogs ending up in shelters because people know nothing about the breed and don't know what they are or what they have.

I do think you'll see a small spike in their numbers though....

Answer 5

Thank the Lord that a "real" dog won the Westminster and not some little waste of dog flesh like the Dandie Dinmont Terriers. What the heck was Bill smoking when he decided to buy some little rat mutt?

Answer 6

I hope that because this is a more rare breed, that the breeders will be protective and selective about who gets a pup from them.

Tho it's also possible that we'll get the "imposter" dogs, that someone will breed to look very similar and the uneducated buyer will be sucked in by it and spend money on a mutt.

Answer 7

They were one of the first dogs accepted by the American Kennel Club. The first on registered with the AKC was in 1886 (dogs name of Bonnie Britton). So, it's not like it's a new breed, it's been AKC recognized for nearly 121 yrs.

"Trolling for Dollars", EXCELLENT way to put it!

Answer 8

terrier people have always done a god job in protecting thier breeds, i think the dandy will be safe, kerry blues are and look how mick effected people,

its unfortunate the yorkies and wheatons have not been so lucky

but as long as people are out spreading the word all you can do it hope

Answer 9

backyard breeders are always out there unfortunately.maybe someday when people have had enough of these cruel people it will stop and save these abused animals.but till than your guess is the same as alot of people.money is the evil of all kind!!!