Alex,
Not a chance! No arugument from me there. Sharpeis are cute to look at but invariably have breeding problems because of inbreeding which became neessary to keep the breed from dying out. Their potential for health problems knows no bounds. They will earn Ph.D.s for the whole of their lucky veterinarian's progeny. What came as something of a shock to me is that if you take away their cute and cuddly wrinkled coats they look exactly like pit bulls. How did I happen to see this strange sight? Well, among their myriad health problems are--bet you could guess--skin problems. Certain skin diseases that affect the Sharpei make the wrinkles disappear.
Anytime a dog becomes overpopular, they are immediately bred willy nilly for the bucks. The breeds become essentially ruined as to their original purpose (ususally some form of work), as pets, and as anything else. This bunch would include almost any dog breed featured in commercials, movies, TV series, what-have-you.
Even my beloved Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier breed is finding its way into this mishmash, although that breeds fanciers have (more than most) tried to prevent this, and that breed too is now paying the price in good health, good manners, and good disposition.
Holly |
