Dogs are always vulnerable when they are under the care of their owners. Some dogs find joy with loving owners who care about their dog, while others end up in a miserable life with owners who don’t love their dog. Kennel Clubs’ low registration numbers mean that intelligent canines are at risk of extinction.
Dogs are prone to fashion. The Welsh Pembroke Corgi is one such breed. What is the deal? Is it possible that the desire to rescue or a pedigree a dog has been replaced by the avalanche designer dogs?
Signs a Dog Can Feel Vulnerable
Shelters are full of vulnerable dogs. We should give thanks to those who have set up rescue centres for animals in distress. They have saved many dogs’ lives and given them a home. They are the unsung heroes that pick up the pieces from human cruelty and provide a loving home for the animals.
Dogs who have been neglected, abandoned, or abused are brought to the shelter every day with a battered heart and vulnerability. They arrive at the shelter with their tails between their legs, their ears dropped, and their eyes without a spark of life. Volunteers begin the day by working their magic on the helpless dogs that howl and whine in distress. Every dog is precious and volunteers love nothing more than to make a scared pup feel secure.
Shelter dogs are often characterized by a “rags-to-riches” story. They arrive hungry, malnourished, and often petrified. Some dogs are so sad they avoid the eyes of volunteers and shake constantly. Rescuers can give them a chance at a better life. For some, it is impossible to find happiness, for others, such as Benny, who is a reserved shy dog waiting at a center, there is hope.
YouTube made Benny’s story viral. He sat in silence in his pen, while the other dogs bark in unison. He began to wag his tail in excitement when his name was called. After Benny realized he was adopted, a lead was given and he began to jump around with his new owners. It was amazing to witness the sheer joy this puppy felt.
History of Dog Breed Vulnerability
The first animal shelter in the U.S was thanks to an enlightened and well-educated animal lover named Caroline Earl White. Having learned of a prominent New York businessman who set up The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in 1866, this animal welfare advocate was inspired to start a similar organization in Pennsylvania.
Horses were used to pull carts at the time. This angel of mercy saw these animals being beaten and decided to make changes to the way they were treated. Today, dogs in need are brought to the Women’s Humane Society founded in 1869 by a woman who wanted to make a difference.
It is ironic that shelters around the globe do everything they can to find dogs forever homes. However, some breeds may soon disappear. It is clear that there were breeds of dogs that were not needed in the early days. There were once small Beagles about 9 inches tall, which were nicknamed “Pocket Beagles”, because they fit into the jacket pockets of hunters. These adorable pups were eventually replaced by a larger breed, and they were gone by 1901.
The Telegraph, UK has just published a list of “vulnerable dog” that might shock dog lovers. The Bloodhound, which is famous for its ability to track Jack the Ripper’s movements, may soon be available on the shelves. Other breeds include the Smooth Collie and Irish Red and White Setter as well as the Field Spaniel, Sussex Spaniel, and Field Spaniel. These breeds all have low registrations.
Our dogs are caught between the two. Mankind is fickle. Their utility is causing vulnerability in different breeds, and we may see the end of many of our best friends.
Puppy mills that breed designer dogs are a blatant example of vanity-driven greed. The family dog can be lost in translation in an age of social media. Our dependence on technology can lead to dependency that negates the beauty and value of a loyal companion who gives unconditional love, which is a rare commodity these days.
The Science of Dogs Being Viable
The Irish Red Setter, a grandiose breed featured on the UK, Kennel Club vulnerability list, goes back to the 1700s and was bred for hunting. This happy-go-lucky pooch appears to get on with everyone, yet in 2017 there were only 70 registrations in the United Kingdom. Are pedigrees now vulnerable due to the crazed breeding of dogs with names like Morkie (Yorkshire Terrier/Maltese) or Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel/Poodle)?
Many breeders care about good genetics. However, backstreet breeders breed purebreds to make money. This is denying generations of ethical breeding and creating mutts with behavioral and health problems. Mongrel dogs have been around since champion studs mated with local dogs. But now, these dogs are being exploited to make a quick buck.
The Institute of Canine Biology cares deeply about the future of our dogs. Carol Beuchat, Ph.D. says that our dogs are dying because of genetics. Inbreeding is the main cause of death and can have adverse effects on a dog’s health. You may have brought home a beautiful, designer dog only to discover that they had hip dysplasia and congestive heart disease years later.
Carol Beuchat believes inbreeding early dogs caused these problems. Modern breeders must rectify this problem. It is important to preserve the heritage of Labradors, Boxers and Dobermans.
Helping Dogs Overcome Vulnerability
Dogs are becoming increasingly vulnerable with laws that promise to protect them but fall short, allowing people with cruel intentions to walk free. Science is screaming from their labs that dogs are emotional creatures who know when we are happy or sad but still the message isn’t getting through. They are working for the good of man as guide and hearing dogs, K9 for the police, and other service dogs helping folks with psychiatric issues. Sniffer dogs are everywhere finding drugs, cash, termites, and aiding conservation. Still, our animal welfare laws leave a lot to be desired. Why is this so?
According to the Humane Society of the United States, many dogs who are neglected or abused live in homes run by insensitive parents who may not treat their children the same. Although different states have different laws regarding mistreatment of animals, a dog can’t defend itself in court.
According to Plant Based Newsthe United Kingdom is currently updating its animal welfare laws. The original sentence for animal cruelty of 6 months in prison will be extended to 5 years. This is a long process as many governments around the world continue to ignore animal rights.
Although the law seems to recognize that dogs can feel, bringing animal abusers to justice remains in the hands and control of animal charities who have to pay for their punishment. Our canine companions are still vulnerable until governments adopt a more proactive approach.
Statista reports that there were 89.7 millions dogs in U.S. homes as of March 2107. This is a lot of dogs, many of which are in very poor conditions. Lassie and other puppies like her made us fall in LOVE with dogs and we begged our parents to allow us to have one. They should be recognized and protected as the valuable species that they are.