Dog Breeding

[BigJon16]

This might seem a little random and there may be no real teaching on it, but...


What does the Church teach about dog breeding? Is there anything that condemns it? or is it not that big of a deal?

[CatherineM]

When it comes to dogs, so long as you don't elevate your pets to a place where they are on par with (or above) humans, it's okay. Some people go too far. Our first relationships should be with people, not pets. However, pets can be a real comforts. They are known to help with blood pressure and some mental illnesses. That doesn't include the actual assistance animals for the disabled. As to dog shows, they aren't much different than horse racing or show cows. We have been domesticating and selectively breeding animals since before recorded history, and the dog was the first, about 30,000 years ago. The problem is when we go too far, which would include puppy mills and hoarding situations. When we have pets, we are responsible for their proper care. I have had pure bred basset hounds for 30 years. I get the rejected puppies from show litters that no one wants. My last one had crooked teeth, and my new puppy has misaligned nipples. Some people think I should only get my dogs from the pound, but with a pure bred, I know what I'm getting myself into. It's okay to have personal preferences, just like some people only buy new cars, or only buy American made cars.

As to a church teaching on the subject, I've never seen one.