Bloody hate backyard breeders

[FinnishLapphund]

Equally horrible is the fad for 'pocket' dogs which seem to be just stunted, deformed runts being sold for ridiculous amounts of money. Somebody near me was selling 'pocket' bulldogs for £10k each!! I also saw a photo of a 'pocket' mastiff yesterday which made me very sad. Poor, poor dog

I knew about the Teacup for example Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, and Poodles, and have read that for example the life expectancy for a normal Yorkie is 12-17 years, but for a Teacup Yorkie it is only 7-9 years, due to the health problems caused by the Teacup size. Madness.

But Pocket Mastiff was a new one to me. Against better judgement (it usually doesn't end well), I decided to google, but I didn't find much Pocket Mastiffs.
The few pictures of Pocket English Mastiffs I did find, I have to say that I actually think they looked okay. Simply like a lighter, a little smaller, and a bit less exaggerated, English Mastiffs. (ETA The ones I saw was/is English Mastiffs that was just a bit below the breed standard's minimum height, and weight requirements.)

However, what also showed up was Pocket American Bully, and when I clicked on one of those photos, some more types showed up...

But I don't think those are the Pocket Bullies you're talking about?

 

[FinnishLapphund]

Could it be Pocket/Teacup French Bulldogs that is the Pocket Bullies you're talking about? Found a page about Teacup Frenchies, have to admit that there was one that I thought looked okay, but the others would be a 'No, thanks' for me.

I also have to admit that I'm actually quite fond of French Bulldogs. The ones I've met have been both nice, and capable of going for long walks.

But I don't get the whole Teacup thing, I mean if Chihuahuas had been meant to be Teacup sized, I presume the standard version would already have been that size.

 

[yhanni]

The photo of the Mastiff was on FB and was taken from behind the dog at an angle IYSWIM. You could very clearly see how deformed it's front legs & elbows were - similar to the 'XL' American Bully above. I won't be able to find the photo again I don't suppose but if I do, I will attempt to post it!

 

[Kay Burton]

The photo of the Mastiff was on FB and was taken from behind the dog at an angle IYSWIM. You could very clearly see how deformed it's front legs & elbows were - similar to the 'XL' American Bully above. I won't be able to find the photo again I don't suppose but if I do, I will attempt to post it!

That's it! It's all just a nightmare and animal abuse. I don't know why this is needed and what is in the minds of those psychos who do this with animals. They definitely need to be treated in a psychiatric clinic, and for a very long time!

 

[TwyfordM]

Could it be Pocket/Teacup French Bulldogs that is the Pocket Bullies you're talking about? Found a page about Teacup Frenchies, have to admit that there was one that I thought looked okay, but the others would be a 'No, thanks' for me.

I also have to admit that I'm actually quite fond of French Bulldogs. The ones I've met have been both nice, and capable of going for long walks.

But I don't get the whole Teacup thing, I mean if Chihuahuas had been meant to be Teacup sized, I presume the standard version would already have been that size.

I like french bulldogs, but they do seem to have a fair few health issues even if it’s not quite as bad as pugs etc I wouldn’t rule out getting one entirely but I’d want to be very thorough on health checks/parents etc.
I really like my sight hound breeds, which are fairly healthy as dogs go (if a bit fragile!) I love Italian greyhounds but realistically with the horses/bigger dogs it would be a broken bone waiting to happen as they are so delicate. Love basenjis too but they are few and far between.
As far as other breeds go, I quite like corgis but haven’t really delved into potential health problems.

Just seen a dachund on my way home - it just looked like a walking vets bill, they are being bred with stupidly long backs and stubby legs with rolls of skin

 

[Meowy Catkin]

I like french bulldogs, but they do seem to have a fair few health issues even if it’s not quite as bad as pugs etc I wouldn’t rule out getting one entirely but I’d want to be very thorough on health checks/parents etc.
I really like my sight hound breeds, which are fairly healthy as dogs go (if a bit fragile!) I love Italian greyhounds but realistically with the horses/bigger dogs it would be a broken bone waiting to happen as they are so delicate. Love basenjis too but they are few and far between.
As far as other breeds go, I quite like corgis but haven’t really delved into potential health problems.

Just seen a dachund on my way home - it just looked like a walking vets bill, they are being bred with stupidly long backs and stubby legs with rolls of skin

Dachshunds, Corgis and Basset Hounds all have the same form of Dwarfism. I do wonder what the breeds would look like without the Dwarfism.

 

[GSD Woman]

I like french bulldogs, but they do seem to have a fair few health issues even if it’s not quite as bad as pugs etc I wouldn’t rule out getting one entirely but I’d want to be very thorough on health checks/parents etc.

French Bulldogs are a mess in the USA. Almost as bad as English Bulldogs. I hate it when breeds can't breed, whelp or breathe on their own.

 

[Clodagh]

French Bulldogs are a mess in the USA. Almost as bad as English Bulldogs. I hate it when breeds can't breed, whelp or breathe on their own.

GSD this is off topic, but you are just the woman. My secret viewing vice is Houston Animal Rescue. I think a lot of American breeding is less extreme than ours. For example, I am not keen on the look of a Rottweiler (sorry those who do) but the US ones seem much less bulky and extreme and cannonball headed?
And there were a load of Boxers on the last one I watched, they had muzzles and really looked quite normal.
Is it just a 'lucky' example?

 

[splashgirl45]

clodagh, i am hooked on that program, cant believe how some of the really thin dogs and horses actually survive and do well. i do like the fact that they seem to have more authority than the animal protection people in this country and act quicker...

 

[GSD Woman]

GSD this is off topic, but you are just the woman. My secret viewing vice is Houston Animal Rescue. I think a lot of American breeding is less extreme than ours. For example, I am not keen on the look of a Rottweiler (sorry those who do) but the US ones seem much less bulky and extreme and cannonball headed?
And there were a load of Boxers on the last one I watched, they had muzzles and really looked quite normal.
Is it just a 'lucky' example?

The boxers have more muzzles, at least the ones I see. The ones I know run agility. I haven't been to a conformation show in a while. I believe most of the Rottweilers have been bred away from the huge, cannonball head. In the mid-90's the Rotts in this country were mess. Dobermans all have their heart problems. If they make it to 10 they're considered old.

clodagh, i am hooked on that program, cant believe how some of the really thin dogs and horses actually survive and do well. i do like the fact that they seem to have more authority than the animal protection people in this country and act quicker...

Authority varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. On the original Animal Cops, the NYC one, they came close to Constitutional violations.