Guidance and clearifcation.

by Ed A from NJ
(New Jersey)

I have long been a huge fan of this site. All you guys do for the rescue dogs and all the great information on this very royal breed. Of late I am a bit confused as to some of the positions taken.

My first is it seems one view on this page is if you want a good great Pyrenees you need to buy one for a breeder with breed papers. I strongly disagree I know for a fact there are many great Pyrenees out there from rescues and many are pure breed dogs. I take this personally because I have been lucky enough to have been blessed with 3 great Pyrenees rescues dog and every one was a pure breed dog that was an honor to own.

I can't see how anyone can take a position that you need to get registration papers to get a pure breed when there are so many beautiful Pyrenees out there needing a home. I understand we want to get the word out that back yard breeder are not the way to go but there are many honorable rescues trying to place very nice Pyrenees in good homes.

Why not be clear you need to understand you can get a great dog rescue and yes even a great Pyrenees at a reputable rescue. To me it all boils down to making sure your dealing with honest people and that is with or without registration papers. Allways try rescue first!

Another issue is neutering. Anyone who is telling you to neuter your giant breed dog at 6 months is just plan wrong! There is now way too much information available that it is extremely dangerous and unhealthy to do this to a giant breed dog. It also is unfair to both the breeders and the buyers. You open the dog up to many health problems which will later be blamed on the breeder and will cost the owner extra vet bill.

The truth is females after the first heat and males at 12 to 14 months. Less hip and joint problems, less incontinence in females, less cancer issues. You will still reap the rewards of neutering at this slightly older age and gain many positive health gains by waiting.

I understand the issue with "there are too many puppies in rescues to wait but your puppy can't breed if you control your dog. Ownership is all about responsibility! So why can't owners be responsible for keeping their dogs from breeding for and extra 6 months or so.

Misrepresentation is never a replacement for education! You can't promote rescue by telling people you need registration papers to get a good dog. You also can't care about puppies health by misrepresenting a healthy neuter age because you want to stop breeding when the puppies very health would be affected by early neutering.

If you truly love dogs educate, don't push prehistoric and proven wrong 6 month neutering there is way too much proof it hurts giant breed dogs. If this is wrong please enlighten me. I have had 3 wonderful Pyrenees from rescue! I have had no unwanted litters. I care about my dogs and over population. I just want to do it right.