PETA responds to BBC filmmaker's "crackpots" comment

We told you yesterday that Jemima Harrison, the filmmaker whose controversial documentary led the BBC to drop Crufts from its airwaves, is upset (to say the least) with PETA.  The animal rights group, she says, "devalues and marginalises" her film by using it as ammunition against Westminster, America's most prestigious dog show.

Daphna Nachminovitch, PETA's Vice President for Cruelty Investigations, responded to Harrison's comments today in a statement provided to Unleashed:

We were sorry to see Ms. Harrison's rant against PETA's reasonable request that, like the BBC, the USA Network recognize the tragic, dire crisis dogs — purebred (as well as the Great American mutt) — are facing today. In the U.S., an estimated 25 percent of dogs in shelters are "purebred." A dog does not care if he has papers or not and anyone who has studied the modus operandi of the American Kennel Club knows that those papers are so meaningless you might as well line a puppy pen with them. The AKC has issued papers for puppies who were never born, dead dogs and even cats, all as "purebreds"! The fact, however is that dogs need love and attention, exercise, praise, a soft spot to stretch out in — preferably next to "their" human — and respect for their individuality...

Dog shows are for human beings' amusement and profit. They are not made for dogs' benefit or enjoyment and they promote breeding and vanity purchases (a dog to match my look, my lifestyle, a trophy dog, an arm candy toy, and so on), while 6-8 million unwanted animals, many dogs, get dropped off at shelters every year, literally dying for a home. It's simple math — too many animals, not enough homes — and we should not be adding to the problem. The key to end this crisis is prevention through animal birth control and in treating dogs as individuals with emotions, not as if they were something they are not...

Dog shows like Westminster, says Nachminovitch, exist to glorify humans rather than dogs (who, she says, seemed "undeniably miserable and uncomfortable with the pre-show grooming ordeal and the totally unnatural stillness required of them to be combed, brushed plucked and mucked about" when PETA went undercover at the show last year).  See a video made by PETA documenting Westminster pre-show grooming rituals after the jump.

We spoke further with Nachminovitch about allegations like Harrison's that PETA "admits its ultimate aim is to rid the world of what it calls the 'domestic enslavement' of dogs as either pets or working dogs" -- look for the remainder of our interview tomorrow on Unleashed.

Do you agree with PETA that dog shows like Westminster, rather than benefiting dogs, "are for human beings' amusement and profit"? 

--Lindsay Barnett

Photo:  A Chinese Crested competes in 2008's Westminster show. Credit: Virginia Sherwood/USA Network.

Video: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

Comments

[Michelle]

Yes, dog shows DO benefit dogs. Only the best are kept back for breeding. The whole purpose of a dog show is to evaluate breeding stock. Over the years of careful selection, breeds are improved.

I don't see how that video showed any cruelty to the dogs? That video just proves how well behaved show dogs really are. You try doing that to a shelter dog and see if it takes your hand off. These dogs are bred for temperament.

I suppose no one has ever had their eye brows waxed, or their hair done at a salon?? How is this cruel for animals? These animals are kept in top shape, that's more than I can say for the average pet owner who rarely clips their dogs nails, or dogs that end up at the groomers with their hair matted to their skin, i'm sure thats a lot more painful than what show dogs go through.

Get realistic PETA and focus your efforts on something worthwhile. I'd like to see the statistic that 25% of dogs in shelters are purebreds, really were they dropped off their by their owners with their registration papers??? You cannot call a dog purebred unless it has registration papers, otherwise it could have come from any puppy mill claiming a dog as purebred.

Call any shelter, and you will find they RARELY have purebreds available. That 25% statistic is a lie, prove it.

[Michelle]

Right, dog shows are for human profit, then why do all they win is a rosette or a ribbon???

They do it for the love and preservation of the breed, get it right.

[Maggie]

Daphna,
I think you are wrong about alot of things.
-Dog shows are for human beings' amusement and profit.
ok first of all my dog LOVES to show! I get out her show lead and she knows. The majoity of us would hng up he sow led if the dog dd not ike it and it would be evident in the ring!
Secondy do you know how much it costs to show? Who profits? whenever a dog earns a CH the owner is always in the hole......it is very expensive!

I am a groomer ........I do my best to make it pleasrable for the dogs but most dogs do noy lke to be groomed...so should we leave them in their natural state? So that their toenails can curl and so they can matt up so they have a turtle shell on heir back? the dog being groomed at show are used to it and the ones I hae seen...seem to be in their glory!

Most importantly you cannot forget about the reputable breeders! The ones that treat their dogs like gold....the ones that do healh clearances.....the ones who fully sceen potential puppy buyers, teones who take back their puppy (by contract) when the owners can no longer care for it. The ones who put pet quality pups on a spay neuter contract. the owns trying to create a better generation of ther breed. Because all these breeds are important and deserve to exist! Besides most purebreds have their own breed rescue and usually tae care of re homeing THEIR breeds

It is the people who breed for no reason....who breed anything....for profit or because theywnt the experience of puppies (all the wrong reasons)

If all breeders dd the right thing there would be no dogs in shelters. the dogsin shelters are products of puppymills, or joe blow who decided he wanted to make a buck a breed his dog.

No reputable breeder makes a profit when you consider showing, health clearances...and the costs of raising the pups.

It is no the people at crufts you should be attacking.......
there is nothing wrong with promoting purebreds because there are so many breeds.... there is a breed out there for every job and for every type of family...
there s no need for shih-poos and puggles and goldendoodles.

By the way...most of us are under "domestic enslavement" by our dogs I know mine are spoiled.... they live better than most children!

[Lucas S]

I applaud PETA's hard work and dedication to promoting and fighting for the rights of all animals. PETA's ABC (Animal Birth Control) campaign is very important as it tackles many serious issues in a realistic way. Dog shows promote breedism and animal cruelty. Times are changing, it is time to show compassion and respect to all beings. We must spay and neuter, adopt or foster animals from shelters and boycott pet stores, puppy mills, breeders and animal shows.

Thanks PETA for all your hard work

[Wanda Perry]

I do not belong to Peta, after watching mascara applied to the eyelashes of dogs, blow dryers, their hair being pulled, along with the whining and obvious misery of these dogs. I no longer watch dog shows.
I am fed up with animals, being mistreated for the sake of humans.
Whatever happened to "Be Kind to Animals"?

[D.Perry]

The truth hurts sometimes, that is why Peta is so unpopular with some people.

[Fred]

Peta doesn't get it that the purpose of the documentary is to prod breeders to act responsibly and pro-actively to make breeds healthier. I would add commendably. This is a far cry from Peta's doctrine (expressed above) that dog shows are fundamentally an invalid activity. Ms Harrison would see the breeds managed better. Peta would do away with breeds - for starters. The fundamental question is - should there be breeds? If yes, then there must be dog shows.

[Carly Lang]

PETA is right!!! Dog shows are about human greed and vanity. Breeding dogs is all about profit at the expense of dogs' welfare. I think PETA has the dogs' best interests in mind, and USA Network should drop the show.

[Charles Dews]

PETA is right, dog shows are not for the dogs, they are for vain humans who apparently have no better way of showing their "superiority." Do dogs in the wild mount these silly extravaganzas? Nope. The comment from PETA published today in this column shows perfectly well that they are not "crackpots" or anything like it. They are rational and kind human beings who care about animals. I say, "Bravo, PETA, and keep up the brilliant work!"

[Charles Dews]

PETA is right, dog shows are not for the dogs, they are for vain humans who apparently have no better way of showing their "superiority." Do dogs in the wild mount these silly extravaganzas? Nope. The comment from PETA published today in this column shows perfectly well that they are not "crackpots" or anything like it. They are rational and kind human beings who care about animals. I say, "Bravo, PETA, and keep up the brilliant work!"

[Sandra Ulmer]

I personally resent PETA's involvement and poor judgement in the show world. They know nothing . As for standing still for grooming a "preening"? Have they not heard of good hygene!? Do they know so litter about dogs that coat care, etc is essential for good health?
it's a dog show, they must look good as well as being in condition(weight, muscle, hair). which every dog should have.
We handle,love and condition our dogs moreso than the average owner who ties their dogs to a tree in the back yard or in a fence to just toss food and water to and play with with when the thought takes them.
It takes a lot of love and devotion to condition and train our dogs for our chosen venue. We bath, brush ,condition and train our dogs more than the average Amercian. so in the end their more stable than most American pets! Also when you do performance, you fullfill the phycial aspect, which is a good thing to maintain muscle as well as the mind.
Not to mention the amount of genetic testing that we do to ensure the best we can that the parents of healthy and therefore the puppies are healthy.
Where PETA needs to focus their attention is the BYB's and the Puppymills! THEY are the ones that crank out the less than desirable puppies with health problems that fill out shelters . They have total disregard for the health and longevity of the breed as well as disregarding the fullfillment of the dogs they house as a breed.
Deal with the mills and BYB's PETA or Buttout.
Sandra

[abby]

PETA obviously doesn't understand dog shows. Once again, they are spouting off about something they have little or no knowledge about.

The purpose of dogs shows is the test your breeding stock. It isn't a "beauty competition", the dogs are judged against the written breed standard. And the written breed standard was developed to get the best traits possible.

Form follows function. Breed standards are written to describe how the dog should be to do it's job. A husky needs to be physically capable of sled-pulling, white tip on the tail of the beagle helps locate in the brush while hunting, etc.

Dogs are bred for certain traits, not just phsyical, but also temperament, activity level, working ability, etc.
- If you want a dog that will herd sheep, you'd probably choose a border collie or something similar; if you chose a chihuahua you wouldn't have what you needed.
- If you want a hunting dog, you'd likely choose a pointer, setter, or retreiver. If you choose a sighthound such as a greyhound, the dog would be off in a flash and you'd probably never see it again.
- Even for companion dogs, they have different traits. A papillon, a toy poodle, and a yorkie are very different dogs.

Place the blame where it belongs. Dogs end up in shelters because of irresponsible owners and irresponsible breeders (i.e. puppymills and backyard breeders).

Reputable breeders and responsible owners are part of the solution. Many reputable breeders are involved in rescue. Reputable breeders will have spay/neuter contract for pet-quality dogs; and also a contract saying the dog can never go to a shelter or be given away, it must be returned to the breeder if no longer wanted.

Shelter dogs are great, but not always the best choice for everyone. Likewise, dogs from reputable breeders are great, but not always the best choice for everyone.
What should be avoided are dogs from puppymills, petstores (petstore dogs come from puppymills), and backyard breeders (people that just breed whatever because they want puppipes or want their kids to see the 'miracle of life'.)

[MMC]

Well, wouldn't you expect PeTA to come back with a garrulous repetition of their demented "philosophy"? Those who are mentally ill rarely realize they are and may defend their insanity to the death--even if it's the death of thousands of innocent animals whom they profess to be "liberating". Yup, better dead than a pet--that's their warped belief. Thankfully, more and more people are "getting it" that PeTA is NOT the animals' friend. We REJECT PeTA's "true believer" goal to eliminate the human/animal bond. A minority can make a difference, but if it's an *insane difference*, the majority will usually rally and banish them.

[Karen]

The idiots at PETA again maligning the responsible breeders instead of irrisponsible puppy mills and BYB and those who do not get their dogs fixed...

BY THE WAY...No one in Pure bred dog breeding EVER, EVER makes $$$ at it! I am of course, speaking of responsible breeders and not puppy mills who churn out litter after litter.

Responsible breeders have spent a LOT of their hard-earned $$$ and effort on showing their dogs to the championship level.

AND PETA wants to put the focus on the dogs in the video?!?!?! Those were well behaved dogs used to show prep!
Mine fall asleep until it is time to go in the ring.

What next? Videoing the "cruelties" of bathing horses before shows and after races, OOOOO you better...caus you know they use spot treatments to make them really clean and baby oil on the face to make it stand out and shave the whiskers to make it look really nice!

Idiot PETA crackpots!

Karen, a show person in the Northeast...I will not give my location out to PETA terrorists and AR organizations.

[SpCPO]

My dogs love to show!!!! It is no different than obedience or agility or any other training. IF they don't like to show, they won't and you can't make them.
So this baloney that the dogs don't like to show...here again these people have never had a dog and really related to it.
As far as being unnaturally still for grooming...Grooming is like a massage and many of these dogs learn to just fall asleep and lie still. All of the dogs in the video are interested in the people while being groomed so are moving more to interact with people.
And have you never watched a carnivore hunt? They have to remain still for hours at a time to be able to get at an advantage to get their prey. It is not unnatural for a dog to be still...I have several at my feet being still right now.
Because of video taping such like this happening, it will put me more on my guard and less likely to talk to people because I will not know if they are going to use it like this. Shame on you PeTA...that dog owners have to become suspicious about the public and their attentions.

[JacquelineG]

I really wish PETA would respond to us. The actual dog owners and breeders and tell us why they have killed so many. Why don't they admit and come right out with their practices, what they did with the money they recieved from the Michael Vick case. Money that was supposed to go to help his dogs. Why they have sent money to a terrorist bomber and his family? They need to explain their actions and need to be shut down.

[K]

I can tell you for a fact that dog fanciers don't make a profit off their showing. Yes, we enjoy conditioning and working with our dogs - is that a sin? If so, perhaps parents should not be allowed to enjoy the company of their children. There will always be people that do not treat their dogs as they should - just as there are parents that do the same with their children - but they are greatly outnumbered by the responsible dog owners and breeders who dedicate their lives to keeping their dogs comfortable and happy and improving their chosen breed by working to eliminate genetic defects and illnesses. These dogs are happy and well cared for, and if any of these PETA people had ever lived with a dog and learned to interpret canine behavior, they would realize that the dogs even enjoy showing, be it in conformation or performance events.

[danny]

what is breedism?

Based on PeTa's previous behavior and press releases, there is nothing that comes from their public relations arm that i believe without seeing it with my own eyes. They are a bunch of crooks whose ultimate aim is NO pets of any kind, and they divide and conquer starting with whatever works or whoever is the weakest. regarding dog shows, they don't really care about the dogs, they just want to control the humans until there is no more significant interaction between people and animals.

[bruce]

because, y'know, it isn't at all crackpot to insist that ice cream be made out of human breast milk (like peta did), frankly, i'm holding out for a roquefort-style made from humans, with thin blue veins and a slightly salty tang. one of my dream jobs would be manager of a human dairy "ok girls, you did great last month, but we need a 10% increase for january, suzie, you're great, you're the bestest, but we need just a little more production **squeezes suzie's breast**, jane, glad to have you back, your milk has an awesome bouquet and a finish like pamela anderson..."

[pet lover]

OMG The horror of the video! It opens with the showing of dog shampoo and ear cleaner how awful we would subject our animals to hygiene! It then goes onto show these poor animals getting brushed the tragedy! If this is the video PETA uses to prove their point, then Thank you for proving the opposite, Dog show people take the time to care for their dogs at the highest level.

My dogs can’t wait to get on the grooming table and are pushing each other out of the way to be first! They can’t wait to get their leashes on to go to school and are pushing each other out of the way to be first! They can’t stand still out of excitement for me to put their tracking harnesses on so the can drag me to the start flag.

If bathing, nail grooming, teeth brushing, ear cleaning, proper feeding and exercise for my dogs is abuse then take me to jail now!

If teaching my dogs to have manners and teaching them the skills needed to be a good member of our pack is abuse (because we know dogs in the wild don’t need social skills and don’t have rules to make them welcomed members of their pack) then take me to jail.

If spending more quality time with my dogs than most people do with their children is abuse, once again I am guilty!

There are greater tragedies in the animal world PETA could focus their energy on like Exterminator’s look at the Millions of Cockroaches that are killed everyday by these people, with nerve agents that cause a painful and horrid death.

PETA go SAVE THE COCKROACH and leave the responsible pet breeders and owners alone!

[Becky Harstad]

My dogs enjoy going to the dog shows. When I am making preparations around the house before a show weekend, I can usually find my dogs either standing in the bath tub or trying to get into the bathroom so they can get into the tub. The time that is spent grooming them is one on one time with their favorite person, ME, and they love it. At the shows, my dogs prance around, enjoying the sights and sounds and the "adoration" of all the people who stop up to pet the dogs. After the show, they love the time that they get to spend in the hotel room with me, crashed out on the bed.

My dogs are my companions and friends. They are not a financial commodity. They run my home and graciously allow me to live with them as long as I am willing to act as their servant, providing food and entertainment as they desire.

Too many people have this idea that dog breeders make a ton of money and that those that show are getting rich. Part of this is due to what they see on TV with the big payouts for the winners of the Westminster and Eukanuba dog shows. But that isn't how it is. Most of the time, one is lucky to take home a 25 cent strip of ribbon after spending over $100/day for the priviledge of allowing a judge tell you that your dog is crap. It isn't always like that and there are those days when you do win. The purpose of showing is to get an evaluation of your breeding stock for the betterment of your breed's future.

Responsible breeders will generally lose money on each litter that they produce when you take into consideration the maintenance of those dogs being bred, the vet costs for genetic testing to eliminate inherited problems, the care of the puppies, plus all of those endless hours of picking up poopy puppy papers. We do this because we love the breed and we hope that we can improve on the health/temperament of the breed for the benefit of those who buy the puppies. Breeding is also the way that we get our next show dog who will be pampered, cuddled and loved like those before him.

All of my show dogs are pets first, but they also have the advantage of being able to get dressed up on the weekends and go to shows.

[Jane Carver]

I would like to see some enterprising neutral reporter investigate the PETA funding. I believe Peta and the USHS and the SPCA, etc. collect large amounts of money from the public who do not realize what (and who) they are actually funding. Those $10 donations from the ignorant add up. And of course there are a few millionaires who just need a nice sounding cause, so I believe they are rolling in dough and will do ANYTHING to keep their name in the news. All of the "Animal Rights" organizations seem to me to be extremists to the Nth power.

[Jill]

What makes spay/neutering all animals humane? Have you ever seen the pain a dog goes through to have this operation performed? Spay/neuter is mostly for human convenience.

Please do not let Peta fool you.... They are against having pets all together... They are also against eating meat, drinking milk and eating eggs. How many of you eat meat?

Dogs raised for show are raised with great concern and love. Most enjoy going to shows & love the attention. Don't let Peta fool you into voting for a world without animals. I think we all agree animals should be treated with love and respect, but lets not go overboard and eliminate animals from our planet. What a sad world that would be....

Love to all...

[Bev Ferris-Kooistra]

The statistic of 25% of dogs in shelters being purebred is interesting. That means 75% ARE NOT. Once again, when confronted with serious questions about their overall agenda in animal right-sided, the questions are ignored.

The agenda of the animal right-sided movement is to eliminate animals from our lives. We have had a symbiotic relationship with animals as long as both have existed. Now, we are no longer going to be allowed to do this?

Some dogs at shows do not enjoy grooming. Some do. Some like shows. Some do not. Just like people. I show my dogs because I am proud of them. If they decide they don't like it. They don't go anymore. This is the attitude of the majority of breeders. There are good and bad in everything. There are breeders who ignore health issues, but most of us do not. Just look at the number of diseases recognized and the number of animals testing clear of those diseases. Statistics are kept on purebred health issues. They are not kept on cross breeds.

PETA and HSUS are not "animal welfare" agencies. Very little of their actual funding goes to the improvement of the lot of animals in this country. Please check the tax returns of both organizations, as they are public records, to see that this is the case. Read their websites. Read the statements of the leaders of the organizations.

[Janet L]

Quote "Dog shows are for human beings' amusement and profit." Yeah, right. The average dog show costs $25-30 to enter - per day, for a 2 1/2 minute look at your dog by a judge. IF your dog is picked that day for a prize, you'll take home a ribbon, maybe a rosette! Neither worth in monetary terms the cost of the entry. Then if your dog does really well, you can have a photo taken with the judge - and pay another $30 to the photographer. Where's my profit? Oh, I forgot the costs of travel (gas, maybe a hotel or RV spot), parking, show supplies (those "terrible" grooming products like shampoo, combs, brushes, conditioner). Maybe I paid someone to show my dog for me because it was too far to travel or because I'm not able to show it myself. That's another $100 per day plus their expenses. Where's my profit?

Oh, maybe it's on the backend when I breed my outstanding show dog. Well, let's think. I've owned several male show dogs over the last 15 years. How many stud fees have I collected? Two. Where's the profit in that? Oh, yes, I bred my show bitch 2-3 times. Well, gee, my breed does have lots of puppies. Maybe 10-11! But let's see the balance sheet - 2 years of dog shows minimum at 4 show days a month. That's about $5000 to show her to her championship. Health tests for hips, elbows, eyes, thyroid and DNA. That's probably around $2000. Stud fee of $1500 (or more), whelping supplies, x-rays, progesterone tests. Probably another $500. Oops, we needed an emergency c-section - there goes another $1000. Only 5 puppies??? Well, at $1200 a puppy, guess I lost money on that litter! Yep, I get lots of profits out of my hobby.

Oh, it's for my amusement! I see. Yes I do get amused when my dog is excused because it did something silly in the ring (like not stand for the exam). I do get amused when the show photo has me scowling or my hair messed up from the wind and sunburned from being outdoors for several hours. I do get amused breaking down on the highway going to the show, or standing in a downpour waiting to go into the ring.

But showing dogs (and doing other things with them) is my hobby. I enjoy it and I enjoy the friends I've made from owning my dogs. My dogs enjoy it too. They like being with me and out socializing with other dogs. They love it when they've done a good job. How much does that count for? A LOT in my balance sheet. And nothing PETA or anyone else can say can convince me that my hobby isn't as good as skydiving, football, swimming or anything else people enjoy doing or watching.

[Diana Blevins]

PETA is full of vegan liberal extremists that don't see living with animals the way the rest of us do.

Dog shows promote the best of the best in each breed. Most of these dogs are tested for genetic diseases applicable to their breed and promote the betterment of their respectable breed.

We love our dogs and they love to show as much as we love to show them. They know when they win. They jump up in excitement and are VERY well pampered. Most of our dogs eat better than we do.

Westminster shows all the hard work of various breeders in one prestigious location. That's all.

[Jarilyn]

PETA is nothing but a bunch of raving idiots! Please would someone send Ingrid Newkirk back to England?? Will someone please expose them for the anti animal cult they are and tell the world how many dogs they have killed!

My dogs love to show - love jumping up on the grooming table - they love my handler to pieces!

PETA no way on this earth will you take away my rights and other responsible breeders/show rights to love our dogs and do what we have fun doing! Be it showing, herding, agility, OB , hunting, tracking etc. Heck I know many dogs that are more loved and well treated then a lot of children are in this country!

Now I think I need to go have a big hug from my dogs and will share my steak with them too!

[Erin]

For those of you who believe dog shows are cruel: you are probably the 2 a year grooming apointments I get wheather your dog needs it or not. Or the vet apointments we used to get and your dog has to be sedated to have his/her nails cliped or ear cleaned b/c the nails are inbeded into their pads or their ears are so infected b/c we don't pay attention to our dog, but we are humain b/c we don't make them do anything they don't want to do. I would hate to see your children. Dog show people and dogs love it, the dogs get to spend time with their owner and please them, they enjoy it. The people get to spend time with their dogs, I personally have a Norwegian Elkhound who can not wait to jump on the grooming table. In fact if you even walk by one he is on top of it before you can react fast enough. So before you start spouting off at the mouth about something most of you know nothing about you might want to attend a show first and see how mistreated and unfortunate these poor dogs are, really watch them and see how they are behaiving.

[Chuck B.]

PETA goal of "ultimate aim is to rid the world of what it calls the 'domestic enslavement' of dogs as either pets or working dogs" is rarely mentioned by PETA. Dogs at dogs shows are well taken care of, and there is NO money in dog shows for breeder, NONE. How much money does PETA think is "won" at Westminster. I'll tell you - $0.00.

Hobby breeders - those that participate at dog shows - do so to promote better breeding and welfare for dogs. Many hobby breeders also participate in rescue,and take back dogs when owners can no longer keep them for any reason.

PETA: focus on puppymills and backyard breeders and be thankful we have dog shows, like Westminster, that celebrate quality breeding by showing what a quality breed looks like.

[Carol Barnet]

Peta is a terrorist group who hates people having any association with animals in their care. I feel sorry for these crazy people who just need to get a normal life. They are the animal haters!

[Helene]

I guess PETA members think it's better to leave your dog(s) alone at home all day? Did you see any of these dogs in the video whimpering, shaking, looking scared or starving? Dogs that do well at dog shows absolutely LOVE it. They get to be with other dogs and humans all day, get treats, brushed and fussed over and believe me, if they didn't love it, they would NOT go around the ring looking totally thrilled to be there.
Responsible breeders take great care and expenses in testing and conditioning their dogs before breeding, then they make sure that the families and puppies are well suited for each other. Responsible breeders' puppies DO NOT end up in the shelters, as normally they have a contract clause stating that the puppy or dog, regardless of age, must be returned to the breeder if the owners cannot keep him/her. They then evaluate the dog, provide vet care if needed and either re-home or keep the dog if it is elderly. So dogs in shelters are from PUPPY MILLS and those people who call themselves breeders, get a male dog, a female dog and think they are going to make money breeding dogs. Responsible breeders research the dogs' pedigree, get their dogs health tested, show them in either conformation or performance events (to evaluate structure and temperament) then decide IF they are good candidates for breeding. By the time all the cost are added, including taking care of older animals as of course many responsible breeders keep their breeding stock until the end of their natural life, there is no profit left. Those breeders normally have a successful career outside of breeding dogs and do not need the income (of lack thereof) from the sale of the puppies, so they do not compromise the health and well being of their dogs for money.
PETA: focus your energy on causes in which animals are suffering, there's so much!!! Look at China and the dogs and cats that are used for fur. Leave the well cared for show dogs and fanciers in peace.

[Vicki]

PETA and its agenda are equal in my eyes to those who wish to kill people for having a different ethnicity. Why does it make sense to "free the show dogs" so they can run in the streets and be killed by cars. Seems absurd, doesn't it?

[Xie]

First they start on the purebreds. Once there aren't any then the People for the Euthanasia of Animals will get rid of the shelter dogs. Make no mistake: PETA do not want people to have pets. It's not about animal welfare. They do not like animals, they do not want anyone to have a pet. They are extremists.

[Michelle]

What lots of well meaning people do not seem to realize here is what is going on behind closed doors with PETA and what there goal is in the future. They want to get rid of owning pets all together. People do not realize what they are really supporting when supporting PETA. I am not a breeder but I do own dogs and cannot imagine my life without them. Do your research people and know what you are supporting.

[PoodleMom]

If PETA is so worried about people making money from breeding dogs, why don't they go after the people who ARE making money - the people who are breeding "novelty" cross-breeds like Puggles, Labradoodles and Goldendoodles.

I'm a pet owner, not a show person, and it's because of watching dog shows that I've learned so much more about my dogs' breed (Poodles). Before watching shows, I liked Poodles because they were pretty and smart; I grew up with one. But now I've learned about their historic origins as hunting dogs (water retrievers) and have become more knowledgeable about how that affects the way they think and act, making it possible for me to do a better job of training my dogs, taking care of them and keeping them happy.

From dog shows, I've also learned lots about other breeds, learning which ones would not be ideal for my home/life. I've passed along to others the importance of making sure the dog breed one picks is a good match for its family. For example, a Viszla would not be a good dog for a small apartment, since it requires a lot of physical and mental exercise. However, a family who owns acreage and a pond may be the ideal "parents" for a Portuguese Water Dog.

I never learn any things like this from PETA. Why don't they help us eradicate puppy mills so there are fewer dogs in shelters?

[Rick]

I've been breeding and showing dogs for 30 years- and its embarassing to see what showing dogs has become--- all the dye, and other cosmetic fixings- There are way too many breeders spending oodles of money on unnecessary surgeries (having false testicles implanted in males who are missing one), and other such things- just so a dog can be shown. Many here have claimed "only the best are kept for breeding and showing" but obviously not if you're needing to surgically fix things, or cover things up with dye etc.-
SHOW THEM COMPLETELY NATURALLY if they're so darned "good" and have them judged on their TRUE merits and faults.
Yes, after 30 years, I'm tired of the politics, and the faking. Dog shows fuel the breeders and exhibitors egos. Nothing more. Breeders still breed the dogs regardless of whether or not they have genetic defects.
Its become sickening. An embarassment to what dog shows were MEANT to be.

[Debby Diver]

OMG PETA are such HYPOCRITES!!! They KILL the animals that are brought to them, cold blooded murder. Do your own research and see what the US Gov't found out about their killing percentage. PETA believes that the only good dog is a DEAD do. Nutters.

[BernerMom8]

PETA, get a life.

I show my dogs. I also rescue dogs. Now answer me this: what is to happen to the domestic dog, 25 years from now, when ALL DOGS (think about what you are saying!) are spayed/neutered, rendering them unable to produce another generation of man's best friend? NO MORE DOGS. EVER. That is what would happen. Dogs don't live forever, people! Ethical breeders that research bloodlines, genetics, do thousands of dollars PER DOG in health & temperment testing, they are responsible for the future of the domestic dog. Wipe out those breeders along with the scum of the puppy mills, and your children's children won't have a Marley, or a Snoopy, or a Scooby Doo to play with anymore. Promoting rescue only? Rescue is great! All dogs deserve a good home - purebred or mixed. But rescues spay/neuter. Guess emptying the shelters won't be a problem 15 years from now. Those dogs, in homes or not, will have all passed away and never will be replaced by a future generation.

And tell me! How is using a blow dryer to dry a dog's wet hair cruel??? Would you rather they drip dry, when they can chill and get sick? How about spaying and neutering? I work as a veterinary nurse. I don't see anything wrong with those procedures. But if you're upset about dogs getting their "hair ripped out", what about their uteruses, ovaries, pedicles, testicles RIPPED OUT?

I have seen PETA members burn cattle barns, steal and euthanize people's animals, and do other horrific things "in the name of preventing animal cruelty". PETA no longer stands for Ethical Treatment. It may as well stand for People Employing Terrorism in the name of Animals.

[BernerMom8]

Oh and one more thing: ALL DOGS GET DISEASES. Not just purebreds. All dogs are susceptible to cardiac disease, orthopedic problems, cancer, bloat, skin conditions, allergies, autoimmune diease, respiratory conditions & defects, oral diease. Don't talk about something you don't know about!

[Chris]

We can all be grateful that those 6-8 million that are dropped off in shelters yearly don't fall into PETA's hands as well over 90% of them would be euthanized. Perhaps 25% of the animals PETA does euthanize of are purebred? But she's right that dog shows are for people. I show for me. To show the world how sound and healthy and beautiful my dogs are. To prove that my efforts to better my breed are working and insure that it will exist for coming generations to enjoy. And PETA would like to see those same dogs obliterated from the face of the planet. PETA knows nothing of dog shows other than how to disrupt one. Reports of poisonings and dogs being released from crates are myriad. At the very minimum PETA would have all pet dogs eliminated and only a residual feral population left "living free and happy". I have Pomeranians. I shudder to think just how long they would survive in PETA's idealistic paradise. If PETA were truly concerned about the health and welfare of dogs maybe they should throw some of their millions into supporting reputable breeders. There are untold number of research projects out there aimed at eliminating genetic problems in ALL dogs and which many of us support generously and which would benefit further should PETA really care enough to donate to them. But that won't happen. PETA would far rather spends it's millions lobbying to elimate all domestic animals rather than support them.

[Chuck B.]

I re-watched the video. I saw nothing that looked liked dogs were being abused or stressed. The yorkie groomer was being annoyed by the camera person who was distracting the dog. I don't agree with cosmetics at dog shows, but that is a minor nit.

One thing that should be noted is how well cared for the dogs are, and they are very clean. Grooming areas are noisy and crowded yet the dogs are not stressed. If anything, the video failed to show cruelty to dogs.

Nice try PETA. Why not set-up shop in countries where there are real problems like in Mexico, China, S. Korea and southeast Asia. Oh that's right, there is no money in it for you for. I am really surprised the IRS hasn't revoked your tax-exempt status given the way you manipulate the truth to fit your agenda to raise money and dis-inform the public who donates to you.

[M.K.]

Um...EXCUSE me?
I've shown dogs for years and I own all of the dogs that I show. They ADORE showing! Whenever I say the phrase "dog show" my Japanese Chin starts wagging her tail and looking for the crate. I do have one dog that doesn't like showing and like most breeders, I do NOT force him to show! Dogs truly and honestly love the attention. If they don't then they get placed in a happy and loving home or just live as a pet with the breeder. Also, it's not like we lock the dogs in dark rooms all the time. My dogs rule the house! All six of them sleep on my bed and my pull out bed. They get plenty of love and affection.

GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT, PETA!!!!!

[christine]

I fail to see any crime in training your dog well and having it well socialized. I didn't realize it was a sin to do health testing. Heaven forbid if you regulary groom and care for a dog, spend top dollar on premium foods and ensure regular veterinary care plus love your dog enough to spend countless hours with him or her.

Breeders who show put the dogs they own before most other things in life. Show dogs are loved almost as much as our children.

Since when did breeding good quality healthy animals become a sin. I must laugh at the comment how dogs in the wild would not put on such an extravaganza, naturally not. Dogs in the wild also live an extremely unhealthy often painful lives covered in bugs and filled with worms living with open wounds until they die at incredibly early ages. You think that is better than being a show dog....be realistic, those wild dogs would love to have the food, love and care that is lavished on a show dog.

These comments against dog shows come from lack of education. Show breeders are the people you should all be praising, go attack those back yard breeders of puggles and doodles or the or NON show breeders, they are are the ones who are not breeding to improve the breed, they are breeding to improve their wallets, they are not doing genetic testing and only breeding the very best of the best. Show breeders know is costs a fortune to have a litter of puppies the right way.

So I take my hat off to all the show breeders. Keep up the good work, who knows what we would be left with or where dogs would be if we were not stepping to the plate time and time again to cherish and protect these animals.

PETA is so clueless

[Robin]

Please help me understand. I hear both extremes & I am just a dog loving pet owner. I love pure breds and I am glad we have them & I love mixed dogs. I hear one side saying PETA wants to eliminate us from having pets (which would be a sad world without our beloved pets) & PETA complaining of the extreme cruelty of pure breds when it comes to health issues. I have noticed that the German Shepherd almost looks crippled now with it's hind legs like that. Either extreme is horrid. I can hardly look at the German Shepherd anymore in the dog shows. It is so sad. I want to help animals because I love them & I think loving, caring, responsible breeders are good for dogs, but I also think that we have gone too far in making breed specific's that as I see have actually done harm. Isn't the answer somewhere in the middle? I think all animals deserve dignity and it is our responsibility as humans to provide it. Is either side looking at what they can do to improve the situation or just fighting for their opinion? If so, that is where I want to put my efforts. I would like to see a limit on how many dogs are bred and a huge effort to find homes and non-kill shelters for others. I would like to see all pet mills eliminated and the pet stores that buy them from mills. I think PETA is extreme, but I also think they bring up points that should be looked at. Eliminate our pets... Never..... Improve & take responsibility & fix what we have harmed.... YES.

[laura]

I have a british bulldog which i show on the weekends his grooming is a bath the night before nails cut and on the day of the show a good brush a bit of vaseline on the nose and some chalk powder on his chest then he sleeps in his crate until its time to go in the ring and he enjoys himself but i do see other breeders of different breeds who go on and on grooming for hours and i feel a bit for those dogs. and i admire peta for what they do but they should be focusing on bigger and much worse issues than dog shows because these people love there dogs

[Jaime]

I honestly cant stand PETA, but I do agree with them on this one. The dog has NO IDEA what is going on at a dog show but most of them are trained to do so from such a young age that its second nature. Dog shows are for humans enjoyment only. What does the dog really get out of it?

[M.K.]

Jaime;
They get even more attention than they do normally, they get pampered, they get bait (basically dog treats), and socialization. Have you ever BEEN to a dog show?