@powder That seems to be a standard trait with 'blueys' a fear of thunder, fireworks and other extremely loud noises, I think its because they have extremely sensitive hearing. Charlie hated thunder, fireworks and loud noises such as over-loud car exhaust but he loved getting a ride down the driveway on the pillion seat of my Suzuki GS850S motorbike, he'd sit up like a professional with his front paws on my shoulders.

haha okay I got it 'bits o' this and bits o' that'

@jemzet8 In the Uk many years ago, Heinz (tinned food producers) advertised that they had 57 varieties. Heinz 57 became a local colloquialism for mongrel dogs of unknown pedigree.

Did you know that breeders of the highest ethic are behind most genetic studies in canines that ironically allow those like yourself to continue this misinformation?

The slur that purebreds are ruined is working with partial information. Their health problems are just more easily tracked because good breeders manage and selectively choose to avoid such things, they bring about genetic testing. My breed was one of the first to employ xrayed hips, thus reducing the risk of dysplasia vs other breeds. My own dog has had his elbows AND hips OFA certified (films must be read by 3 orthopedic dvms).

You've got a for the life of the dog insurance policy should anything happen to you from a breeder of good ethic.
Further, you're not just going to walk in cash in hand and acquire a dog from a good hobbyist.

With mutts there is no way to track their genetics so of course the myth that they're always healthier is perpetuated. While there is such a thing as hybrid vigor you can also wind up with the worst of both or several breeds(see, clueless people who have no idea how much is involved with managing a doodle's coat), plus no history on temperament or what health issues in the lines are in particular.

There is nothing wrong with purpose bred animals. Certainly not more than the idiots who let their dogs procreate without any thought about what's going to happen to the puppies.

Very few breeders who are doing things right make money on their dogs. There are health screen$, titles and much work involved. It's an expensive hobby and lifestyle.

@genessa Such beautiful animals. I don't have a dog myself and if I had one, I might just choose a border collie now that you've shared that cute photo. I've read it's known to be highly intelligent and obedient as well.

@jemzet8 the border collie is amazing. i love my little chi but not for her breed; she just won my heart somehow anyway. but if i was going out to get a doggie, money were no object and a gazillion dogs of all sorts didn't need rescuing, my choice would be a border collie. i went to see sheep trials in wales my first time in that lovely land. a-mazing!

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my mostly chi (see above) is great with dogs, great with cats, great with humans, not so great being told she can't play with dogs, cats or humans. she is an attention hog!

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awww so adooorrrable! Thanks for sharing