Hello, hello all. Long time no see! I've been kind of busy with college stuff and project stuff and completely neglected my blogging...sorry, sorry!! I got my abstract done on time, though! Here it is.
Abstract
A recent study by the National
Animal Interest Association has shown that mix-breed dogs are almost twice as
likely to be euthanized at shelters as pure-bred dogs, a risk that increases
with age for mixed-breeds but not pure-breeds. As a whole, out of the 5-7
Million cats and dogs enter animal shelters and only 15-20% of dogs are
reclaimed. If the general public can be convinced that mixed breeds are equal
or superior to purebreds, mixed breeds dogs may be adopted more frequently and
thus their lives will be saved.
It is speculated that the reason
purebreds are more likely to be reclaimed, as well as less likely to be
put-down, is because they are bought at a higher price and more desired. But
are purebreds really superior to mixed breeds in terms of health and
intelligence? It has long been postulated that purebreds are less healthy than
mixed breeds due to inbreeding, while superior in intelligence due to lineage. Through
many weeks of research, personal experience, and consultation with a veterinary
technician, a conclusion has been reached; from the data collected in this
study, it may be surmised that mixed breeds as a whole are indeed healthier in
accordance to the Hybrid Vigor Theory, and equal in intelligence to purebred
dogs. This is because as a breed, if the dogs are bred irresponsibly, then
similar to inbred royal families, they will have deformities and diseases and
live a shorter life span. However, intelligence is very individual and cannot
be determined by breed alone; even in the same breed, there may be a wide range
of intelligence levels, not to mention in different breeds. Certain breeds may
be better bred for following commands just as others are better at guarding
valuables, but there is no accurate standard of intelligence.
~S
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