hhfarang wrote:Please, please will all you people who have to have pedigreed imported pets tell me why you don't adopt some of the Thai dogs that need homes instead? They are more suited to the climate, know how to handle the vermin and reptiles, and make great guard dogs and wonderful family pets.
Okay, I'll have shot at trying to explain
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First, back in our own countries, people also choose certain breeds, and as in Thailand, there are many dogs in rescue centers. Why is it then, that when we come to Thailand, we cannot choose a specific breed, but instead, have to adopt a street dog?
One could say the same about kids.......why have your own when there are so many that have no families?
And, the same can be said about bikes and cars.............why would anyone want a big pickup when they could rather have a Honda Wave 100cc with a side hack? After all, the Wave has a far smaller impact on the environment.
HHF, all people are different, which means we all have different tastes and etc. If you've ever owned different purebred dogs, you'll know that different breeds have different traits, and that's what makes them appealing.
For example, my Dalmatian comes from Bangkok. I felt sorry for her and offered the owner 2000 baht. Now, she's a so called "imported breed" but I can assure you, she's more suited to this climate than any soi dog is. Even on the hottest of days she'll lie in the full sun. Is she a great dog? No, she's not, at least not in my opinion, and I would certainly never own another Dalmatian because of her. Other people we know think she's the greatest dog they've ever met. Yes I do love her, and she's been taken good care of. She also had the cut as soon as she reached the age.
Our other dog is a Rottweiler.......you know, those big black dogs that only live to rip people apart. Well, I wanted to do my share, to at least show some people, that the average Rottweiler is less likely to bite them than the average soi dog. Have I achieved my goal? Yes, at least with everyone that has met my Rottie. I can turn her loose in a yard full of toddlers, and leave her completely unattended, and hell would freeze over before she hurt any of them. Considering just how many people get bitten by soi dogs, owned or otherwise, I wouldn't imagine the same can be said. So, not everyone who owns a Rottweiler does so for the image, or the fear factor. Some of us own them simply because we love the breed. They are unique, and have been bred for certain traits for generations. Is my one a good guard dog? no, she's bloody useless, but the average stranger doesn't know that, and they're not willing to jump over our wall to find out. I also don't think the average soi dog is strong enough to double up as a horse from time to time
I'll also be getting a Doberman soon, and once again, it because of my love for the breed. I have owned Dobermans before, and they're in a league of their own.
I have also owned plenty of rescue dogs, all mongrels, and yes they were great dogs, but that doesn't mean it's wrong to own a pure bred dog. Another good thing about pure bred dogs is they usually cost a fair bit, and when people have to hand over a nice big wad of cash, they're less likely to throw that dog out onto the streets - perhaps something which should be encouraged in Thailand. Let's face it, you see a lot of Pitbulls in Thailand, but you don't see them living on the streets. That's because their owners actually had to pay for them. In fact, you don't see any pure bred soi dogs.
If Dawn and her Mom couldn't make a difference with the soi dog population, I don't think I can. So HHF, I've done my best to explain why some of us like pure bred dogs. I think it's great that you have adopted some dogs, but it's not everybody's cup of tea. Some people have big houses, some have small houses. Some drive big flashy cars, others drive small cars. Well, you get the idea.
Don't try to impress me with your manner of dress cos a monkey himself is a monkey no less - cold fact
I'll start with a post by Barry from another thread. Pete 
Pete 
Pete 
