@JazzysMom:
The fate of dogs like this is not always bad.
I had a dog for many, many years in which no one could identify the breed - though the legs looked bassett-y. She had short, deformed legs, and odd skeletal structure, a loooong body, a big curled tail. long white head, a big head, huge ears…. people literally laughed at her when we walked.
Whatever...she was a magnificent pet and lived 14 wonderful years before succumbing to cancer.
SHOULD she have been bred? I suppose not, in a perfect world. But I sure am glad she was.
I personally thought this Dog was some kind of cross between a PitBull and a Bassett hound. While he or she may be a great dog and live a long time, there is no telling what health or other complications this dog might have as a result of its breeding.
The point I think that Miranda and I feel is getting missed is all the health complications that can arise out of breedings or combinations like this. Possibly its being intentionally over looked, but in light of another post in regard to contemplating breeding designer dogs in this forum, we felt this post was appropriate.
This dog too might live to the age of 14 years as well. If complications arise related to this type of breeding that cause the pet any kind of pain and suffering, then isn't this just another form of cruelty to animals?
Jason