Thank you Libbye Miller DVM for stating:

"Adorable mixed breeds" get cancer, epilepsy, allergies, heart
 disease, and orthopedic problems just like purebreds. I see it every
 day in my veterinary practice but mixed breed dogs aren't tracked like
 the purebreds so they have a reputation as "healthier" that is actually
 undeserved in many cases."

 It is so sad that a lot of folks, including young veterinarians these
 days, buy into the "hybrid vigor" baloney. The vet schools have been
 infiltrated by the Animal Rights Extremists, who are teaching them
 this junk science in order to push their agenda.

 All animals have a certain amount of genetic load, which is to say
 there is absolutely no animal without some genetic problem of some
 sort of another. Know anyone who wears glasses? Has allergies?
 Thyroid problems? Weak knees? Flat feet? A skin condition?
 Arthritis? A gap between their front teeth? These are all genetic
  imperfections.

 No human is genetically "clean." Neither is any individual of any
 species on earth. So this idea that dogs should not be bred because
 they might have a genetic problem, and that breeders are somehow
 "evil" for breeding them, is ridiculous. Every single individual of every
 single species has at least a few genetic conditions.

 To use PeTA's logic, all breeding of all kinds (including having human
 babies) should halt immediately. And to be honest, Ingrid Newkirk
 (the woman who founded PeTA) does believe exactly that. She thinks
 that humans should become extinct, along with dogs, cats, etc. This
 ridiculous scenario is precisely what she would like to see happen.
 So folks, if that is what you want...if you agree with Ingrid
 Newkirk's whacky views, send your hard earned money to PeTA.

 They will help to ensure you are not able to own a dog or cat or
 hamster or any other pet in the future. They will see to it that you
 can't eat meat or fish or eggs or any type of animal-based nutrition.
 They will work to shut down places like Sea World, the zoos, etc. so
 you cannot observe the many wonderful animals on the Earth.

 Eventually, once they accomplish these things, they may turn their
 efforts to making it illegal for humans to procreate. If you don't agree
 with their extremist views, wise up and start supporting those who
 truly do love, care for and enjoy interaction with other species here
 on our little blue planet.

 The fanciers of the breeds, those you see exhibiting their dogs at
 Westminster and other dog shows, work very hard to eliminate
 serious genetic conditions. They screen their breeding stock with
 every available test. They research pedigrees before breeding into
 other lines, to check for similar clearances in those animals. They
 contribute money to research organizations to further the work being
 done to track down genetic problems. They contribute blood, cell
 samples, etc. from their own animals to help with DNA and genome
 studies. They have made great progress so far, and they continue to
 work hard at it.

 Are there unethical breeders? Certainly, there are. Just as in any
 group of humans, you will find the good and the bad. United States
 VP Elect Joe Biden, for example, managed to find a not so good one
 when he got his new German Shepherd puppy. I don't know who did
 his research for him, but they obviously didn't do their homework if
 they were looking for a responsible breeder. Joe has the right to get
 his dog from whomever he wishes, but if he was trying to set an
 example of purchasing from a responsible hobby breeder he went off
 the track this time. That's too bad, but it was his choice.

 Unfortunately, breeders like that may be a lot easier to find because
 of their high volume and high profile. If you are looking for a nice
 family pet from a breeder who will be there for you forever, you need
 to do due diligence. You won't get that from a pet store. You won't
 get that from the guy selling dogs out of his pickup truck in the
 Wal-Mart parking lot. You won't get that support from a high-volume
 breeder, either. Yes, it takes a little more time and effort to find
 someone who really cares and does all the work to breed the
 healthiest, happiest puppies possible and then stands behind those
 puppies.

 This is a living being that will be part of your family, hopefully,
 for many years. Isn't it worth a bit of effort to find a breeder who
 will be there for you and that puppy forever?

 And guess what? Shows like Westminster are a very valuable
 resource for finding breeders who do care and who use the best
 possible practices, as well as for learning more about the various
 breeds.

 Bravo to USA Network for broadcasting the Westminster Kennel Club
 show all these years. May they enjoy continued success through the
 ongoing inclusion of such programs. I will be eagerly watching this
 year's show!"