Let’s Change The Definition of a Dog

Most of us fear dog limit laws which of course are also breeding limits because we can't imagine having to dispose of an older brood bitch or retired champion. Breeders need to hold on to the best puppies until they are six months old, in larger breeds, even longer. 

But what about most people who never have and never will breed a dog?  They are loving, responsible families who can't resist adding a puppy to the family, and then another for the younger child, and then taking in a family member's pet.  Then there was the stray dog, and a dumped off kitten, and suddenly, they are over the limit, facing the legal restrictions meant to regulate breeders or hoarders or animal rescue people.

Why not make the definition of a dog also have a top limit, therefore making the older retired show dog, the beloved old pet, the old spayed lady most of us treasure, not an issue for Animal Control?  Might we not define, for the purpose of limits, a dog to be between the ages of 4 months, but more realistically, 6 months and 7 years?   That would enable breeders or pet owning families to keep their old dogs and everyone knows old dogs don't stray, don't have puppies,  and mostly just stick close to their person when not napping.  Well everyone who has owned old dogs knows that but then that wouldn't be the people thoughtlessly approve these ordinances. 

So it is really very simple.  Younger is a puppy, older is a senior, both are incapable of contributing to the overpopulation or stray dog concept on which all Animal Rights legislation is based, so therefore either age group should be exempt.  "Younger" by the way, is a puppy up to six months of age.  AKC and UKC have already defined it for the politicians.  While there are "puppy classes" for dogs up to one year of age, NO DOG CAN BE SHOWN prior to six months.  And the veterinary associations have also defined "adult" age as two years because in most breeds, that is when the growth plates have been set and growth has stopped.  That is why tests such as hip X-rays, which need to be done prior to breeding, can't be done until 2 years of age. 

Older is a senior, a dog over seven years of age.  That is realistic, taking into consideration toys and some terrier breeds which are long-lived and some of the giant breeds which are facing the end of life at seven years.

There should also be an automatic exemption for any dog possessing a Championship, Obedience title, or a Field title. Again, not a group likely to be running loose, therefore, not a problem.

This seems a much easier way to fight this legal issue than fighting with the do-gooders who feel we should all have only one or two dogs, spayed or neutered, and when they die they are released from the prison in which we keep them.