What Would Be an Argumentative Topic on Breeding Yorkies?

Those who advocate for the many homeless dogs in the United States are against the purposeful breeding of any type of dog. Yorkshire terriers, also known as Yorkies, are a very popular breed. The stance of those who argue against dog breeding offer up a variety of positions to support their cause.

  1. Shelter Over-Crowding

    • There are an estimated 3,500 animal shelters in the United States. Each year millions of dogs enter these shelters and over half are euthanized for exceeding the time allotted for adoption. The Humane Society of the United States promotes adopting dogs as opposed to purchasing from a breeder. According to the HSUS, "By going to a local shelter or rescue group, you stand a good chance of both saving a life and finding a purebred." Many of the dogs found in shelters are young dogs or puppies; purebreds make up an estimated 25 percent of the residents.

    Selective Breeding Problems

    • Selective breeding within a gene pool can result in subtle changes in breed evolution, which, over time, can bring about significant changes in breed type. Selective breeding-induced health problems with Yorkies include portosystemic shunt, a congenital malformation of the portal vein; tracheal collapse, caused by a progressive weakening of the walls of the trachea; luxating patellas, also known as slipping kneecaps; and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) because of a lack of muscle mass affecting very small Yorkies.

    Puppy Mills

    • Puppy mills are a breed-driven business formed to breed dogs strictly for profit. These organizations operate covertly because the treatment of their dogs is inhumane and deplorable, according to various humane societies. Yorkies, like many highly desirable breeds, have fallen into the puppy mill trap. Dog breeds that sell easily are mass produced in these breeding facilities to the point of mass genetic defects and corruption of the breed's entire gene pool. Puppies acquired from puppy mills are unhealthy and many have emotional and mental disorders. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal argues that if more dogs were adopted instead of purchased, these unsavory facilities would go out of business.

    Vegan Beliefs

    • The most intensive anti-breeding argument is proposed by a group who call themselves Vegans. These animal rights devotees believe people do not have the right to interfere with animals and the domestication of dogs goes against nature. Vegans believe that organized dog breeding within human environs should never happen. Vegans propose that owning a dog is fine, as long as it is an adoption or rescue.