Lori begins with a detailed exploration into the ethics of dog breeding. The purebred dog industry not only creates innumerable animals with genetic defects, causing dogs to have a lifetime of medical problems and diseases, but also interferes with the adoption of healthy dogs confined in shelters by enticing people to buy from breeders instead of adopting.

Because of selective breeding (and even inbreeding) many purebred dogs develop conditions such as cancer, hip dysplasia, heart problems, epilepsy, and early onset cataracts.Lori contends three parties are responsible for the regrettable popularity of purebreds: the American Kennel Club (AKC), the breeders and the dog buyers.

The AKC sets the standards and promotes purebred dogs as superior and preferable to mixed breed dogs despite breed specific genetic defects. Breeders and puppy mills provide an endless supply of dogs, taking little responsibility for the health problems in dogs they create, and caring not about pet overpopulation. Buyers should know better but permit the industry to mold their beliefs.

The solution is to adopt and not to buy, and to avoid supporting breeders and the AKC.

Finally, do you remember Santa’s Little Helper, Speedy Gonzales, and Huckleberry Hound? Do you know what a formicarian is? Or, define fimbriae? Take Lori’s dastardly quiz and prove your mettle.