John Rogerson speaks out on Pedigree dogs vs. Mongrels

I too will have to agree on some things and disagree on others.

I agree in the fact that a Black Russian Terrier is not a breed of dog that should be in just any home. They are very large dogs (some males 140+ pounds) that were bred for guarding and protecting. Still today there are BRTs used as military/police dogs in Russia. They can be dominant, rank dogs who do not back down from a challenge. I feel that anyone who is looking into a BRT needs to have experience with owning large working breed dogs with a *high* drive to protect. They need to be owners who know that training and socialization is a LIFE LONG commitment and doesn't just stop after puppy hood. An owner of a BRT needs to be a person who knows how to be a confident and calm leader who can guide and teach the dog for it's entire life. They also need to be aware of what to do and how to handle a situation when an adolescent or fully mature BRT tries to "push the boundaries".....and see what they can get away with.

With that being said, BRTs can be some of the most loyal and loving family members. They are so devoted to their family and want to be with them all the time. Duncan is just that. He is so wonderful...so loving with my kids. Among us he is a teddy bear. He is a pleaser and I love working with him. He is very easy to train and is excelling every day. The BRT is defiantly "my" breed. In the right hands they are one of the best dogs out there.....

I agree with you totally Cavepaws in that a good breeders main focus is the temperament and health of the dog. And, that puppy mills and irresponsible breeders (and owners) are the main problems. Thanks for posting this video....very interesting.

Honestly the only thing I agree what what he said has to do with the training of the past being misguided and not preparing dogs to be good social animals and that people just don't understand the dogs they live with. Which is exactly why I am studying dog behavior and training to try and turn this around. Things have come a long way, but there are huge hurdles still there in the way of understanding the dogs we share our lives with. This of course starts with better puppy socialization and training (its proven that the more socialization and training a dog has, the less likely it is that dog will end up in a shelter).

I disagree with him stating that "pedigree dogs are getting rid of the family pet" because there are plenty of family pets that are wonderful companions that happen to be purebred. I believe that ANY dog regardless of what breed(s) it is has the potential to be a wonderful family companion...it depends mostly on the owner molding and shaping that dog to be the perfect companion.