You’re a purebred dog owner (ok, and maybe a *little* dog obsessed…)
You would do almost anything for your four-legged furry friends. Except maybe listen to Nickelback (hey, ya gotta draw the line somewhere).
You can sense there are changes afoot… and not the good kind.
Guilt trips freely dished out by the “Adopt, Don’t Shop” crowd to anyone wanting to buy a dog.
The absolute clownery of “designer dogs”. Nuff said.
The grotesque glut of badly bred alleged purebred dogs from backyard breeders and greeders (ka-ching).
The ill sentiments towards honest, breed-ethical registered purebred breeders by certain sections of society.
I hear you. I really do. And more than that… I want to help.
I’m Shannon Dooley,
Founder of Purebred & Proud
I’m West Australian born and raised but also naturalized British, wife to a South African husband, and mother of daughters with a lifelong LOVE of purebred dogs. A second-generation ANKC purebred breeder and importer of Miniature Schnauzers in Australia, I fell into the fancy in 2021 and have been exhibiting my dogs since (because who doesn’t want to hang out with loads of fancy pooches and their peeps at the dog shows too?!).
You know, one thing I realized when I waded more fully into the world of purebred dogs is that they need us more than ever to be their advocates. Their voice. Because… untoward agendas abound.
Frustration constantly hit me because I could hear that many others were having similar concerns to me but seemingly not much was being done or ground regained. I had to do something. But what?…
As it has been said, all would be revealed.
In December 2021, my eldest Miniature Schnauzer, Possum, passed away at the ripe old age of 15½. Gratefully, it was a peaceful departure over a couple of days, but the family was still rocked with grief and sorrow at the loss of the longest-standing four-legged family member.
That afternoon, standing in my kitchen in a heavy daze of grief, my mind was suddenly inundated with ideas. A phrase on a shirt. More phrases, more shirts. And then a name. All the while I could sense an urgency, empowerment, and a gathering of people.
It was the strangest thing. Just as soon as it started, it was over, leaving me slack-jawed and wondering what the ding-dong had just happened. The paradox of my dog passing and an idea being birthed was not lost on me.
Spending time contemplating it and realizing the offer that I’d been graciously handed; I accepted. I promptly jotted it all down and began to daydream. Plan. Work. Plan some more. Work a whole bunch more. This brings me to today.
I am proud to introduce to you…
Purebred & Proud.
Beautifully designed products for purebred dog owners
We create beautifully designed products for purebred dog owners everywhere, containing portable messages that are catalysts for conversation, bringing about greater awareness, and facilitating a change of public perception around the promotion, preservation, and protection of purebred dogs.
These concepts are on my mind because what I’ve seen going down in the social and political realms over the years toward purebreds is less than favorable. And it’s not OK.
And being an action-oriented kinda gal, I’m not about to sit on my tuchus and do bupkis. We have to try something.
Key elements of our mission
PROMOTION
Purebred dogs should be celebrated! Their diverse breeds are in all shapes, colors, and sizes. Their unique histories. All their different purposes. The kaleidoscope of personalities. Ah-may-zing!
We believe that this beautiful, wide earth should be populated with an abundance of well-bred, purebred dogs. That families everywhere should have access to the stunning spectrum of choice of all the purebred breeds (over 400, by the way!).
PRESERVATION
We believe that each of us can be actively involved in making the right choices for purebreds by supporting kennel club registered, responsible, and breed-ethical, breeders that have been doing the hard yards; investing their time, energy, and resources in preserving their chosen breed – according to its breed standard.
PROTECTION
We believe, that one person can – and should – make a difference. Wearing and sharing a message is a simple, but significant step because you just never know who is going to see it. The conversations it may spark. And the minds it could change.
If we all do something to get the message out, and more awareness is created within the general public, it could be a catalyst that causes a major shift in the mind of every dog owner.
And how people choose to vote on a local, state, or federal level and the impact of their votes on purebred dogs (and companion animals, in general). Protection of their heritage and future should not only be at the forefront of our minds but something we put our hands and feet to. Action is required.
LEGACY
We need to foster what we have inherited with our beautiful breeds, solidify or improve, and leave a legacy – better than we were handed – to the next generation.
We believe in the raising up of the next generation of our purebred dog community; whether it’s in educating, guiding, or just good old-fashioned camaraderie.
Are you a budding preservation breeder? An aspiring agility trainer? Dog club devotees? Up and coming junior handler? Judge
-in-waiting? Passionate and positive wannabe political or social activists? You, your talents, and your passion are very much needed.
Perhaps you are here for such a time as this…
In devotion to mankind’s best friend,
Shannon Dooley
Founder
