Sunday, February 8, 2015

Sled Dogs...More than Meets the Eye

My ten year old son is on a campaign right now to convince my husband and I that we should get a dog for his birthday in March.  I know that there are a plethora of articles out there to convince me of all the benefits of kids having pets.  One of the dogs that Dominic really wants us to get is a Siberian Husky.  While I was reading about the Siberian Husky, I found this cool short video about sled dogs.



Watch the video.  What do you think?  Did you know that breeders use Irish Setters and Greyhounds to make the Husky even faster?  If you were going to breed a dog to be the best sled dog over, what type of dogs would you consider?  What if you were going to create the best dog for a family...what type of dogs would make great pets?  As we are starting our unit of DNA, ponder artificial selection--humans picking the traits that we like the best for dogs, cats, crops, fruit and more.  Are humans meant to tamper with nature?  Is making the best dog ever like "playing God?"  If we start creating the best dog ever...where will scientists stop?

Please write a scholarly response about the video and the questions I proposed above by Friday, February 13th.  What do you think?  Also be sure to comment on at least one of your peers' original responses.

119 comments:

  1. I’m just going to start out by saying that I know very little about dogs. My house doesn’t have dogs, I don’t interact with dogs very often, I don’t research dogs, etc., etc. Therefore, if I were to try to breed racing dogs or dogs good for a family, I would have no idea where to start. However, I would think that, at least for a family dog, it would depend on preference. Some people like little dogs, some like old dogs. I think something everybody would like though would be dogs that live longer, so I guess I would breed that.

    I kind of think its funny when people say that humans are “tampering with nature” because, in all honesty, we are nature. I think scientists may someday start to tamper with human artificial selection, but until then, we have a line that we won’t cross. It’s still very taboo to discuss the possibilities of human artificial selection, so I think it will be a long time until we can actually start to seriously have conversations about it.

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    1. I agree, we are nature and we do have a line that we shouldn't cross, and I hope that it is awile until it becomes something that we see everyday.

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    2. I think Rachel is right. Humans tamper with nature all the time. I mean we are experimenting to make "perfect babies", why can't we have perfect dogs? I know that my doberman is a mix of dog breeds and doberman a were "created" in 1890. They were created by a tax collector to protect his collections on his way home. If they did it in the 1800, I think we are probably ok to do it now.

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    3. I agree with Schmidt. I still believe the line between us and nature is still very far away.

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    4. I definitely agree: it'll be a while before we start genuinely contemplating the artificial selection of humans, but eventually, we need to figure out where that line is, and make the line clear and definite.

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  2. I think that if the dogs really want to run and are excited for it, then it’s not abuse to the dog. I did not know that breeders use Irish Setters and Greyhounds to make the Husky faster. I honestly thought that they used plain Huskies. When choosing a dog to breed with to become the best sled dog ever, I would consider the Greyhound because it’s capable of reaching 43 miles per hour. I would also consider the Vizsla because it can reach 40 miles per hour. For a family, I would recommend some kind of poodle mix like a Goldendoodle because they don’t shed and make very friendly, loyal companions. I honestly think humans shouldn’t tamper with nature because things don’t always turn out as planned and if things are suppose to happen, nature will take its course. I think making the best dog is like “playing God” because instead of nature taking its course, you are forcing something to happen. When starting to create the best dog ever, I don’t think scientists will stop until they find the perfect dog. I think scientists could go on to try to make other things perfect like the perfect cat or other animals.

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    1. I completely agree with Jaylynn because if the dogs want to run around we should let them run. But if they don't want to and they are tired we should not force them to run.

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    2. A goldenoodle sounds adorable! I had a golden retriever once, and she did shed a lot, so breeding those two for the lack of mess does make sense. Do you believe that breeding the perfect dog is wrong?

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    3. I agree with Jaylynn. Goldendoodles are great for family pets. I also, agree that scientist wont ever stop because there's always room for improvements.

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    4. I also agree with Jaylynn. If a dog likes to run and pull sleds let them do that and if they don't then let them lay around inside don't make them pull sleds. I agree too that scientists won't stop looking for ways to make perfect creatures.

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    5. I think a goldendoodle sounds like an excellent dog, because they come from the poodle breed, so when mixed with another dog they won't shed at all or only a little.

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    6. I agree with you completely, there will never be an end to genetic modification because there will always be things we can improve on

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    7. I completely agree that people shouldn't pick the life of dogs. Nature is a wonderful thing and we shouldn't be the ones in control.

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    8. I agree that humans should not tamper with nature. Also that scientist will not stop because you can always improve on the dogs genetics.

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    9. I agree; once scientists start, they won't be able to stop. Some things in nature are better left untouched. The whole situation seems unfair to the dogs- think about if someone did this to humans.

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    10. I totally agree with you that you should let nature take it's course and how people need to just relax and let nature do it's thing. Also I love GoldenDoodles they are so adorable and they are grab with kids.

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    11. I agree with you, it's better to just late nature take its course and not interfere. Scientists aren't going to stop until they find the ¨perfect dog¨, and I too feel that they should try to move on to other things.

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  3. First of all, I’d like to say that if I were to ever breed any dog, then I would create the Doberwawa (If you haven’t seen the Superbowl commercial then you are really missing out). Anyways, the video was rather interesting. It kind of had that inspirational mood to it with the upbeat music in the background. Honestly, I have no idea on what dogs would be great sled dogs or which ones would be a great addition to the family since I never owned a dog. I barely even know most dog breed names. On the topic of artificial selection, I think that tampering with nature, in most aspects, is not something we should be doing. I don’t particularly mind what we do crop wise but when we begin to meddle with more intelligent organisms, such as household pets, we are delving into an area we shouldn’t. It is especially unnatural in humans, by picking traits for our offspring we are eliminating important factors like diversity. In this respect it is like “playing God” because we are physically manipulating something that is meant to be a natural being. To make things worse we do such things with selfish motives. For example, we breed dogs so they’ll win all sorts of competitions, or that they’ll be the prettiest around and so on. It is not as often that we breed them for their benefit. By making our pets more and more “perfect” we are getting into some tricky business. Just like humans, we would lessen diversity in the dog community because everyone will want the same, seemingly perfect, dog. I think that after they achieve what appears to be a flawless dog that they’ll continue with other pets and further their efforts with humans. So basically they won’t stop until we are all the same people, lacking any bit of uniqueness, with the same pets.

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    1. I definitely agree with Zoe, humans are extremely selfish when it comes to animals. They will do whatever it takes to get what they want.

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  4. The Siberian huskys are one of the coolest dogs in my opinion. They do not have to be bread to ameliorate them, they are fast just the way the are. If I were to breed 2 dogs I would bread a small dog with a lazy dog so I would not have to take it on as many walks. For a family dog I would use a golden retriever with another medium sized dog. I think humans a playing God way to much, we can now start picking the traits we want with our baby. That will create discrimination because if everyone's baby is tall and someone picks a short baby that person will be bullied in todays society.

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    1. I agree with Caige. I do not think it's ethical for people to change the traits of their babies because then they never give their child the chance to be unique.

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    2. I think that’s interesting that breeders breed huskies with Greyhounds, in order to make the dogs faster. Personally, I always thought that they were just bred as pure husky. If I were to breed dogs for racing I would probably use Huskies and Greyhounds because I don’t know a whole lot of specifics when it comes to dog breeds, and I trust the judgement of the professionals. For my own family, I would breed a lab with a type of dog that doesn’t shed too much, such as a poodle, because my mom hates cleaning up dog hair. I would also want a lab-mix breed because labs are very active and my siblings would want a dog they could run around with. I think that people are definitely tampering too much with nature especially when it comes to food. 30 years ago, you didn’t have most fruits in the winter, so people stocked up in the summer time and canned them in order to have fruit all year round. Nowadays, you enter a supermarket during the month of January and find fruit galore (some of which, that is two times the size that it naturally would be). I like bigger apples as much as the next guy, but at the same time, size and color is not worth sacrificing the taste and nutritional value of the food.

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    3. In response to Caige, I do agree with you that the Husky is fast and doesn’t need to be breed with another animal, but people do breed them with other fast dogs to make them faster. I think when finding the perfect organism scientists may go too far and start trying to find the perfect human. I also think a possibility is picking out what traits you want your child to have. Why would we be trying to find the perfect human, when everyone is perfect in their own way?

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    4. I totally agrees with you Caige. I would definitely breed a golden retriever with another dog for a amazing family dog. I also think humans are playing God too much. At some point we need to stop.

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    5. I agree with Caige as well, I do not think it should be allowed to tamper with who they mate with to make a "faster dog".

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    6. I agree with Caige that we shouldn't be trying to control nature. We take the creatures living on this planet for granted, believing it's within our right to change them simply because we can. If we begin to mess with the genetics of humans... we're encouraging quite an ignoble cause.

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    7. I agree with Caige about breeding a small dog and a lazy dog so that you don't have to take it out as much. I also agree with this sentence "I think humans a playing God way to much, we can now start picking the traits we want with our baby. That will create discrimination because if everyone's baby is tall and someone picks a short baby that person will be bullied in todays society" because if someones son or daughter was shorter or a little bit more huskier so to say and everyone else has there baby tall and skinny, they will get bullied a lot for being different.

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  5. All dogs love to run. The Iditarod and tethering are terribly cruel to dogs. FACTS: http://helpsleddogs.org

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  6. First of all, I am a huge dog person. I have three dogs that are all mutts. (No pure breeds as we rescued all three of them.) I have to say that when choosing a family dog, there is no right answer, it depends on the owner. Do you want a dog that can go for a run everyday? What about one that you can train to help you cross the street? It depends on what you want the dog to do, but my opinion is that you should always rescue and adopt because you are helping dogs that way instead of encouraging breeders or mills. In my opinion, the way scientists are modifying animals and crops is interesting. This is something I've always found remarkable, and I think that it is fine for research, but not for average people to start choosing their babies for fun, they would need a reason, such as in the book My sister keeper by: Jodi Picoult. Technically, there's no such thing as "the best dog ever", as this is an opinion. One trait I find annoying in my youngest dog Sunny, is her suspicions, as she is part chow and that breed is known for their intense levels of not trusting, but someone might find that helpful, such as if you lived in a bad neighborhood. It's just whatever you want in a dog is a good way to choose a breed. Lastly, when looking at dogs, be sure to research things like lifespan and temperament. This can be very important.

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    1. I totally agree with you on how the perfect breed depends on the owner. I to believe that is all up to what you want. Although sometimes you may want a pure breed dog and breeders could be the best choice. I have a kennel and I breed my dogs but they are not stuck in small cages only used for breeding. We treat them like family.

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    2. The "best dog" is definitely subjective, and should be determined by individual owners. For example, if the dog owner is super fat, that person probably does not want to have to walk the dog too often, but if the owner is a marathon runner, that person might want an energetic dog, so that they could run together.

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    3. I agree it doesn't really matter the breed of the dog because all dogs are adorable loving creatures, I don't think they should be forced to breed with another animal to make them better.

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  7. I think its smart to breed Husky’s with Greyhounds to make them faster but, its not right to have to breed them together. Also, it’s not fair to the dogs. I did not know they breeded Husky’s and Greyhounds. If I were to breed a dog to be the best sled dog ever I would consider breeding a Greyhound with a German Shepard, because then you get the speed from a greyhound and the strength and size from a German Shepard. To create the best family dog I would consider breeding a lab with a poodle (labradoodle). In my opinion English Springer Spaniels make great family dogs but also a lab would be good as well. Humans are not meant to tamper with nature. I think making the best dog ever is just like playing god. I don’t think scientist would ever stop because there’s always room for improvements. Everyone including scientists are always want to improving something.

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    1. I agree that it's not fair to the dogs. It's basically saying your not good enough so let's make a better copy of you. I also agree that it seems like scientists are always looking to improve things and why would they stop?

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    2. I agree that mixing a husky and a German Shepard would be smart I also agree that it is wrong for humans to tamper with nature. It is not right to be forcing the perfect breed to win the race. We are kind of playing god as well.

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  8. I think dog sled racing would take a lot of time and dedication but in the end be rewarding and fun. I have heard people say there the dogs get abused but in order to win the race the dogs need to be healthy so the owner should would good care of them if they wanted to win. There are probably cases of dog abuse from bad owners but the race itself is not causing the abuse, whether the dogs are sled dogs or not there is always the chance that they will not be treated well.

    I think a perfect dog would be one that is fast, friendly, and cute. Over the summer I watched a dog that was a German Shepherd mix. I think he was also part Lab and Collie. Anyways, the dog, Shadow, was very friendly and adorable. He would also make a good sled dog because he was a very good runner as I would take him on my three miles runs. I think breeding dogs is fine, as long as the dogs remain healthy and don’t develop any bad traits, like bad vision. I understand dog breeding because they are the same species and are popular pets, but I hope scientists never try to mix two completely different breeds like deer and sheep. If a “sheerp” existed, it would be unnatural and creepy.

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    1. I agree with you Stephanie in saying that it would be really weird to have a bunch of "sheerps" running around. As long as they keep it within the same species of animal I think that breeding would be okay!

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    2. I agree with Stephanie and Alyssa, breeding completely different species together would not be a good thing. Not only could it prove unhealthy but also, like they said, extremely unnerving. I also agree that racing sled dogs is not animal abuse. Similar to what I said in my post, bad people and neglect are everywhere, not just dog sledding. Lastly, with my experience with Border Collies and German Shepherds, they are great family dogs. Both breeds need room to run and discipline as they are naturally very protective of their families, not to mention adorable!

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    3. I agree, I feel that it’s really important to have motivation and determination to be involved in these races. I know from my experience with Cross Country Meets it takes a lot of training to be able to complete races and do well. Which is why I feel the dogs probably go through a lot in order to qualify or succeed in these races. I truly hope that the dogs enjoy these races because if not that’s a lot of work to put forth for something that isn't enjoyable.

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  9. I think it's really cool that people can breed huskys with other dogs to help them be better sled dogs. I also think it's kind of weird though aren't sled dogs only supposed. To be huskys it's kind of getting away from tradition. If I could breed two dogs to make the perfect dog I would breed a golden retriever with another dog. Golden retrievers are really good family dogs and can adjust really well to different lifestyles, I think people may be playing God a little too much. Some dogs are probably okay to breed together because it's more natural, but some dog mixes are ridiculous. I think we need to know when to stop or else it will cause problems later on.

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  10. I liked the video personally. I think it is great to hear that people enjoy being around animals and not being cruel to them. Although I do not agree with breeding dogs to make them faster or stronger. If I could breed two dogs together I would breed two dogs that do not shed or slobber as much as others, this would be best for our family.

    I do not think that humans are meant to tamper with nature. It is suppose to happen on its own. If scientist choose who dogs mate with, whose today they won’t do the same with humans. This way they would have the smartest or tallest student and then pick other traits to give them. This could turn into a bigger problem than it is, if this starts happening with humans where will it take us in the long run?

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    1. I agree, with these scientific advances it is both unfortunate and also inevitable that were able to create the "perfect child".

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  11. I understand why people breed dogs together like greyhounds and huskies. I think that it helps the dogs be more ideal for the racing because if you didn't breed a dog to make it more fast or resistant to cold it would have a harder time surviving. A perfect dog for a family would be hard to pick, to get a perfect match it would depend on everybody's personalties. I would choose to breed an athletic dog and a medium sized dog because that would be a good pet for my family. Humans aren't playing god by picking traits in a dog it's just selective breeding however writhing the genetic code of a human would be going to far.

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  12. I think that the perfect dog would be friendly, medium sized, and doesn't shed so I would probably have a Cockapoo (Cocker spaniel and Poodle). This dog wouldn't shed like a poodle or bark like a Cocker Spaniel. I do not know much about dog breeding other than the fact that it makes really cute dogs. No scientist could ever "play God" because they can not make things out of nothing, but I do think that scientists could potentially create new living things out of previously living organisms.

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    1. I agree with Alyssa on how she said the best dogs are friendly dogs! I have an uncle who has a Cockapoo and they're really friendly and playful.

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  13. I thought that this video was very interesting. People were very smart to take different dogs, with different specialties, and breed them. This gives people a variety to choose from, to have their perfect dog. I believe that it is okay for us to breed, because we were given this land, and if we destroy it, that's our fault. To me, I see no problem with breeding dogs. Coming from a family that has had birds, guinea pigs, lizards, fish, dogs, cats, hamsters, ferrets, and a rat, I don't think that breeding harms them (not counting the ones that weren't breeded). All my animals have seemed happy. Breeding dogs just makes us more satisfied in the traits that are given. To me, a nice dog is a black lab and a poodle, because black labs are friendly, and poodles don't shed. This gives me the ideal dog, with no harm done.

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  14. I have never been a dog person, but I can definitely see the appeal in dog sledding. It’s seems like a wonderful way to just escape the world for a time, something I wouldn’t mind partaking in now and then. But to me the cons outweigh the pros concerning any dog, so I completely agree with your decision not to get one. Dogs are too dependent and needy, I much prefer the intelligent companion known as the cat. Appertaining to genetic modification and designer pets, I would choose a cat that can actually digest food because my cats have quite a problem with that. But in all actuality I’m against modifying nature in such a way. Recently in english we read an article about picking and choosing the traits you want for your child through a process called pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. Now, this is slightly more extreme than simply breeding particular types of dogs, but it’s not too far off. I don’t believe in tampering with nature, because in my religion, everything is made perfectly in God’s image. We have no right to change that. But in a much lighter discussion, I would say “Sure! A hairball free cat please!”

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    1. I agree with Rachel that sled dog racing looks like a lot of fun. I think it's really awesome that you can escape to a little paradise.

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    2. Rachel I agree 100% with your response! I too prefer cats and agree that God made everything perfectly in his image.

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    3. I also think that it would be an excellent hobby (dog sledding) since it gives you some quiet moments to think by yourself as it seems to emit an enjoyable peacefulness. Regarding tampering with nature, I would again agree with your perspective: Nature is not meant to be changed seeing as it is already so beautiful.

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  15. I think that "playing god" and choosing traits of future organisms is honestly inevitable. Humans need to grow and developed, but most of all we need reassurance that we are the most powerful race. That we can keep building new things that change the earth. And I don't necessarily think that's a bad thing. It does let us explore the possibility that there are things we can still create. I think if scientists work to create dogs that we can choose the traits of that are actually purposeful and can help man then they should. If I were to breed dogs I would probably breed a dog with very thick fur like a Bernie's mountain dog and a very strong dog like a mastiff. These new dogs could be used in extemem temperatures. These could be used for purposeful things instead of just experimenting.

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    1. I like how the reasoning for choosing your two dogs breeds were not because the end result would look cute, or for experimenting, but instead just breed the dogs for more meaningful purposes.

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  16. I don't know very much about sled dogs, so I really can't say what breeds would create the “ultimate sled dog”. However, I do know that mixed breeds tend to be less prone to major diseases linked with purebreds. My family has owned and bred 5 bullmastiffs now over the years and each one has passed away due to a disease prone to their specific breed (Lymph Node Cancer). Whereas the mixed breed dog we have has outlived them, and has not developed any of the conditions specific to her own multiple breeds. So basically breeding different dog breeds together is safe and can actually be beneficial for the dogs being created. As for the best family dog I would recommend a bullmastiff if you are into bigger dogs, but really it depends on the family! Bullmastiffs are very laid back and well behaved, great with children (you should see what my sisters put my poor dogs through), and live a good 6 years. Not to mention they are adorable! In the long run, any dog could be a great family dog with the right amount of training and love.
    For the most part, I think the science of mixed breeding in most circumstances is okay. Improving a breed to be healthier is great, but shouldn't be overdone.. I’m not quite sure how to explain it, but I think if it needs to happen it will, tampering too much is unnecessary and could lead to further problems. In short, breeding to create a healthier dog is fine, breeding to create the “perfect” dog isn't. Scientists will continue to try and improve the world in every way they can, and I don't believe that is necessarily a negative thing. As long as they don't take it so far that they begin “playing God”.
    While considering the anonymous reply’s point, I don't think sled dogs are abused or mistreated. Sure, some probably are neglected but that’s not specific to sled dogs. No matter where you go people, dogs and other animals will be mistreated, and that’s simply a fact.
    Overall, dogs are awesome the way they are, and truly are the most loyal companions. Having a pet will not only give you a glimpse of unconditional love, but teach you responsibility, give you a friend, and motivate you to become healthier. If you are considering a pet, dogs are certainly the way to go.

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    1. I think it is really cool how mix breeding dogs can actually improve their health. For this reason, I agree that trying to improve a specie's health is beneficial, not playing "God."

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    2. I agree with Grace. Mixed breeding can have its ups and downs, but if it is important to happen, it should.

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    3. I totally agree how breeding dogs is okay. It totally depends on the circumstances. As long as when we are breeding we have a pure mindset, and it's for the greater good. I totally agree when you said, 'Breeding to create a healthier dog is fine, breeding the "perfect" dog isn't'. But other opinions may differ which can make this a controversial subject.

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  17. To start, I love dogs so much. They are fun and have neat personalities.When looking at what type of dog would be good for a home, you need to consider 3 factors: the mess they make, their personality, and size. Someone a long time ago found that if you cross breed a poodle and a Labrador retriever, you get this amazing dog called a Labradoodle. Because Labrador retrievers are very obedient and poodles don't shed, you end up with this animal that is extremely obedient and sheds very little. Labradoodles make great domestic pets based off of the fact that they are relatively small (up to around 70 lbs), they learn quickly and can do some tricks (from the poodle), and lastly, they are clean because they don't shed. For a family with kids, a labradoodle offers a great opportunity to have fun along with teaching responsibility to children. The only real downside of a Labradoodle is that you have to trim their fur once in a while. This is better than having a dog that sheds though, because you clean up the mess once a month, not every week. I have had a Labradoodle for many years (about 7) and our family has loved and cherished him for that whole time. It is hard to get an acceptable dog for your home but a labradoodle definitely fits any criteria you may have.

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    1. I also have a dog that doesn't shed and he's also a big dog. Most people never have heard of this type of dog but it's called a Bouvier Des Flandres. It's originally from Belgium and in most pictures it looks ver hairy but we have or shaved down every couple months, so it doesn't really look like the one in the pictures. My family and I could all agree he's a very good dog and we like the dog a lot. It also helps that he's a very good guard dogs and he looks intimidating as well. These types of dogs are mellow when told by the owner and are good around children as well. A Bouvier Des Flandres is a really good dog and I would definitely recommend it.

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  18. Dog sled racing looks very fun for the dogs, and as long as they are taken care of and not forced to pull the sled, I think it’s great. I had no idea breeders use Irish settlers and greyhounds to make the husky faster. I know close to nothing about dogs. However, I think a good family dog breed should be bred with less health problems and be more agile, so it could do more activities and not have health problems . Also, a sled dog should be bred to endure cold conditions, be a natural leader, and is fast, but I’m not sure which dogs to breed together.
    I don’t believe humans are meant to tamper with nature. It wasn’t meant to be. What are the benefits, besides creating the ¨perfect animal?¨ We don’t need to intervene. If the animals aren’t naturally attracted to each other, I don’t see why we should make them. This whole idea is subjective.
    It is amazing how scientists can alter DNA to get certain characteristics. There’s no true end to this new phenomenon. If we carry on with what we are doing with dogs, it will eventually spread to other species and become the norm. Hopefully there’s no negative lasting effects.

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    1. I completely agree with you Bethany! Why do we need "the perfect pet"? Why is our society so obsessed with perfection? It really says a lot about how our values are kind of screwed up! And who knows how far people will take it, it really is crazy to think about!

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    2. I agree that we are not ment to temper with nature but I believe that as long as it is not massive changes that we should be fine. I do not understand why people can never see the beautiful creatures that stand before them. When they see them they always find a flaw and will spend the rest of their days trying to fix something that does not need to be fixed.

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  19. I think it is smart to breed the huskies with other breeds to make them faster. As long as they have the specific qualities that huskies need to run, like the tough paws. I did not know that breeders used Irish Setters and Greyhounds to make Huskies faster. I always thought they stuck to plain old Huskies. If I were to breed a great sled dog I would consider using a greyhound because they can reach up to 43 MPH and an Alaskan husky because they are more commonly used for sled racing. If I were to create the best dog for a family I would mix poodle and a golden retriever because that makes for a smart dog and a playful friendly one. Along with their personality that mix, goldendoodles are good with families who have fur allergies.

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    1. I agreed with what type of dog breed would make the fastest dog. Not only that, but I also agreed on what dog breeds can produce the perfect dog. However, scientists will not stop trying to find the perfect dog because I feel that there are many different opinions of what their ideal dog must consist of.

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  20. I think siberian huskies are adorable! Especially seeing the so happy to run in those sled races, I believe they truly enjoy it. It never occurred to me that they breed them with other dogs to make them go faster. I always pictured like she said fluffy pointed ears and blue eyes. The dogs I would choose to breed to make a fast dog would probably be a greyhound,Siberian Husky and american bully(pitbulls). The speed would come from the greyhound and the husky and the strength would come from the american bully. To me yes a golden retriever is normally the best family do, but to me they are so boring. I believe the best family dog to be a american bully. I’m not crazy I have 6 of them as of right and I love them more than anything. The are loyal, sweet,protective, and fun to play with. The know how to play with children and they know their limits. Because my dogs are a newer versions of pitbulls thy are shorter my dogs don’t even come to my knees. I believe that without us the dogs would have started to mix breed anyways. Now we just put them with right dogs to create better ones. Ones faster or without health problems. I think you should get your son a dog and if anything a small shorthaired.

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  21. I mostly assumed that sled dogs would be bred for optimization, as it is only logical, but, because I know pretty much nothing about dog breeding and dog sledding, I guess that instead of trying to breed a superior sled dog, I would probably be better off going with what the dog breeding experts have already accomplished in the dog sledding area. On the other hand, I know a little bit about family pets, and I'm fairly certain that no breed of dog could ever be better than my dog. To be honest, nobody knows what kind of dog he is, but he is cuddly, hilarious, and brutally vicious to small woodland creatures. In conclusion, if I had the chance to breed a dog, I'd probably try to breed another Petey.

    As far as "playing God" goes, I don't think that breeding a dog so that it can be a better racer crosses any lines. Although the Bible is open to interpretation, in my opinion, as long as the intentions are pure, breeding dogs is permissible. Genetically modifying humans, however, is a different story: The Bible draws a clear distinction between humans and creatures (So, as long as we're talking about "playing God", "If it's okay to do it to animals, then it's okay to do it to humans," is an invalid argument.) Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (partially controlling traits of unborn children) could cause serious problems within the human race, not to mention it is just begging for human rights cases in the future. It is unnatural, unintended for, and, for Christians, a sign of a lack of trust in God.

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    1. I agree with Lucas, as I was trying to say in my post, genetically modifying animals can be beneficial and is fine to a certain extent. Taking it as far as modifying humans is not. I agree with Lucas' take on how Christians view genetic modification. According to my personal beliefs, science crosses some major boundaries by messing with the genetics of people. But overall using it to improve a dog breed isn't playing God. I've noticed that many of our blog posts are controversial due to religious beliefs and I find that interesting.

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    2. I agree that genetically modifying humans is wrong (based off of a biblical standpoint) and that it could cause a human rights movement and maybe even a social status gradient between the different economic classes. Secondly, breeding dogs to enhance their strength and agility can be extremely helpful. It is right to believe that man should rule over animals and that man should have the right to Genetically modify them for them.

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    3. That is a great argument against the "perfect baby." The only problem is what about the people who don't have a supreme ruler or morale code to rely on, or just those parents where the child would do anything to leave the family because they "aren't good enough." This would be their dream! It's a tough debate, and it won't get any easy until a third party draws some lines in our messed up world

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    4. I agree that it is fine to tamper with the DNA of animals but it would not be fine to do it on humans. It is very unnatural and is likely to cause problems within humans as some mutations in our genes and cell already have and if people would tamper with these even more, they might even kill the person.

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    5. I only half agree. I believe that tampering with the DNA of animals and humans is a good thing. We can become so much more advanced and better human beings. We could essentially create perfect humans! I have no problem with tampering with DNA and if it were up to me we would do it more.

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  22. On the topic of the breeding of different dogs for better sled dogs, I assumed that it would be important, but I didn't know the specifics of it. I believe that "tampering with nature" is inevitable for scientific advancement. Even most devices currently available can, under some circumstances, be considered tampering. There is no real perfect dog breed, or even mix for that matter. There's no perfect mix, because something being perfect is subjective, and opinion-based, and because not everyone has the same opinion.

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    1. In response to Trevor, I understand that there is no true perfect dog. For everyone has their own opinions on what the best dog is. So it would seem like scientists would never stop, until they find the “perfect” dog.

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  23. I think it would be amazing to be able to just relax in the quiet nature while dogs pull you along. I would love to do that. I had no idea that they used Greyhounds and Irish Setters. I would have thought they would get too cold, but I guess not! I think that’s pretty cool. I love how happy the dogs look while they’re out there! I think if I was going to breed dogs I would breed a golden doodle. Golden doodles are so adorable, smart, friendly and they don’t shed! Our family friends have a golden doodle named Scooby and he is the cutest! I do think that is a little crazy that people pick traits. It seems unnatural. I read an article once that breeding dogs actually cause more health problem that good ole’ muts. I think we should just let nature do it’s thing and not try to tamper with it! And I hope scientists realize that and stop!

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  24. I think the video showcased how humans can make their dogs happy. Sled dogs are made to be sled dogs; they are made to pull and run fast. The thing you need to remember, though, is that they are animals and when they get hurt you need to pull them out so they can heal. When people say sled dogs, people think the worst, but if they dogs are well treated and loved, you can't look at them and feel sorry for them. They are just doing what feels right.
    If I were going to breed a family dog, I would choose Doberman, Labradors, Husky, and maybe a little Beagle. Doberman and Huskys are amazingly smart, Labradors and Beagles are super playful, Dobermans will guard your house, and all 4 are loyal.
    I think humans are meant to tamper with nature under circumstances. You should create something that is going to save, not kill.
    Is creating a dog playing god? I think that if you let it get to your head and start using your creations in bad ways, yes, but if you are a dog lover and you want to mix up the perfect dog that will be calm, but playful: sweet, but loyal: ferocious, but nice, you wouldn't really hurt anyone. It doesn't case global warming, it's not a missile, and it's going to be loved.
    I think because humans are humans, someone is going to overstep the boundaries, but I think if everyone had some self control and education, we would stop... hopefully.

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  25. I've always known that people breed dogs with other dogs like Greyhounds to make them faster. In my opinion I don't think that's right. As said in the video what people like the most about dog sledding is the quietness and how peaceful it is. Going off that comment I don't think it's necessary to make them faster because it seems like people do it for pure joy. If I absolutely had to breed dogs to make the best sled dog ever I would breed a Siberian Husky with a Greyhound because they are incredibly fast! The best dogs to have as pets are the really nice and playful ones, like golden retrievers and labs! Although it's nice to make really cool organisms by breeding, it's not right. "playing god" is like taking control over everything and tampering with the way of life and how it is formed. Life should happen naturally, not in some science lab.

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  26. I do not know much about sled dogs, so I have no idea where to start when it comes to considering all of the factors that are important for a good race dog. I do, however, think that a greyhound would be a good mix because greyhounds are very fast. When it comes to deciding the right dog for a family, I think it completely depends on the family. My dog is a mutt we rescued from a shelter. He is very energetic and strange, just like my family. My neighbors have one of those fat lap dogs that don't really move unless you pick them up. So, when picking a type of dog, I think it comes down to what the family plans to do with it. Moving on, I think that artificial selection happens more often around us than we think. These are all done to make improvisions, similar to mixing dog breeds.

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  27. I actually did not know that people were breeding two different types of breeds of dogs to make faster ones. To be honest i'm not the biggest fan of dogs in the world. My family owns two dogs. One is a shelty named casey and the other is a mix between a basset hound and a ware haired terrier named Ollie. Ollie is a weird breed because he's very territorial and also very curious about everything, and it's so interesting watching him because there are definitely two different types of dogs in him. In my opinion, dogs shouldn't be bred they way they are being bred today. It's ok to breed dogs to try and make them faster for a race, but some people out in the world just like to mess with the genes of the dogs and mix the craziest kinds of dogs together and see what they get. When things start getting out of control, I think that dangerous things can start to happen. I don't think that we are playing Gods hand. Just by making some kind of a mutation doesn't make it bad at all, because God loves every creature no matter what the size, shape, or abnormality it has. I don't think people ill ever stop experimenting with the genetic mutations of breeding different dogs together because people will never truly be satisfied. As a species, we are never satisfied with our results. We always want to make things "better" or "new".

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  28. Personally, I think dog sledding is awesome. The people in this video act like their dogs aren’t pets. The one woman who was talking said they are smart dogs, she even likes them more than people. There is a sense of connection between dog and man, a sense of belonging and family feeling. THese people treated their dogs like family, and it was awesome to see how they both got to enjoy themselves in these dog sledding races. I did not know that breeders use irish setters and greyhound to make the husky even faster, but it is quite smart. The type of dog I would consider is the vizsla and husky, because a husky is suited for winter conditions, but a vizsla is very fast. For a family I would breed a lab with a great pyrenees, because they both are loyal and family friendly. Humans are not perfect organisms. They fall, mess up, make mistakes, and sometimes they don’t learn from them. And because no human is perfect, “playing God” is not smart. With this mindset of “playing God” will lead to other genetic disturbances, that at the time seem wise, but in effect ruin something that cannot be mended.

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  29. The best family dog is not dependent on how big a mess it makes, or how much it eats, but what the family is like and their life style. For example, a Lab would be great for a young family who is active and gets out quite a bit, but on the other hand, you have a family who doesn't get to go out very much, their dog of choice should be a small, low energy dog who doesn't mind going out once in a while but prefers to stay inside and keep warm. On the matter of playing god, there's a point to where you just say, enough, that, has not gotten to that extent yet, only because a game of chance. You can choose to have two dogs scoodlypoop for your own gain, like a better racer, but that dog can be so far from that, reaching to the smallest point of rebellion in said mother or father dogs. When you make it so you know exactly what your child will be, that's too far

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  30. The video brings me to a happier place. Watching dogs do what they love with the encouragement of people who are also doing what they love is the best that it gets. Of course, there is a line to be crossed and I personally believe that that is iditarods and major races that forcefully push dogs into treks are awful. Other than that, it’s like becoming one with nature.

    When it comes to tampering with dog breeds, I just really don’t know what should be done. I personally don’t agree with completely having control of what animals or dogs should be bred into, or changing another life into something that only benefits the human. Nature should do it’s thing, and we should do ours. Nevertheless, we will always be advancing and exploring into new parts of life and there’s nothing that will really stop us.

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  31. I found it interesting that they breed husky’s and gray hounds to make them faster. But I do see why seeing that the gray hound is a fast dog I would most likely do the same. As far as what type of dog I think would be best for a family I would choose an Irish wolf hound and a German shepherd. These are 2 great dogs that are strong and overall amazing breeds. Finally I think it is horribly wrong to tamper with dogs breeds. Also trying to make these super dogs is like playing god, and in the end no one has the right to decide how animals breed or to force dogs to breed with other kinds to get a dog they deem a worthy type.

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  32. I don’t know that much about dog sledding ,but i think that there isn’t just one dog that can dominate dog sledding and i think that people have already found some really good dog combinations. I don’t think that any one dog can possibly be perfect for every family because i think people like dogs whose personality complements theirs. I think humans changing crops that aren’t in the environment it’s fine because it doesn’t affect other animals, but i don’t think it’s ok to change animals personality i think that animals personality should be the way they choose through natural selection. I don’t think we were meant to change nature, but people will do it anyway. once again i think making the best dog ever is impossible because unless everyone is the same then everyone has different preferences, and i think that some people like it when some dogs aren’t perfect. Scientists will stop when other people make them.

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  33. I began and ended this video with the same opinion based on Sled Dogs. However, I never knew the popular belief were that they were being mistreated. No, I don't know breeders that make the Husky even faster. However, if were going to breed a dog to be the best sled dog ever, I would pick agile, medium size, strong dogs. However, for a family dog, I would pick large life spans, good appearance, and obedient.

    But that humans are tampering with nature is extremely false. We are nature, and we aren't FORCING these dogs to make puppies. It's just like migration. Diverse people might make babies since they are near each other and fell in love.

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  34. I enjoyed the video and found it interesting. I had not known that people would breed Irish Setters and Greyhounds to try and make a faster husky. When I heard about a sled race I think of huskies, I never really thought about other dogs that could be in the races. For a dog sled team I would consider the Greyhounds because they are really fast, and German Shepherds because they are good trackers. Good house dogs I do not know well of. I have read though that West Highland White Terriers’ are good house pets if you despise large dogs and those dogs who shed a lot. Except it seems as though it is hard to find dogs that have these specific traits to not suffer from allergies. I feel that tampering with nature has its benefits and flaws. Mix breeding dogs helps people chose their exact match. Although, the problem with this is that they may not know how the puppy will turn out or feel. Then they could be rejected and have some other breeds of dogs diminish until only artificial dogs are left. I think mix breeding is like, “playing God” for how scientists along with people are stubborn and picky, not willing to accept what great dogs we have. I don’t think that scientists will stop after they have their perfect dog. I would think that along the way, they had tampered with other animals as well. For curiosity never ends.

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  35. I don't think mating two different kinds of dogs and breeding mutts is a problem but for humans it's a different story. If it ever came to "picking human traits", then I think that there might be a problem because it's unnatural and it can cause problems with humans. People would just pick the best traits for their child and so that would lead to a lot of people looking very similar. What if something went wrong? The child could be in serious danger if something goes bad or someone messes up. For dogs, I think there's no problem with having two different kinds of breeds coming together to make another dog, which would be considered a mutt. If the sled dogs are better with two dogs mixing, then mix them to make a good sled dog. Humans shouldn't pick the traits and they could let God choose the traits and let them be the way they are. In the end, I would say we can breed certain types of dogs but humans should just be born the way they are.

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  36. On the topic of breeding the dogs to make a better, faster dog does seem kinda of wrong that the dogs are not used as they are, that they have to be breed to make a "better' dog. If I was going to breed a dog to make it good for my family, the dog would have to be non-allergenic as my brother is allergic to dog hair. However, my family would definitely have to be small because a big dog would not fit in our family.

    On the topic of picking traits, I feel as though that is very wrong. It's not letting nature make a natural selection like it was intended to. It is tampering with nature which was not what it was intended to be. Once humans figure out how to make the perfect person, why would they stop? They could make clones of their children or even worse, of their dying loved ones. But there is something very wrong with that. If we are to make clones, the population size would increase drastically and there would be no way to control it.

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  37. I honestly don't know much about dog sledding, but I don't think that we need to breed dogs to make the perfect creature. If I had to breed the best family dog, I would have to use a dog that is hypoallergenic and also a medium size. I don't think humans need to tamper with nature and just let it run its course. If scientists are already doing this to animals, when and how will they use this to affect humans?

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    1. I agree. I don't feel that it's right for this artificial breeding. The thought also scares me if one day scientists use this in some sort of way with humans.

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  38. Being a total dog lover I thought this video was interesting and inspiring. I think it would be so cool to do a dog sled race and I find it amazing that dogs can run so much. I didn't know that people breed Irish Setters and Greyhounds to make the dogs faster but I can understand why considering Greyhounds are very fast. If I had to breed a dog sled dog I would use a Golden Retriever and a Greyhound so it would be fast, smart and loyal. If I had to breed a family dog it would be a Husky and a Bernese Mountain Dog because those are my favorite dog breeds. I think artificial selection is okay and that it isn't playing god it’s just experimenting. Artificial selection is just trying to make the best of both worlds. If we made the best dog ever I don’t scientists would stop because there can always be improvements, if think they would try to make it live longer.

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  39. I really enjoyed this video. Seeing the people so passionate about the sled dog races they do made me smile. I do know that breeders purposely mate certain dogs together for a "perfect" outcome; however, it just doesn't seem right to me. Natural selection is very important (hence the "natural") and I feel like it should remain that way instead of forcing the dogs into something they don't want to do. But, if I had to create the perfect dog, I would breed a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel and a poodle because it would be a cute, lovable family dog. For a sledding dog, I would definitely stick to breeding huskies because they are both fast and smart. Going back to what I mentioned earlier, I think it is important to keep natural selection natural. It is unfair to tamper with dogs just so we can create our ideal animal. The whole situation is very much like "playing God"- some things are best left untouched. I think scientists should be focused on more important matters, like curing illnesses, rather than creating artificially selected dogs.

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  40. After watching the video of the sled dogs, I was surprised that they mix a husky with Irish setters and greyhounds to make the husky’s faster. I knew that both of those dogs were very quick, but I never really thought of them as dog sled racers. If i was going to breed a dog that would race, I would breed a dog like the husky and greyhound. Even though I thought it was weird, I still thought that it was really smart. husky’s have thick fur and tough paws while greyhounds are very fast. If I was going to breed a dog as a house pet, I probably just buy a labradoodle. I have a labradoodle as a pet and he is the sweet and playful.

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    1. I agree with your choice for a labradoodle as a great pet. They are so loving and great with kids, also I just love big dogs!

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  41. I don't know what types of dogs I would breed to make the fastest dog honestly. But, I would probably breed a Golden Retriever and a smaller dog for a house pet, just so the dog is not too big and not too small. Although, I don't think that humans should mess with nature because of the probable development of dogs without there natural defenses such as size and acute sense of smell. Eventually there will be dogs just bred for our entertainment.

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  42. After watching this video I thought it would really be cool to go sledding with these dogs. It sounds like a lot of hard work and training that they have to go through in order to compete and do well. I didn’t know that breeders use Irish Setters and Greyhounds to make the Husky faster but, I did predict that there had to be some breeders that would breed different dogs together to create a faster dog to allow their dog to have a better chance of winning. I don’t necessarily agree with this but, if I had to breed a dog to be the best sled dog I would breed both the saluki and greyhound. I would do so because I know how incredibly fast these two dogs are. Also together they could have the potential to be even faster. If I was going to create the best family dog I would select the Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever. I would choose between these two because they’re playful, patient, loving, protective, reliable, confident, smart, kind and loyal dog. Neither aggressive nor timid, they are extremely patient, which is perfect for kids! In my opinion I feel humans shouldn't be tampering with nature for many reasons. In their eyes it may be creating “better” breeds but it’s not right to change breeds to make them have qualities to make them faster or even smaller. I do feel scientist are “playing God” because they are changing the breed how they were born into breeds they want. Overall, I think scientists and breeders should stop breeding different organisms together to create a new type.

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  43. Dog breeding has been going on for years but this does not make it right to do. In my opinion as long as you are not making crazy mixes like a German Shepard and a chihuahuas it's ok. I say this because when people mix dogs sometimes they make a new breed of dogs that is stronger and healthier than both its parents or maybe you make a dog that is a great for people that are blind and need a dog to help them walk around. Breeding dogs is not a bad thing like if someone is allergic to dogs that shed but really wants an awesome playful dog like a golden retriever the solution is a golden retriever mix. you can choose a golden retriever that was mixed with a dog that does not shed. So based on this I do not believe that breeding two different dogs is wrong but I also believe that like all good things there is place where you must stop. Scientists are always trying to find new ways to "improve" nature and by doing this they play "God". I believe everything in nature was made for a certain thing and when you change that you upset balance, as long as we do not cross the threshold and unbalance nature it is fine.
    Everything is perfect just the way it is, we are to blind to see it so we change perfection.

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    1. I completely agree with you. I also feel that is more than fine to make a dog that doesn't shed for allergy reasons, but mixing a German Shepard and a chihuahua, is not okay. You said the last part perfectly!

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    2. I completely agree that breeding is not right and that we shouldn't do crazy mixes like what you said of a German Shepard and chihuahas.

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  44. I think that it is a smart idea to breed faster dogs together because they will be able to pull the heavy weight of the sled and the person and this could mean a lot to the racer. If the dogs are slow and unable to pull the sleigh the rider could get harmed by the cold. It may not b natural but it is smart to do. I think that it's not a good thing to be tampering with DNA because we still don't know a lot about it but it is interesting that scientists are able to do this, but us playing "God" is not always a good thing. It could be a good thing or it could backfire and be our demise.

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    1. Ya I guess that breeding dogs can be good in some aspects but I very much agree with you on breeding can backfire. Something could go wrong and we won't know how to fix it.

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    2. I agree that playing God could be potentially harmful. As outlandish as it seems in movies, the more we delve into the science the closer we are to screwing up and making a big mistake.

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    3. So is it okay for Hitler to try and forge the perfect race through eugenics just as we do with dogs?

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    4. I agree that playing God can be dangerous. Although there may be many benefits of genetics and other related sciences.

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  45. Watching dogs do what they love to do, brings me to as better state of mind. It was interesting to note that huskies howl after dinner and in the morning because I have a huskie too and have been wondering lately why my dog always howls after dinner. If I was going to breed the best dog sled ever, why not combine speed and power and breed a mix of an Alaskan Malamute and a Siberian Huskie. For a family dog, why not combine protection and blue eyes and mix a German Shepherd and a Siberian Huskie. I dont think we should be tampering with nature is a good thing and if scientist kept going to create the best I wouldn't think they would stop till its perfect or until their funding would be cut.

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  46. I think this was a really cool video. I had always been interested in this so I enjoyed this video. I learned that breeders breed irish setters and greyhounds to make the Husky faster. From an early age, I had always loved dogs. When we lived in California, I remember making my dad take me on a walk so we could see all of the dogs. If I were to breed dogs to make the best sled dog ever, I would consider using a lab and any other dog that has good speed. If I got to make a dog for my family, I would use a lab and an english springer spaniel. Both of these dogs are hunting dogs. The lab is nice and protective over the family, while the springer spaniel’s are smart and learn very quickly. I don;t think that it’s okay for scientist to tamper with nature. Although, Some dog breeds are meant to do things like, hunt, run, pull a sled, etc. So I really don’t see a problem with breeding other dogs together. But when people get out of hand and they start breeding constantly, that’s when it can get sketchy. I feel like if breeding is done responsibly, then it is okay. To be completely honest, I don’t think it’s possible to create the perfect dog. Everyone has a different idea of perfect, and everyone has their own opinion. For example, I would never get a chihuahua, but some people love chihuahuas. I do think scientist can get a little crazy with stuff like this, and that’s when things go wrong. Overall, I believe that if people breed dogs responsibly, then that’s totally fine; if a dog is bred to be a sled dog, then let them be a sled dog.

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  47. I did not know dogs were bred with other dogs to make them faster. I think that's a great idea because dogs just like run, and and they get to do that during races. Their crossbreeding does not affect them and they are happy nonetheless. I had to breed a dog for speed I would breed the Greyhounds with another fast dog because because I know greyhounds are fast but I don't know any other fast dog of the same size. If I had to breed a dog to make it family friendly, I would breed a golden retriever and a cocker spaniel because both are very friendly dogs. I think humans tampering with nature is okay as long as they dont cross the line.

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  48. I don't know very much about dog sledding, but it just doesn't seem right to me that scientist artificially breed these animals to receive a better product. It just isn't natural and it seems wrong to me. I feel like this technology is only going to evolve in the future, so I don't know if this could have a long last effect on these dogs, other animals, and possibly even humans later on.

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  49. I get why some people would want to breed dogs with other breeds many sled racers such as a German Shepard for strength and a husky for speed and being able to handle the extremely cold temperatures but I do not necessarily think that this is right. I think that dogs should all breed naturally because with cross breeding there can be some defects within the dog especially when it comes to pure bred dogs. I don't think that people should have the ability to pick and choose the traits of their dog. But if i was able to put two dogs togather for the perfect house dog it would definitely be a corgi and a husky.

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  50. I think that it's neat to breed faster dogs, and it sounds like they really do enjoy racing. I did not know that bredders use Irish Setters and Greyhounds to make the Husky even faster. If breeding a dog to be the best sled dog ever, I would try to choose dogs with speed and possible intelligence. I don't know too much about specific types of dogs, but I feel if the dog had those qualities it would make an excellent racer. I think that creating the best dog for a family, truly depends on their preferences. I own a Boxer myself, and he is definitely a great dog. He's very loving and gentle, and I know for a fact that I would for sure use that type of dog. While I'm not a huge fan of people ¨tampering with nature¨, I don't necessarily find it as a bad thing either. I would not consider breeding dogs as playing God, and I think that now that people have started creating what they believe is the best dog ever, there really is no end to it.

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  51. Dog sled races are always associated with Siberian Huskies because of the specific breed of dog. Personally, it looks like the dogs really love dog sled races, since they get so much exercise while doing it with their owner, and they are meant withstand the cold. After watching the video, it was very interesting seeing the racers saying that dog sled races are their escape from the real world, since they are just out their with their dogs. Breeding the husky and greyhound together is very smart, considering that huskies have very thick fur and tough paws, while greyhounds are very fast racing dogs. This combination is a very wise choice for dog sled racing, but breeding a husky and a german shepherd together would also be very productive. The husky are meant for the cold with tough paws, and german shepherds are very strong and tough dogs, since they are used as police dogs. In regards to a very good dog as a pet, a golden doodle is a very good choice. I have a black golden doodle now, and she is very sweet and loving, also she doesn't shed which is nice!

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  52. I think it is an okay idea for breeding sled dogs because it could seriously mess up the dogs. And in the long term it could completely change the breed it was into something completely different, an example would be the Bulldog. And if I had to choose what dogs would be good combined for a house hold would have to be a dachshund for size and a golden retriever because of how nice they can be. Overall I think that it is okay if we do minor breeding but not so much that we change every breed.

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  53. After watching this video, I got really interested in the whole dog sledding thing and looked up other videos on it. I remember in elementary school when we did the Iditarod unit and I loved it. If I were to breed a dog for sled racing I would breed together a dog who has speed with a dog who has great endurance. I think that sometimes people forget that the dogs need to have a lot of endurance and not just speed. I think that the whole genetically modifying of genes is wrong and humans should not be changed, but I think that the breeding of dogs is harmless. Breeding of dogs is like choosing to have a certain king of dessert by mixing two different flavors to form a better dessert. It isn't harming the DNA of the dog.

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  54. I already knew that they did a lot of breeding animals to form the best for what they need. I would breed a Husky with a Great Dane. Then I would mix that with a Pitbull because, they would be big fast and aggressive and thats all I need. My feelings on humans breeding anything other than domesticated dogs is the same feeling I have about the Aryan race. Humans don’t need to be cloning humans because this could result into mutations and that would only make the world worse.

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  55. I think it is a good idea to breed faster and better sled dogs, however, the dogs should not be forced to breed. If I was breeding the best sled dog, I would breed the traditional husky with a greyhound because of their speed. If I were to breed the perfect family dog, it would either be a golden retriever and poodle, or a lab and a poodle. Labs and goldens are perfect family dogs but shed too much. By breeding them with a dog that doesn't shed, such as a poodle, they became much more family friendly.

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  56. Breeding animals that are designed to be used for a specific purporpose will provide many benefits. It will create a more effective animal. However, ethically you can make many arguments against such actions. I think before people continue using genetics to alter living things more research on the possible effects.

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  57. My mom used to work at an emergency veterinary clinic, and she would always tell me the crazy stories of the dogs that came into the clinic. Being in that type of environment, she was naturally interested in animals, particularly dogs. She has done a lot of research on the pros and cons of breeding different breeds together. What I have gathered from what she tells me (and my own research) is that mixed breeds are NOT okay, in any way, shape, or form. Morally, tampering with the natural process of life is very, very wrong. I completely agree with anyone who says "playing God" is incorrect. But the thing that bothers me the most is that it can be absolutely detrimental to the dog's health. The DNA from both dogs when bred together is combined to form an unnatural, new breed. This can shorten the lifespan, increase (by a staggering amount) the risk of cancer, and make it more likely for the dog to develop joint, respiration, and cardiac problems. It's totally unhealthy and selfish of humans to breed different breeds together to create their idea of a "perfect dog". I would advise you, if you're considering a family pet, to get a purebred dog from a trusted breeder. Buying a dog from a store, such as Petland, can also be terrible, as they use puppy mills to acquire their dogs.

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  58. I know very little about dog breeding and what makes a dog good but I'm for dog breeding and cross breading. If we could make a more perfect dog then why not? I don't see a problem with liking a certain dog so breeding it with another dog so it doesn't shed as much. I understand that some people have caused problems by cross breeding but there is always a problem no matter what you are doing. Were not "playing god" by cross breeding animals,we are breeding different types of dogs to make them better! Again I don't know much about dogs but I think a Boxer is a perfect family dog. My family and I have a Boxer and he is an amazing dog! Boxers are also known to be some of the most loyal and family friendly dogs. They also barley shed, never have to be groomed and usually don't have any health problems. If i were to make the perfect sledding dog I would mix a husky with a greyhound because the greyhound would provide a lot more speed and strength.

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  59. i have always know that some people are more gifyed then others when it comes to having certain traits but i have never once considered it to be a diffrence in genes I have never truly questioned why some peple are better at a certain thing than others. I do belive now that genes affect these traits as for the article what i do find strange is how much tje genes affect the person. such as there may be people who are strong but then there are people who seem to have almost superhuman strength. I do not think that every mutation must be negative like in the article people with photographic memory have a amazing ability that not everyone has and so that is something that is very unique and does not really have a downside. As for a mutation i would like i would not like to get sick as easily it seems as though i get a cold for the smallest reasons.

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  60. I have always been aware that people will crossbreed dogs to make them more suited for what they are wanted to do. In this case, they are using Irish Setters and Greyhounds to help make these sled dogs faster so they will win their races. If I had the opportunity to choose what dogs to use to make the "ultimate sled dog", I honestly wouldn't even know where to start. If I were given the opportunity to create the "ultimate family dog", I wouldn't want to crossbreed anything. Sure, some dogs are generally nicer than others, but to me the breed of an animal doesn't categorize how great it would be in a family. That's all personality. I don't think humans should go tampering what we have. Dogs, and everything else, are just the way they are meant to be, so there is no reason to try and make them into these ultimate creatures.

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  61. I have always been aware that people will crossbreed dogs to make them more suited for what they are wanted to do. In this case, they are using Irish Setters and Greyhounds to help make these sled dogs faster so they will win their races. If I had the opportunity to choose what dogs to use to make the "ultimate sled dog", I honestly wouldn't even know where to start. If I were given the opportunity to create the "ultimate family dog", I wouldn't want to crossbreed anything. Sure, some dogs are generally nicer than others, but to me the breed of an animal doesn't categorize how great it would be in a family. That's all personality. I don't think humans should go tampering what we have. Dogs, and everything else, are just the way they are meant to be, so there is no reason to try and make them into these ultimate creatures.

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