When Is A Dog Considered A Dog?

I was at a CNY gathering last night when the conversation went to the dogs, literally. You see, amongst the group were 2 dog enthusiasts, the kind who keep pedigree breeds. Naturally, the conversation turned to a debate on which type of breed was better (they own a golden retriever and doberman respectively), the difficulties of getting good breeders, and even the intricacies of stud farms. And one of the dog owners was contemplating getting another dog for watch dog purposes as his current dog was too "friendly". Of course, he was only thinking of getting a pedigree dog, thus the current trend of conversation. And the dog in question had to be "perfect". Not a single flaw in the dog's lineage, or breed. If there were to be the littlest imperfection, he just wouldn't consider having the dog at all. It got me to thinking when is dog considered a dog?

I'm not against having dogs as pets, I myself have a dog. But it's not a pedigree one, it's a pariah mixed breed whose mother gave birth to her here in our house and whom we have kept for nearly 7 years. She may not have the looks or the championship lineage, but her doggie heart is in the right place and she does an able job guarding the house (but not when firecrackers / fireworks are around!). For all their supposed love of dogs, why don't these people open up their hearts to real dogs? The kind who love you with their whole faithful loyal doggie heart just for being their owner / master. I think these dogs are worth more than the pedigree show dog that cost thousands of ringgit. Bet these people wouldn't even consider a deformed dog. Not like the owners of Faith the dog, who took in a little deformed puppy and gave her a second chance at life. This courageous dog doesn't know the meaning of disability and is surviving and thriving despite having only two legs. Now that's what I call a dog.