ok, i want to put an end to the deer type chihuahua...

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Answer by chimama
Submitted on 5/19/2004
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I have also been 'burned' in this debate. My biggest problem with these terms is that I have seen them used much too much by breeders who want to extract more money for the 'rare' breeds such as teacups and etc. These terms describe dogs who vary to some extent from the official breed standard description. That doesn't mean they don't have a right to live, but I do believe that they shouldn't breed, since if you do it long enough, you get dogs so far from the breed standard that they don't even look like chihuahuas anymore. The Taco Bell dog is Not in my opinion a good example of a chihuahua as far as conformation, but it is used as an example to make the oddities sound more 'rare and desirable'.

Answer by new proud owner
Submitted on 5/20/2004
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Rose and Chimama, great answers! I agree with you both. I love the fact that chihuahua's are so small, but it's when people are demanding a chihuahua to be 3 lbs or less A.K.A "teacup" It is known for the tinier chi's to have health problems. More people want the little tiny cute ones, but are too rediculous to realize that this will cost a fortune if the pup has slipped knee caps and has to get surgery, then the poor baby gets shipped off to a shelter because a lot of people wouldn't spend that kind of money on a dog. This is sickening to me. Chi's shouldn't be bred under 3lbs... PEOPLE NEED TO READ UP AND STUDY A CERTAIN BREED BEFORE THEY GO OUT AND BUY ONE FOR A QUICK FIX JUST BECAUSE THE ANIMAL IS CUTE!

Answer by chimama
Submitted on 5/24/2004
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There will always be small chihuahuas, my little Gremlin is 2 1/2 pounds, but she was the tiniest of a litter, the rest of them are 4 pounds or more. And, she's cost me well over $2,000 for retained baby teeth and two hernia surgeries. She also has a mild case of slipping kneecaps. I knew that going in she was going to cost me more, but I loved her. My Nixie is 4 pounds, much more sturdy, but just as loving and loved as her smaller 'sister'. Neither of them are up to breed standard, but their parents were, they came from good breeders. Neither will be bred, because I'm not experienced, they deviate too much from standard, and there are too many dogs already in need of homes. I think part of the problem is that the little dogs are 'status symbols', "My dog is smaller than your dog", and that we are such a throw-away society that if the dog isn't convenient, or grows bigger than they thought it would, it just gets chucked into a shelter or even worse left at the side of the road to fend for itself. In my view, when you adopt an animal, you accept the responsibility of providing everything for that animal for as long as it lives. If you can't or won't do that, don't get one.

Answer by lizzybarleo
Submitted on 9/14/2004
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I used to think that there were no deer or teacup chihuahuas too. Everybody said mine looked like a deer chi and I strongly denied it. But I've looked at a lot of sites that talked about deer chis and I realized that there is such a thing and that mine was one. My chihuahua is 2 years old and weighs 5 1/2 pounds.The reason that I believe that he is a deer is because he has long slender legs, a long thin body and a slightly different shaped head. Just because people call them tea cup or deer chis doesn't mean that they are saying it is a different kind of breed. It is just a label or nickname. They are still chihuahuas and they still deserve to be loved and in my opinion they are better than "regular" chihuahuas. My husbands chihuahua is also a deer chi.He looks exactly like an actual deer.We don't love them any less for being somewhat different.The words deer and teacup are just used to describe what they look like or how big they are. People should't have such a fit about what people call chihuahuas. They are all wonderful little babies. Just because some chihuahuas look different than what you guys consider normal doesn't mean they aren't chihuhuas. So do you guys also think that long haired chihuahuas aren't normal and are a different breed? They are chis just like the deer and teacup.It doesn't make any difference what they are called or what they look like, they are still chihuahuas.

Answer by Stephanie
Submitted on 11/7/2004
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I am a new owner of what is called a "deer chi". I bought the puppy from a lady who bred chi's. She showed me the parents both looking very standard chi to me. (like all the pix I had seen) As Peaches (my new baby chi) I noticed she did not resemble her parents at least the parent chi's I was shown. Her parents where both tan in color all over their bodies. Peaches is more white than anything. She does have a tan stripe going down her spine that has widened but she will still be primarily white. Her body build is VERY different from her parents. I did some research and found she would be considered a deer chi. She is precious and I love her. Would not trade her for anything. Actually I like her build better than a standard chi. My question is, Could she have come from such different parents in color and looks? I am sure the color thing could be but she is a tall, thin 4 pound girl. Her parents were shorter legged and mom was 6 pounds. I was told her dad was 4 but would beg to differ. He looked more like 6 or 7 to me.

Answer by Desiderata
Submitted on 2/15/2005
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My roommate recently purchased a "deer" chihuahua. She has never owned a dog in her life, much less bought one. Basically she went into the pet store and assumed (that like electronics) the most expensive dog would be the best for her. He cost her 1400$ Canadian. Being raised by dog breeders, I had never heard of deer chihuahuas and was certain she had been ripped off. They assured her that she could make a lot of money from stud fees when he came of age. He has slipped kneecaps and has splayed front legs, and his back legs touch at the joint. Now I can see that 'deer' is just a breed characteristic that should be recessive but is becoming hot on the market. I don't think pet stores should b using this as a selling point to jack up their prices, much less encourage clueless people to be breeding this into the wider population. I will show her your site because she is convinced she has on her hands a convenient cute form of status that she can also make money on.

Answer by This is an old topic, but I'm a new Chi-mommy
Submitted on 7/2/2005
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My Joey looks like a little deer. He is fawn with a black snout and white tips on his feet and a white diamond on his chest. He has giant, upright bat-ears and a tiny, round head, and his tail curls in a perfect circle over his back. He weighs 3lbs 2 oz, and is very tall and slender as proportions go. He doesn't conform to the standard very well, I suppose, but he is the most adorable creature I've ever seen. He is not shivery or the least bit shy; he fully believes that he is a great dane, and won't hear any advice to the contrary. He isn't eligible for papers; his mom is, but his dad was a handsome yet paper-less rescue. I paid $200 for him, and would've paid more, even sans pedigree. I got him from a friend of a friend, and there was really no hype about his appearance or anything else - my friends got his littermate, and they told me there was one sweet-faced baby left if I wanted him. I didn't get to choose, but if I had I would've chosen him, anyway. The breeder was almost apologetic about his size, as he is the runt; my friends' puppy is a 5 lb frenzy and the third surviving puppy is a 5 and a half pounder. He was certainly not peddled as a 'deer' type, or a teacup (though he has just barely made it into the standard weight category of 3lbs this past month). I didn't know much about chihuahuas when I got him -- didn't consider myself a small-breed type of person, really -- but I love everything about him. I do see a distinct difference between the chihuahuas that resemble Joey and the more squarish-roundish 'apple' shaped heads of other chihuahuas I've seen. I don't know what difference it would make to give recognition to the head shapes, although I do understand why there should not be teacups, they're just too sickly. That's my two -- okay, thirty-seven -- cents.

Answer by Chico's mommy
Submitted on 8/9/2006
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Hi everyone -- My husband and I just adopted Chico (8 days ago) - He was a stud for his first 6 years of life, then, the previous owner gave him away (fortunately, to a shelter, who sent him to a no-kill rescue) -- On one hand, WE ARE SO, SO, HAPPY THAT CHICO WAS AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION, but on the other, HOW INCREDIBLY TRAGIC that his original owner just 'got tired' of breeding and owning dogs -- We LOVE Chico - He is completely a-typical though: i.e. doesn't yap, rarely barks, but when he does, it's a BIG DOG bark (i.e. deep, low, growl-type), does fine with strangers AND children, and LOVES both my husband AND me (although, he makes sure I'm near, and if I leave him, he does NOT leave me for days!) -- I believe we should adopt these breeds before supporting breeders and purchasing (probably in-bred) puppies for $1,000 -- Although it is tempting to have a puppy, it is my opinion that Chihuahuas are PERPETUAL Puppies, so at just about 7, Chico is STILL my 'little man' ('Chico' is Spanish for little and is the masculine form of the word) and will be a puppy until the day he dies!

Answer by tealee
Submitted on 11/18/2006
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I was given a beautiful black and white chi and the people that gave her up insist that she is a "deer chihuahua". I don't intend to breed her and do not care if she is registered, she will be my best friend, but it is already bothering me, the way people insist on what they know because they paid extra and they have papers for proof. this is my first chihuahua, I had a min pin previously and love the small dogs, I am not an expert with dogs, but I do know horses and there are distinguishing types with in every breed. IE; "sweepy" , "halter bred", "stock type" , "saddle type", "flighty", "green", "push button", even "bomb proof". all known breeds have these distinguishing traits but still adhere to a specific standard. Why is it such a wide spread and accepted myth? It only prove that they don't know what they are talking about, and don't really love chihuahuas as a breed, just wanted to be like paris hilton and look cool with there living accessories!

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Question by rose
Submitted on 5/12/2004
Related FAQ: rec.pets.dogs: Chihuahuas Breed-FAQ
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ok, i want to put an end to the deer type chihuahua debate...if you have an opinion, please write it here. my opinion is that deer types look very different, kind of like small dingoes or wild african dogs, should they be condidered another breed all togehter?

Answer by rose
Submitted on 5/18/2004
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that's what i said, but i took a lot of heat on this other site..they were very angry when i tried to explain that they're just oddities of their race. but should they be considered another type or breed altogether?

Answer by rose
Submitted on 6/18/2004
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yeah, it's very true what chimama said, everytime i see a chi owner the first question is always "how big is yours?' and i find it very annoying, as for a law regarding this, i'msure it would have to apply to all breeds of dogs, not just chihuahuas.

Answer by mannynlinda@comcast.net
Submitted on 9/3/2004
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We found our deer-type chi at our local shelter. "Sparky" was left at the shelter with "slipping knee caps". I have gotten rude remarks from other chi owners about his uncharacteristic look: long legs, terrier face, short hair with an almost lion-type ruff about his shoulders, yet he is absolutely beautiful. We met a couple who have several of deer-type chi and are breeding them for just this look. I really don't care if he needs a "different" designation but it seems the "standard chi" owners need to disassociate themselves from those who enjoy a different "look". It's almost like comparing purses: "I have a REAL CHANEL, yours is just a "knock off".

Answer by Kee
Submitted on 9/17/2004
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I just bought a chihuahua that I found to look way different from the one my aunt has. Come to find out some one told me she is considered a deer type which is okay because she's as cute as a button. I was told that she is not going to me no more than lbs which is okay because she is a healthy lil thing. I was so scared about her size because I didn't want a very small dog due to their health issues. 6lbs is okay but I still have to be careful not to step on her. Does it really matter what they are called as long as they are healthy and loved.

Answer by new proud owner
Submitted on 5/17/2004
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I have done a lot of research on this before I bought my baby. Tea cup and deer chi's is a myth~!!

Answer by new proud owner
Submitted on 6/11/2004
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Great opinions guys! I feel right at home! Other people think like me, wow!!! It's great to know that other people are as passionate about animals as I am. Something really needs to be done. Maybe a law for breeding?

Answer by freeland_rachel@yahoo.com
Submitted on 10/28/2004
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I have a a little deer chihuahua. I didn't know that's what she was when i got her; but she sure looks like a deer! She was not sold to me with the title, "Deer style" She is 4.5 lbs - She is healthy and has sooo much energy! I didn't even know what "Deer style" meant and laughed to myself about it after I found out there was a label for her! She does look like a little dingo or something though!! She cracks me up with her expressions! BUUUUTT...I don't think they should breed any dog knowing there is health risk involved. I just thought I'd share...She came out cute; whatever style chihuahua she is :)

Answer by duped - lucky owner
Submitted on 12/31/2004
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Hi your questions and answers have been very helpful! I should of done more research before buying but my heart won over brains. I have a 1.2 kilo,2.5lbs short hair, long legged "deer type" black-tan female. She looks very sassy and spritly and every where we go we get stopped. Fortuneatly we have had no problems with her and because of her size I have had her spayed (common sense). What makes me mad is the supposed "breeder" never made any suggestions about breed standard! I definately agree with breed standard and pet stock rules. But even though our family of six,with four children love her for what she is.

Answer by Cupcake
Submitted on 2/11/2005
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I find what you guys are saying very offensive. I love my Deer chihuhuas. People lose their mind when they try to get a chi, they always want the smallest one. I have two chi's, one is 10.5 pounds and the other is 8.2 pounds. My dogs are sturdy and robust and live with two siberian huskies comfortably. I am going to try to breed my big chi's and try to show people that when it comes to chi's bigger is better. My dogs have survived so much, including one who contracted Parvo from a neighbors dog. I just don't think a little rinky dink chi who tips the scale at 2 pounds would last one day as a real dog.

Answer by chiboi
Submitted on 3/2/2005
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I am a chi breeder and i am actively involved in showing beautiful chihuahuas and i'lltell you all that teacups and deertypes are the result of poor breeding practices-granted the chi is a "toy" breed, however-a lot of people cross the line when they start breeding for smaller and smaller dogs-it's unatural...the chihuahua should be between 2-6lbs and have an apple-dome head with a cobby body-not rat-like or deertype -those people out there breeding and bastardizing the breed by overbreeding with poor quality chis should be shot...other countries would not allow so much poor breeding...americans are fat slobs who try to make a quick buck....

Answer by O-chi-wa-wa
Submitted on 3/6/2005
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Actually, Deer heads look more like the original Chihuahuas than Apple heads. Apples tend to favor Pomeranians in facial appearance and body shape/size. Pomeranians were used in breeding to produce a long hair coat and, IMHO, to replace some of the less desirable features: bulging eyes, long snout, long legs and bodies, etc. However, the tables have now been turned as a large number of Chi lovers are now interested in these "funny looking" Chis. I'm glad to see that these Chis are finally making a comeback...

Answer by D.J.Grizzle
Submitted on 6/27/2005
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My girlfriend and I have a deer type chihuahua. He's got really long legs and is the biggest chihuahua anyone I know has ever even seen. He weighs about 8 lbs. He's also by far the nicest, most well behaved, people loving small dog I've ever known. I don't understand what the fuss is about. They aren't sub-breeds or anything. Its just like people. I don't see a huge man and call him an Elk-Man or a short girl and call her a Teacup-girl.

Answer by Ragdoll
Submitted on 8/6/2005
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My Chihuahua is over eight pounds, 11 inches tall, not over weight. She is a neat dog. She does have a knee popping minor problem, but otherwise healthy. Didn't know what size she would be, but didn't care. Bought her from a Pet store, guess that wasn't the best way?

Answer by SHANNO
Submitted on 10/7/2005
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My Dog is a "Deer" type chihuahua and I love him. Hes a better looking version of the regular chihuahua, he doesnt look like a little sewer rat. Hes a good guard dog, more friendly and he doesnt bite strangers or act like a brat. I love him!

Answer by gabina
Submitted on 10/14/2005
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i think that people can call their dogs what ever they want to. like my dog, he is a chi, but he looks exactly like a deer, so i call him a deer chi.

Answer by Davie
Submitted on 10/25/2005
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I have a "Deer" Chihuahua. All I have to say is who cares. Dogs are meant to be "Man's best friend". My Chihuahua (Papi) is the sweetest dog that I have ever met. He and I go everywhere together to include traveling around the united states. In my opinion; a dog is to be there as a friend not an object or something for show. Let's let this go people. These dogs are living breathing animals.

Answer by Corky
Submitted on 10/25/2005
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I have been trying to find information about a "deer" chihuahua. I went to a breeder and found a puppy that I fell in love with. She said the puppy was more money than the others because she was a deer chihuahua. I first want to find out any information on her,but it really doesn't matter what "type" she is. Please forward pics and info to Coyotecove5@wmconnect.com. Thanks!

Answer by millie
Submitted on 1/15/2006
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I need help, I have a 9lb pup that has papers, but dose not look like most chihuahuas, she is black and tan has the eyes,but has long legs and on her back has a ruff coat and her ears do not stand up, other than that she looks just like a chihuahuas, I was told that she is a deer chuhuahua, is there any mush thing?

Answer by shorty
Submitted on 1/24/2006
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You guys its the year 2006 and stuff like that is a thing in the past there is sucha thing as a deer chi and most people like the term teacup because that is the cutest breed of chi and people should'veseen that people like you guys would see the things that were negative.larter homie-g (shorty)

Answer by Christy
Submitted on 1/26/2006
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Well, the deer-type chihuahua does exist; I know because I am the owner of one...and I am very proud of my baby. The deer-type is not an oddity...it's the original chihuahua. Georgie has very long and dainty legs, and a deer-like figure..very cute..he may be bigger than the usual Chi, but I love my baby.

Answer by me
Submitted on 3/1/2006
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Guess what I have a deer chi and he is the most lovable dog. They all need TLC!!!!!!!!! Its not his fault he is cuter than your dogs!!!

Answer by morgan
Submitted on 3/31/2006
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this is a question i think i may have a deer chihuahua but do not know how to tell if i do. how tall and what do they look like? can u tell me rose. my chihuahua is 5lbs and is like 10inches tall he is white with tan spots is he a deer? thank you for your time bye!!!

Answer by cheehooahooa
Submitted on 5/30/2006
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personally, i happen to like the larger chis. i also happen to like a more slender head. and lo and behold, i found my 'perfect' chi at the pound! given up by someone who wanted a smaller dog with a rounder head. go figure!

Answer by Doe Lover
Submitted on 6/8/2006
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That's ridiculous to say that doe head chihuahuas shouldn't breed, that's taking away freedom. Who cares if there is apple heads and doe heads, they are both cute to me. Though I find most doe heads a little cuter. Really how many people actually put their chihuahuas in shows? Breed standards? If there is two types of mini pins, then its fine to have two types of chihuahuas. You can't really do anything about it but complain.

Answer by Siz
Submitted on 7/4/2006
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I do own two of these "deer" type Chihuahua's and I personally don't think that there should be a law against them being bred. I love my dogs and I think other people could love them just as much. Just because they aren't the Perfect Chihuahua doesn't mean that they shouldn't exist. If people know the risks of owning one and actually want to pay for these risks, then let them. A chi is a chi no matter how big or small, I agree to that! So it makes no sense to stop them from being bred, if they are all the same...

Answer by nygurl
Submitted on 12/17/2006
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i think the deer head ones are much cuter.the apple head ones look funny there eyes are kinda on the side of there head.

Answer by marndz
Submitted on 12/19/2006
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Paris Hilton and the likes of Brittany Spears do not constitute as owners of the perfect specimen of chi's. Get it out of your head. They should not have small ears, short legs and short faces. do rats contain these eliments, or do you know their derivative at all?

Answer by battinside
Submitted on 1/2/2007
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my belief is the akc has changed its standard of the chihuahua to become like the apple head type because it is favored more and in the old days it was more like the deer type. everyone i know had deer types way back and then someone must have started breeding in the newer apple head types. its my understanding that the akc often changes its standards of all dogs over time to fit what is so called popular. what is other people opinions on this.

Answer by lovemychi
Submitted on 1/22/2007
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I have what i guess would be a miniature chihuahua....or a chihuahua with miniature attributes. She was supposed to be the runt of the litter. her brother and sister were huge, normal size chi's. Sophie is about 9 months old and is about 2.5lbs and really healthy. She was the product of an accidental litter mother being full size and father being a miniature. or vice versa. i don't remember. all i know is i love my baby chi. she walks on 2's allot, she even cruises like a baby, around the coffee table, along the couch. she is my baby. (i also have 2 real children). but i didn't go searching for a "miniature" dog. I found her and loved her.

Answer by Mrs. Graham
Submitted on 3/8/2007
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I just adopted a deer chihuahua and its the cutest pup. i personally don't think that they need a catergory of there own. yes they are different from other chihuahuas but thats what makes them so adorable. Good luck with your dogs!

Answer by Havoc
Submitted on 4/1/2007
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My chihuahua is 1/2 deer and 1/2 standard... His mom was a deer chihuahua and so he's got her long body and sideways ears but he got the dad's short stubby legs. He's full grown at 15 pounds and still correct weight. I did research and they exist but the small ones are much harder to find once they have a larger size in the bloodline.

Answer by katie
Submitted on 5/15/2007
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I have a 10 pound deer chihuahua...

Answer by Jay
Submitted on 6/6/2007
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I did some research prior to buying my guy. True, he is larger than most Chihuahuas but he is a true chihuahua (deer head)and blue Merle on top of that. There is no doubt in my mind as to his breed as I have seen both of his parents, but he is wonderful and has some excellent AKC markings for a chihuahua. I always get people saying he is too big for a chihuahua and think he is part Dachsund. How frustrating that he is stereotyped to be tiny and like the Taco Bell Dog. Just as there are a variety of people who are considered white, black, Asian etc... we need to look at the possibility of variation in breed and not discriminate!

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