How do you feel about dogs? Are they family or are they just something to have around
I love dogs.  They are "man's best friend."  They are just like family to me.  How about you?  How do you feel about them?
I love them, for me I could never get a dog from a breeder. I'm too cheap, pure breeds mean nothing to me and there are sooo many animals in shelters ever year that are put down because they are without a home
Yes.  Even pedigree dogs have real issues with their health and welfare by breeders.  There was a program in the UK that exposed a lot of these issues with the pure-bred dogs.  Caused a big controvery among the Kennel Club.
Yes, so many breeders throw genetics together for human novelty not considering how it would impact the anatomy and health of the animal
I have several mutts myself.  We purchased them from the dog pound.  Great dogs.  One is a German-Shepherd mix.  An incredibly smart and loving dog.  Very intelligent and obedient.  
Same! I would say mine is more of Greyhound Husky, the other is a Basset Hound Lab, very strange mix. Training pound animals can be a challenge but it is easier the younger they are
I agree.  Now does your Basset Hound smell around and look for small animals?  They were bred particularly to hunt rabbits, so just curious if the nature of your dog is still strong in that way.
So often! After a rain oddly enough she is a super sniffer for grubs. She will go to where they are in the ground and dig in and grab one to play with, she always tries to take them inside!
LOL.  Amazing.  Amazing that their olfactory senses are so amazingly strong.  The only breed of dog that has a stronger "smeller" is that of the Bloodhound.  Dogs are amazing.  I agree with you 100%.  I think breeding for strength can be good; but breeding for novelty is a real problem.