While debates around ethics after professional canine breeding have been on the table, in recent years, concern for health problems that affect certain races due to the selection based on their appearance has grown. Dogs of dogs with extremely short snouts, excessive skin folds or disproportionate legs can be adorable, but behind these aesthetic characteristics are frequently hiding serious health problems.
A recent study, presented at the Canine Science Forum and published in the magazine Welfare animalraises the urgent need to rethink the breeding of breed dogsmoving from a model centered to one that prioritizes health. The work analyzes how current practices have favored the appearance of hereditary diseases and how a standard reform could be the solution for a healthier future for dogs.
When aesthetics compromises health
For more than a century, breeding clubs and canine exhibitions have promoted standards that prioritize specific physical features, but many of these features, being taken to the extreme, have become a problem for the health of the animals themselves.
Races such as English Bulldog or Carlino, for example, present so short snouts that suffer serious respiratory difficulties (brachycephalic syndrome). German shepherds with excessively inclined backs can develop hip dysplasia, while Shar Peis, selected by their deep wrinkles, are prone to chronic skin infections.
To this is added The problem of consanguinity. The search for ‘racial purity’, although it is currently more controlled, has reduced genetic diversity in many races, increasing the probability that hereditary diseases are transmitted.
Design breeds: solution or new problem?
The growing rejection of races with health problems has promoted two trends: the adoption of mestizo dogs and the creation of design breeds, such as Labradoodle (Labrador and Caniche crossing) or the Puggy (Carlino and Beagle).
Although mestizos usually have greater genetic diversity, which can reduce some risks, this does not automatically guarantee optimal health. On the other hand, The designed crosses are inheriting the worst of each race by not making a responsible selection. The study emphasizes that, although these design breeds are presented as healthier alternatives, they are also showing hereditary diseases because many of these crosses are only based on appearance and fashion.
How to rethink the breeding of dogs?
The authors of the study propose a series of measures that would allow transit to a more ethical and responsible canine breeding.
- Allow reproductive use with new specimens to Increase genetic diversity and reduce the risks associated with consanguinity.
- Canine exhibitions should Stop reward physical characteristics that compromise healthsuch as excessively short snouts or disproportionate bodies.
- Use Advanced genetic tools to avoid the transmission of hereditary diseases and encourage the breeding of longest and healthier dogs.
- Some countries have already implemented regulations that prohibit the breeding of dogs with certain hereditary malformations. The study advocates extend this type of law internationally.
A shared challenge: breeders, legislators and holders
The study emphasizes that responsibility does not fall only on breeders and legislators. Potential buyers or adopters play a role as much or more important than the previous ones and must Inform before acquiring a dog and opt for responsible breeders or adopt animals that do not promote the sale of these races.
For experts involved in the analysis, The challenge is great, but the change is possible. Reforming canine breeding to focus on health would not only benefit dogs, but also families looking for healthy and happy companions. Because, in the end, a healthy dog not only lives, but also lives better.
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