In the world of pedigree dog breeding, few topics are as important and complex as breed health. Breeders, vets, Kennel Clubs and breed clubs have long focused on ensuring dogs embody the ideal characteristics of their breed while maintaining optimal health. However, as our understanding of canine genetics and health evolves, we must ask ourselves: Is breed health a moving target?
This month’s article aims to explore the dynamic nature of health in pedigree dogs, examining how our perception and definition of health have changed over time and the implications these changes have for breeders. We’ll consider the complexities of defining health, discuss factors that contribute to shifting health standards, and provide examples of breeds where the concept of health has notably evolved.
Defining Health in Dogs
Before we can discuss the changing nature of breed health, we must first attempt to define what we mean by “health” in the context of pedigree dogs. At its most basic level, health can be defined as the absence of disease or infirmity. However, this simplistic definition falls short when considering the complexities of canine well-being.
A more comprehensive definition of health in dogs might include:
- Physical health: The absence of genetic disorders, structural defects, and susceptibility to diseases.
- Functional health: The ability to perform breed-specific tasks and lead an active life without limitations.
- Reproductive health: The capacity to produce healthy offspring without complications.
- Mental health: The absence of behavioural issues and the ability to adapt to various environments.
- Longevity: A lifespan that is typical or above average for the breed.
This multifaceted definition highlights the complexity of health and sets the stage for understanding why our perception of breed health may change over time.
The Dynamic Nature of Breed Health
Several factors contribute to the evolving concept of breed health:
- Advances in Veterinary Medicine and Genetics
As veterinary medicine and genetic research progress, we gain new insights into canine health. Conditions that were once poorly understood or undiagnosable can now be identified and treated. This increased knowledge allows us to recognise health issues that may have been previously overlooked or considered normal for a breed.
For example, the discovery of the gene mutation responsible for Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC) in several breeds including Labrador Retrievers has changed how breeders approach breeding decisions. What was once considered a mysterious condition is now a testable genetic trait that can be managed through careful breeding practices.
- Changing Breed Standards and Conformation
Breed standards, which define the ideal physical characteristics of a breed, can sometimes inadvertently promote features that compromise health. As our understanding of the impact of certain physical traits on health improves, breed standards have been revised by the Royal Kennel Club to prioritise healthier conformation.
The Bulldog, French Bulldog and Pug are prime examples of breeds whose standards have undergone significant changes to address health concerns. The brachycephalic features that have been linked to respiratory and ocular issues, have resulted in revisions in the breed standard to promote a more moderate type. The responsibility for adhering to these in the showring primarily lies with judges.
- Shifting Environmental Factors
As dogs’ living environments change, new health challenges may emerge. For instance, the rise of urban living has led to an increase in certain behavioural issues and a decrease in exercise-related injuries in some breeds. Extreme weather conditions may also impact breed health, with some dogs becoming more susceptible to heat-related illnesses or new parasitic diseases as temperatures rise and ecosystems shift.
- Evolving Societal Expectations
Public perception and societal expectations regarding animal welfare have a significant impact on how we define and prioritise breed health. As awareness of animal welfare issues increases, there is growing pressure on breeders and kennel clubs to address health concerns more proactively. We have seen numerous examples of legislation being brought in in Europe and Scandinavia. These range from outright bans on breeding (Cavaliers in Norway) to health-check requirements that make it virtually impossible to hold dog shows (Germany).
- Emerging Diseases and Health Threats
New diseases or health threats can emerge over time, altering our understanding of breed health. The rise of certain cancers in specific breeds, for example, has led to increased focus on genetic predispositions and environmental factors that may contribute to these conditions.
Implications for Dog Breeders
The dynamic nature of breed health presents both challenges and opportunities for pedigree dog breeders:
- Continuous Education
Breeders must commit to ongoing education to stay informed about the latest developments in canine health, genetics, and breed-specific issues. This may involve attending seminars, participating in breed club health committees, and collaborating with veterinary professionals.
- Adaptation of Breeding Practices
As new health information becomes available, breeders may need to adapt their breeding practices. This could involve incorporating new genetic tests, adjusting breeding pairs to reduce the risk of emerging health issues, or working to modify physical traits that have been identified as problematic. Tests that were perhaps essential a few years ago, may no longer be so relevant in light of new evidence and changing priorities.
- Balancing Tradition and Progress
Breeders often face the challenge of balancing the preservation of traditional breed characteristics with the need to improve health. This may require difficult decisions about which traits to prioritise and how to interpret and apply breed standards in light of new health information.
- Transparency and Collaboration
As breed health becomes an increasingly complex and evolving topic, transparency and collaboration within the breeding community become crucial. Sharing health data, participating in research studies, and openly discussing breed-specific health challenges can contribute to overall improvements in breed health.
- Long-term Planning
Recognising that breed health is not a static concept, breeders must engage in long-term planning. This involves considering not just the immediate health of their breeding dogs and puppies, but also the potential health impacts on future generations. This is probably one of the most challenging issues; how to get breeders to change their behaviour from a focus on short-term decisions to understanding the long-term impacts they can have on a breed.
In conclusion, the concept of breed health in pedigree dogs is indeed a moving target. As our understanding of canine genetics, physiology, and environmental influences evolves, so too must our approach to breeding for health. What may have been yesterday’s “gold standard” for health screening could, quite easily, need to be different tomorrow.
