The recently published paper “A new future for dog breeding” delves into the evolving trends in dog breeding and their implications for animal welfare. Here is a brief summary of the main points:
- Critical Scrutiny of Purebred Dogs: The concept of purebred dogs has faced increasing criticism due to health and welfare issues arising from inbreeding and extreme conformation traits. This scrutiny has led to a reevaluation of traditional breeding practices.
- Emerging Trends: New trends include a decline in the influence of traditional kennel clubs, stricter legal restrictions on dog breeding, and a rise in the popularity of designer breeds and mixed-breed dogs. These trends reflect a shift towards prioritizing health and welfare over pedigree.
- Health and Welfare Concerns: Both designer breeds and mixed breeds have their own health and behavioural problems. Purebred dogs offer predictability in terms of size, behaviour, and grooming needs, which can benefit human-dog relationships. However, the health issues associated with inbreeding and extreme conformation traits remain a significant concern.
- Future Directions: The paper suggests that the future of dog breeding should involve reopening breed registries, removing extreme conformation traits from breed standards, and focusing on health and appropriate behaviour in dog showing and breeding. This approach aims to balance the benefits of predictability in purebred dogs with the need for improved health and welfare.
- Historical Context: The article provides a historical overview of dog breeding, from the domestication of dogs to the development of modern dog breeds and the establishment of kennel clubs. This context helps to understand the origins of current breeding practices and their impact on dog health and welfare.
- Inbreeding and Genetic Diversity: The paper highlights the negative effects of inbreeding and the importance of maintaining genetic diversity in dog populations. Inbreeding can lead to a high burden of inherited disorders and reduced genetic variation, which negatively impacts the health and welfare of dogs.
- Public Awareness and Media Influence: Public awareness of the welfare problems associated with dog breeding has increased, partly due to media coverage and scientific research. This increased awareness has led to greater scrutiny of traditional breeding practices and a push for change.
- Kennel Club Initiatives: Despite various initiatives by kennel clubs to address these issues, significant changes in the health and welfare of problematic dog breeds have been slow and insufficient. The paper suggests that more proactive measures are needed to improve the health and welfare of dogs.
- Outcrossing Projects: Some breed clubs have established outcrossing projects to improve genetic diversity and health in certain breeds. These projects involve breeding dogs from different breeds or lines to introduce new genetic material and reduce the risk of inherited disorders.
- Open Breed Registries: The paper mentions examples of open breed registries that allow non-pedigree dogs to be evaluated and included in the breed registry based on phenotypic resemblance and health criteria. This approach aims to increase genetic diversity and improve the health and welfare of dogs.
The paper has several implications for dog breeders:
Dog breeders need to prioritise the health and welfare of dogs over aesthetic traits. This means selecting against extreme conformation traits that negatively impact dogs’ health and longevity. Maintaining genetic diversity is crucial. Stricter legal restrictions on dog breeding are likely to be implemented so breeders need to stay informed about these regulations and ensure their practices comply with them. As public awareness of the health issues associated with certain breeds increases, there may be a shift in demand towards healthier breeds and mixed-breed dogs. Breeders and breed clubs should work closely with kennel clubs to implement health-focused breeding practices and participate in initiatives aimed at improving breed health. Continuous education and training for breeders are essential to stay updated on best practices and advancements in genetic testing and health screening.
You can read the full paper here.
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 13 January 2025 Proschowsky et al
