Animal Politics: The Hidden Risks of Purebred Dog Breeding
Behind the Glamour: Unveiling the Controversies at the Westminster Dog Show
It’s that time of year again! The Westminster Dog Show opens today, aiming to showcase what are considered the finest examples of purebred dogs from around the world. This occasion provides a perfect moment to delve into the complex and often controversial practice of breeding purebred dogs, especially the risks associated with inbreeding that can compromise the health and well-being of these animals. In this article I want to invite you to watch the Westminster Dog Show with an informed and critical perspective.
As we admire the beauty and pedigree of these dogs, we must also consider the ethical and health implications of their breeding practices, which are crucial for ensuring their health and vitality. These practices, focused intensely on aesthetics and specific traits, inadvertently echo a darker period in history.
The uncomfortable and distasteful legacy of eugenics casts a long shadow over the practice of dog breeding. Just as eugenics sought to manipulate human genetics to achieve perceived perfection, the selective breeding of dogs to enhance specific traits raises profound ethical concerns. This parallel invites us to question the manipulation of life and the prioritization of aesthetics over health - the very issues that are starkly evident in the world of purebred dogs.
As someone deeply entrenched in the field of animal welfare, with a history of advocating for the humane treatment and care of animals, I find the points raised in a recent New York Times article (Has Dog Breeding Gone Too Far?) both compelling and concerning. The article meticulously outlines the consequences of inbreeding among purebred dogs, including a heightened susceptibility to genetic disorders, reduced genetic diversity, and the perpetuation of physical and behavioral traits that may compromise the health and well-being of these animals and their progeny for generations to come.
The practice of breeding dogs with a narrow focus on aesthetics and conformity to breed standards, often at the expense of their health, is a troubling trend that has been observed across various dog breeds. This approach not only endangers the health of individual animals but also raises ethical questions about our responsibilities as stewards of these creatures.
The exploration of genetic consequences provides a compelling look at the impact of inbreeding among dogs. It underscores how the limited genetic diversity in purebred populations often results in the accumulation of deleterious alleles—gene variants that negatively affect the health of the organism. (A list of dog breeds that suffer from the most egregious forms of deleterious alleles, along with the genetic disorders they are predisposed to can be found at the end of this article.)
These harmful genetic traits can reduce an organism's ability to survive and reproduce, leading to serious health problems such as hip dysplasia and heart conditions. This genetic bottleneck, characteristic of purebred dogs, highlights the urgent need for broader genetic diversity to mitigate these risks.
Evidence drawn from studies and genetic analyses underscores the urgent need for a reevaluation of breeding practices that prioritize the physical and genetic health of dogs over superficial breed characteristics. It calls for a collective effort, including breeders, veterinarians, and prospective pet owners to address these challenges and promote responsible breeding practices that emphasize health, temperament, and genetic diversity.
This includes the implementation of comprehensive health screening protocols for breeding dogs, the adoption of more inclusive breed standards that prioritize health over appearance, and the education of the public on the importance of supporting ethical breeding practices.
As we reflect on the insights provided by The New York Times article, it is imperative that we, as a society, take concrete steps towards fostering a culture of responsible pet ownership and breeding. This entails supporting breeders who adhere to ethical practices, advocating for the reform of breed standards to prioritize health, and encouraging the adoption of mixed-breed dogs, which often benefit from greater genetic diversity.
In conclusion, I hope this article serves as a call to action for all stakeholders involved in the world of dog breeding and ownership. I hope it challenges us to reconsider our values and practices, urging us to place the welfare of these beloved animals at the forefront of our efforts. By embracing responsible breeding practices and making informed choices as pet owners, we can contribute to the well-being of dogs and ensure that they lead healthy, happy lives.
As we move forward, let us commit to being advocates for change, championing the cause of animal welfare, and working tirelessly to ensure that the beauty of our canine companions is matched by their health and vitality.
Post Script: Most Egregious Examples of Deleterious Alleles
The development of dog breeds through selective breeding practices has led to the emergence of specific physical and behavioral traits. However, this has also resulted in the accumulation of deleterious alleles in certain breeds, leading to a higher prevalence of genetic disorders. Here is a list of dog breeds that suffer from the most egregious forms of deleterious alleles, along with the genetic disorders they are predisposed to:
French Bulldogs: Prone to a range of genetic health issues, including brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, spinal disorders, and skin conditions.
Boxers: High risk of cancers such as lymphoma/lymphosarcoma and mast cell tumors. Predisposed to arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), a heart condition.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: High incidence of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD), a heart condition. Also suffer from syringomyelia, a condition where their skull is too small for their brain.
Dalmatians: Prone to urinary stones and deafness.
Doberman Pinschers: At risk for dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart condition. Also predisposed to von Willebrand's disease, a bleeding disorder.
English Bulldogs: Suffer from a range of issues due to their extreme brachycephalic (short-nosed) conformation, including respiratory and dental problems.
German Shepherds: High prevalence of hip dysplasia, a joint disorder. Also at risk for degenerative myelopathy, a spinal cord disease.
Golden Retrievers: High cancer risk, particularly lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma.
Labrador Retrievers: Prone to obesity, joint problems, and also have a higher prevalence of arthritis and joint diseases.
Pugs: Suffer from brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome and other issues related to their conformation.
Rottweilers: At risk for hip dysplasia and cancers such as osteosarcoma.
Shetland Sheepdogs: High risk of senior kidney disease.
West Highland White Terriers: Prone to skin conditions and also have a higher risk of senior kidney disease.
Yorkshire Terriers: Susceptible to liver shunt and also have a high risk of senior kidney disease.
This list highlights the genetic predispositions of certain dog breeds to specific health issues. It's important for potential dog owners to be aware of these predispositions to provide the best care for their pets. Additionally, responsible breeding practices, including genetic testing and avoiding inbreeding, are crucial for reducing the prevalence of these deleterious alleles in dog populations.
Ed Boks is a former Executive Director of the New York City, Los Angeles, and Maricopa County Animal Care & Control Departments. He is available for consultations. His work has been published in the LA Times, New York Times, Newsweek, Real Clear Policy, Sentient Media, and now on Animal Politics with Ed Boks.
Very necessary piece, well done! While all dogs presented at shows go through all kinds of prep, training, as well as being so inbred their lives are often compromised or cut short, they are a pretty site for that brief moment. Much earlier in my life, had my first dog at age 26, a beautiful Tricolor Shetland Sheepdog, acquired because breeders were distressed he grew over the height limit. Very active, loving dog, adored him. Outsiders thought he looked just like “Lassie.” But I lost him to cancer at only ten years old. He had a best friend in our house, a big, black stray cat 🐈⬛ who knocked on the door for dinner and refused to leave. They were fabulous companions for one another and ran, played throughout the house. Best years of my life. Of course, had to have another having been converted to Shelties completely. So my dear, sweet now departed mother looked far and wide and found another “unacceptable “ Blue Merle female Sheltie who had won ribbons in dog shows for obedience but, alas, she was oversized for standard as well, a gorgeous playful, active dog, one blue eye and one brown. She was equally sensational but for separation anxiety while I was working, barking at the window, but still had big, black Charlie 🐈⬛ to play with. So she had cancer at age ten, euthanized as well. Twenty years of shelties was not enough. I’ve tried ever after to find another with no success, I believe because the inbreeding has compromised their health in the US so badly. Noticed there are many in the UK still on internet searches. Expect their breeding is more responsible there. My love for animals took me into rescue where my new mantra is “adopt, don’t shop.” To date have been a mother to 14 cats and dogs and would trade none of them for the joy and companionship they bring. Many foster animals came and were adopted to others or were “foster failures” adopted by me during my “Rescue” phase, until I became mobility impaired and could not continue that retirement hobby. Am left now with two loving seniors 😽😽 indoors of course, my family, who will be the last due to my physical limitations. Have no idea how many fosters came through these doors and left with new owners through the years, too many to count. I have developed with all this experience an aversion to breeding as the pet population has exploded in my area and foundlings are euthanized in shelters everyday, heartbreaking. 💔 Humans lost their compassion after Covid and simply dumped so many animals where ever they were not observed.
So I will have no love of the Westminster Show as I see so many postings for lost, homeless animals in my area and many are injured, sick, live in misery in the elements and rescue friends are completely burned out after spending all their savings, time, and energy trying to do the impossible, find homes for the deserving left out pets. We were approaching a “no kill” operation at our shelter in affiliation with the “Best Friends” org in Utah but now I believe that has become impossible because the community does not care for its animal friends, and refuses to even work with the Trap, Neuter, Release animals that have been sterilized and left in communes where they are at least fed. So very sad. Saw an article yesterday about the population problem in Australia where cats are now considered predators to local small wildlife and birds and are being shot to reduce the numbers. Restore the expected biodiversity. Who do we think we are in the world 🌎 to judge what animals live and die? An arrogant species, Homo Sapiens. So that’s my story. There are millions like it. Must get breakfast for my “family” and give them the attention they so deserve, my two adoption failures rescued by me because they were too quick or vicious to be homed by anyone else. They were simply very shy, scared and needed some love to turn them into the adoring companions that keep me going at this point. They adapted so well to my disabilities; one is diabetic and so very smart, comes to me when she feels the need for insulin. Ages 11 and 14years9months. Holding on for them; no one to take them when I depart this world so I will stay through all the crises daily and hope the body cooperates. Love your focus! Thank you!😊
Thank you, Ed, for covering this issue in such depth. The destructive force of Eugenics is clearly on display with all of the health problems bred into these animals who suffer for it.