A groundbreaking study, published in the Animal Welfare journal, led by Associate Professor Helle Friis Proschowsky and Professor Peter Sandøe at the University of Copenhagen, in collaboration with international researchers, is advocating for a transformative shift in global dog breeding practices. The study, titled “A New Future for Dog Breeding,” powerfully asserts that current appearance-driven breeding standards are significantly compromising canine health and welfare. This approach has resulted in a range of inherited disorders and a reduced quality of life for many purebred dogs.
The Problem: Inherited Disorders and the Breeding Landscape
The research underscores the widespread issue of genetic health issues afflicting purebred dogs, often a direct consequence of selecting for extreme physical characteristics. This is evident in brachycephalic breeds, such as Bulldogs and Pugs, which are highly susceptible to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), eye problems, and skin fold issues. Similarly, breeds like German Shepherds are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, and giant breeds often face a higher risk of heart problems. The study emphasizes that the relentless pursuit of breed “perfection” within limited gene pools has frequently exacerbated these health concerns by reducing genetic diversity.
The study further examines the shifting dog breeding landscape, which includes:
Declining Influence of Traditional Kennel Clubs: Kennel clubs, once dominant in setting breed standards and regulating breeding, are losing influence, often failing to integrate modern scientific understanding of canine genetics and health.
Rise of Designer Breeds: The growing popularity of “designer” breeds, like Cockapoos and Labradoodles, often marketed as healthier, is also explored. While the greater genetic diversity in these mixes can lower the risk of specific inherited conditions, the study warns that they are not immune to health or behavioral problems. Additionally, unregulated breeding within these breeds can lead to new and unpredictable issues.
Growing Popularity of Mixed Breeds: The increasing adoption of mixed-breed dogs from animal shelters and rescue organizations highlights a shift in public opinion away from the sole focus on breed purity.
Echoing Previous Concerns and a Call for Systemic Reform
The study’s findings resonate with prior concerns raised by the UK Government’s Animal Welfare Committee and global animal welfare organizations. These groups have consistently highlighted the welfare implications of breeding for exaggerated physical features and the urgent need for systemic reforms within the dog breeding industry to prioritize animal welfare.
A Science-Based Framework for Change: Key Recommendations
The study proposes a practical, science-backed framework to drive change, urging breeders, regulators, and policymakers to embrace these measures:
Revision of Breed Standards:
Remove Harmful Traits: Actively eliminate breed standards that encourage extreme physical features known to cause canine health problems, for example, standards relating to brachycephalic traits that directly compromise breathing.
Focus on Functional Health: Shift the focus in breed standards to traits that prioritize health, temperament, and longevity, over purely aesthetic criteria.
Reforming Breeding Structures:
Evolving Breed Clubs: Rather than dismantling kennel clubs and breed-specific societies, they should be modernized with scientific principles and a focus on health outcomes and genetic diversity
Establish Formal Breeding Registers: Implement publicly accessible, mandatory breeding registers, not just for pedigree dogs but for all dog breeding programs, facilitating traceability and reducing irresponsible breeding.
Legislation and Regulation:
Comprehensive Welfare Reforms: Enact legislation applying welfare standards across the entire dog population, regardless of breed status, ensuring ethical breeding practices and animal welfare standards are met.
Enforce Breeding Standards: Rigorously enforce updated breed standards and ethical breeding practices to ensure the welfare of all dogs.
Leveraging Modern Genetic Tools:
Genetic Screening: Promote the use of modern genetic screening to identify and avoid breeding dogs carrying genes predisposing them to disease, ensuring healthier breeding practices.
Focus on Functional Genetics: Shift the emphasis toward understanding functional genetics and its role in canine health and welfare, including epigenetics and gene-environment interactions for improved animal health.
Nuances in the Debate and the Importance of Organized Breeding
Associate Professor Proschowsky stresses the importance of providing evidence-based insights to address misconceptions, particularly surrounding designer and mixed breeds.
Mixed Breeds Aren’t Always Healthier: The study doesn’t suggest that mixed or designer breeds are automatically healthier, emphasizing that irresponsible breeding and a lack of health testing can lead to problems.
The Value of Responsible Breeding: The study argues against completely abandoning organized dog breeding but instead emphasizes the need for breeding practices guided by health considerations. The overall message is to focus on achieving healthy dogs for the future.
A Call for Collaboration
The study concludes by emphasizing the need for breeders, veterinary professionals, geneticists, animal welfare scientists, and policymakers to work collaboratively to implement effective reforms. The shift from appearance-driven breeding to a commitment to safeguarding the health and welfare of dogs is paramount and requires a fundamental change in mindset.
This study offers a critical pathway towards ethical and science-based dog breeding practices, ensuring a healthier future for all dogs.
