![]() The CKC states that breeders should “select breeding stock that conforms to the approved CKC Breed Standard to the highest possible degree,” but these standards consist of exhaustive guidelines that detail the esthetic requirements of each breed ( 7). For example, current CKC Breed Standards do not represent the complete, holistic definition of the canine breed that was previously mentioned, and the CKC continues to sanction the evolution of purebreds that are caricatures of the original breeds. Many kennel clubs worldwide still prescribe to conservative, centuries’ old ideologies and traditions that are harmful to the canine species. Today, many of the resultant dog breeds are no longer capable of performing the tasks for which they were originally bred, due to the anatomical and/or physiological deformations that kennel clubs have imposed upon them ( 3, 13). Rigid regulations, fixed breed standards, and the disproportionate significance attributed to typology dictated the development of these breeding methods unfortunately, the remarkable plasticity of the canine genome facilitated the development of such morphologically diverse breeds ( 2– 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12). During the Victorian era, a pedigree system was established, and the canine gene pool rapidly became depleted as inbreeding, line breeding, and over-use of sires became common practice ( 6, 10). Dog breeding and showing evolved into a popular sport, and as new typologies were discovered, they were aggressively developed into novel breeds. The first official dog show took place in 1859, and the English Kennel Club was founded in London in 1873. The western concept of breeds is recorded in Caius’s Treatise of English Dogges from 1570 ( 6, 10). The purebred principle and strict breeding rules, however, were not introduced until the late 19th century. Through the centuries, intermittent inbreeding further refined dog breeds, so that desired physical and behavioral traits became increasingly heritable. Thus, early ‘breeds’ evolved that are the ancestors of today’s dog breeds. ![]() Having made the association between utility and physical characteristics, dogs were selectively bred for desired purposes. Some dogs, because of particular morphological traits, were more adept than others at certain tasks. Historically, dogs were used for various tasks, such as hunting, guarding, and herding. No importance was placed on the utility and health of purebred dogs ( 3, 6, 8, 9). Throughout the 19th century, however, dog show and kennel club administrators pushed for the morphological perfection of dog breeds by insisting on rigid adherence to the rules of typology and ancestry. In order for the dogs to be functional, healthy, and even-tempered, equal emphasis must be placed on all 3 components ( 3). Pertinent breeder and veterinarian ethical responsibilities should also be considered.īy definition, a canine breed consists of individuals that meet 3 criteria: 1) they are descended from a particular founding stock, or ancestry, 2) they have a utility for which they serve humans, and 3) they have a typology that ensures a similar physical appearance to other members of the breed ( 2, 3). The historical role of dog fancies, modern kennel club breed standards, breeding methods, and canine genetics must be explored to understand the main causes of the problem and how it can be resolved. Several aspects of purebred inherited diseases must be investigated to determine what changes need to be made in current breeding practices, and how these changes can be implemented effectively. Hopefully, dog owners, responsible breeders, veterinarians, and animal welfare scientists can assert enough pressure to convince the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), and other breeder associations, to re-evaluate and redefine their breed standard regulations to end the inbreeding that causes so many genetic problems ( 7– 9). ![]() Veterinarians have also facilitated the progression of this situation, and as knowledgeable animal health care professionals, they must partake in its resolution ( 1, 4). The wide array of genetic diseases found in purebred dogs reflects their unnatural development, by kennel club associations and breeders who are largely responsible for this welfare predicament ( 2, 4– 6). Over 400 breeds currently exist, but they are artificial constructs of human fancy, instead of the evolutionary outcome of natural selection ( 2, 3). ![]() Inherited diseases such as hip dysplasia, brachycephalic airway syndrome, cardiomyopathies, endocrine dysfunctions, blood disorders, and hundreds more, affect the quality of life and longevity of these dogs. More than 500 genetic defects exist in today’s purebred dogs ( 1). ![]()
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