Article Questioning Modern Breeding Practices in Purebred Dogs

A client sent a link to an interesting article titled:

"A new direction for kennel club regulations and breed standards" Can Vet J. 2007 September; 48(9): 953–965. published in The Canadian Veterinary Journal by Koharik Arman

Here is the link: http://tinyurl.com/2yhfvbhttp://tinyurl.com/2yhfvb

In it the author offers a four step plan for establishing a unique breed. He goes on to point out that continuing on that path leads to real peril for the bred. Here is part of his conclusion:

"The health of purebred dogs is such that the level of occurrence of genetically inherited defects is unacceptably high (31). Many changes within breed associations must be initiated to improve this welfare situation: this must be made a priority. Changes should include the following: 1) revision of Breed Standards so that equal emphasis is placed on function, utility, and type, 2) discouragement of selection for physical traits that are overtly detrimental to breed health, 3) obtaining of breed registries to introduce new genetics in all breeds, 4) institution of regulations on Founder population numbers of new breeds and upper COI limits allowable in registered dogs, and 5) the use of modern technology to monitor breeder compliance with new regulations. As stated by the late Dr. George Padgett, “if we want to make any impact in controlling genetic disease in dogs, we must agree that an ethical approach is based on fairness, openness, and honesty. While traditions are important to us and should remain important, they should be changed if they conflict with the exercise of our ethics as dog breeders” (32). "
Can Vet J. 2007 September; 48(9): 953–965. published in The Canadian Veterinary Journal by Koharik Arman


Interesting reading. I will post again on this article.

Pat