Pedigree Breeding

Question 1

Selective breeding

Answer 1

• originally specific breeds of dog developed to enhance traits suitable for particular job (run fast, guard, retrieve)
• focus changed to breed for particular aesthetic traits (attractive to humans)
• selective breeding has +/-ve outcomes

Question 2

Benefits of selective breeding

Answer 2

• maintains variety of breeds
• diversity of breeds show variation in appearance, temperament, function
• ability to predict behaviour (but enviro significant contributing factor (e.g. family dogs need calm temperament = Labrador, cavalier)
• many different breeds have been bred that demonstrate abilities and characteristics favourable to humans (e.g. assistance dogs)
• help eliminate specific disease (e.g. Canine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency = fatal immunodeficiency disease in Irish setters)

Question 3

Problem with selective breeding

Answer 3

• many pedigree breeds experience compromised welfare as direct result of selective breeding
• ill health due to innapropriate selection impact on owners quality of life (own animal with medical problems and need vet treatment, emotional/finatial impact)

Question 4

What can selective breeding result in

Answer 4

• high rates of heritable disease
• physical conformation that result in disability/pain
• physical conformation result in behavioural problems
• lower life expectancy than cross breeds

Question 5

Morphological extremes

examples

Answer 5

• appearance of animal
• brachycephalic dogs = skin folds, stocky
• German Shepard = low curved back (working = not present) aesthetic requirement
• dashound = short legs, long back

Question 6

Breed standards

Answer 6

• defined and controlled by breed societies
• potential owners use a puppies pedigree as gauge of quality of dog
• accustomed to breeds having their problems but not yet considered this as a major problem
• efforts to minimise problems caused by selective breeding by breed societies and kennel club have been largely ineffective

Question 7

Increased prevalence of certain inherited disorders as a result of reduced genetic diversity
- consequence

Answer 7

• many breeds established on basis of a few individuals and problems intensify when brees with small no. of high quality sires
• little attention to progeny evaluation within companion animal breeding in contrast to farm/horses
• consequency = predispositions for certain diseases seen in specific breeds

Question 8

Behavioural concerns

Answer 8

• focus is on appearance = risk behavioural problems will be prominent
• e.g some breeds know to be prone to anxiety

Question 9

Pedigree cats

Answer 9

• most cats are domestic shorthair (no particular breed) but proportion of pedigree cats is growing
• breeds display anatomical features that cause health problems
• selection for exaggerated features in no. of established breeds is area for concern (e.g. persian, siamese)

Question 10

Other species affected by selective breeding and why

Answer 10

• rabbits (lops large ears)
• fancy rats and mice
• show animals = asses on looks

Question 11

Why is selective breeding important problem

Answer 11

• large no. animals affected (5 million pure bred dogs in UK 75% of overall population)
• effects preserved from generation to generation
• quality of life reduced
• effects could be long lasting (whole life)

Question 12

Why is selective breeding important problem

Answer 12

• large no. animals affected (5 million pure bred dogs in UK 75% of overall population)
• effects preserved from generation to generation (unless breed issues out)
• quality of life reduced (e.g. brachycephalic breed difficulty breathing everyday, limit exercise, behaviour interactions with other dogs)
• effects could be long lasting (whole life)
• most dog breeding hobby = not necessary
• specific breeds high likelihood being denied one of five freedoms
• deliberately breeding animals with high propensity to suffer is ethically unsound

Question 13

Current situation with selective breeding

Answer 13

• kennel club has monopoly of registering pedigree dogs and keeping stud books
• breed standards have traditionally been responsibility of kennel club for hundreds of breed club/societies
• individual breed societies vary in initiatives taken to try and preserve and improve health/welfare of their breed
• UK kennel club recently acknowledged presence and danger of breeding for extreme morphology