Pure-breeding Dogs: The Ethics of the Selective Breeding of Pedigree

Dogs

An Argumentative Research Paper

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in

GEC 5 (Purposive Communication)

Submitted by:

Lara Louise P. Vallescas

Chaldean Lee T. Umpay

Jilliane Erica S. Yap

Hideki L. Umemura

Submitted to:

Ms. Lyra Rizille Hontiveros-Cadavas, LPT, MAEd

GEC 5 (Purposive Communication) Instructor

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CHAPTER 1

Introduction

Humans have always had companions that walked beside them, and

those that walked beside them are the lovely dogs. A product of artificial

selection, dogs were bred away from the beasts that may have threatened

early humans tens of thousands of years ago and into the protector that

remains a popular companion today (Baker, 2020). Nowadays, dog breeds

consist of a population of dogs whose pedigrees are tracked by what is called

a dog registry. There is no collection of traits or temperaments that are

exclusive to modern dog breeds. Alternatively, breed characteristics are

continuously shaped by every choice of breeding. It is said that specified

breeding features can derive from natural factors and adaptation to

environmental conditions like those who live in the north.

Additionally, dog breeds also fluctuate at random as hereditary features

that are buried in the generations, either emerging or vanishing from the

populace. There is a condition called degenerative myelopathy (DM), a

condition that makes older dogs’ hind legs weak, has spread among several

breeds. Dog breeders who want to create the best working dogs or compete

in conformation intend to create the greatest combinations in order to advance

their breed. They employ strict testing in dog sport events or the conformation

arena, in addition to temperament and health testing, in order to choose a few

canines who are thought to be suitable for producing the next generation.

Sports dog owners are generally leisure enthusiasts since these sports rarely

have monetary awards associated with winning, and participation is quite

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costly, including entry fees, travel, training and equipment (Kluess et al.,

2021). There are multiple reasons why us humans keep dogs for the benefit

of the relationship between the two beings. Given that we tend to keep dogs

as guards of our house and family and some dogs are to entertain the family.

Selective breeding of specific pure-bred dogs should be more closely

regulated, as prioritizing the looks of the dogs instead of their health and

welfare can be detrimental to dogs’ genetic and physiological health, as well

as encourage backyard breeders to unethically breed dogs in puppy mills.

Therefore, selective breeding of specific pure-bred dogs should be

more closely regulated, as prioritizing the looks of the dogs instead of their

health and welfare can be detrimental to dogs’ genetic and physiological

health, as well as encourage backyard breeders to unethically breed dogs in

puppy mills. The Humane Society of the United States indicates that puppies

that come from these mills are often sick as a result of malnourishment,

exposure to the elements, and lack of veterinary care (Maybruck, 2020).The

current breeding model can have a negative impact on the emotional and

cognitive well-being of dogs, resulting in issues such as aggression, anxiety,

and other behavioural problems that can significantly reduce their overall

quality of life (Menor-Campos, 2024). This argumentative research paper

presents information about the ethics of selective breeding of pedigree dogs

and what are its effects on society as well as the effects of it on the well-being

of these beloved creatures.

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CHAPTER 2

Arguments and Counterarguments

Argument I

To start off, morphological traits that are aesthetically pleasing to us

can become pronounced through breeding to the point where these traits

become detrimental to dogs’ health. Over the course of generations of

breeding, the dogs are bred in order to put emphasis on a specific feature that

only becomes more and more pronounced after each generation. A few

examples of these are brachycephaly–also known as the

flat-facedness/shortened skulls of pugs and English bulldogs) (Weir, Williams,

& Yuill, n.d.)–and chondrodystrophy–the short-leggedness of Dachshunds and

corgis. These traits are also bad for the dog’s overall health and can

negatively impact their quality of life if it’s not treated. The brachycephaly in

certain dog breeds is linked to numerous diseases, such as brachycephalic

obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), and eye ulcers (corneal ulceration).

Compared to a higher predisposition to genetic disease, these kinds of

diseases are caused more by the structure of the dog’s body leading to

illness, and can be analogous to a hardware issue in computers. A Swiss

study shows that brachycephalic dogs live a much shorter lifespan on average

compared to those of dolichocephalic (lengthened skulls) mesocephalic

(intermediate-sized skulls) dog breeds (Reich et al., 2023). Even if the

morphological characteristics don’t eventually kill the dogs outright, they can

give them a worse quality of life and require much time, money, and patience

on the part of the owner. For example, the chondrodystrophy on corgis and
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Dachshunds make it so that they have less shock absorption when they run or

jump, meaning they are more susceptible to back injuries, Intervertebral disc

disease (IVDD), and elbow/hip dysplasia. They are also more predisposed to

obesity and its related complications because their short stature and

shortened legs make it more difficult for them to exercise. While these

diseases don’t kill the dog, they can be an inconvenience at best and can

cause the dog a great amount of pain at the very worst. If not treated

immediately, IVDD can lead to paralysis of all four limbs, and elbow/hip

dysplasia can eventually cause osteoarthritis. Emphasizing the importance of

health in breeding practices can help lower the occurrences of these illnesses

in dogs, provide them a greater quality of life overall, and spare the owner

thousands of dollars worth of time and money.

Argument II

Overly selective dog breeding minimizes the gene pool within that

specific breed and increases the risk for genetic disorders being passed down

to the dogs’ offspring. In genetics, we have a term called genetic dominance.

During conception, a copy of each parent’s gene is combined to make up the

genome of the offspring. A specific gene for a specific trait, if present in one

parent, will always be expressed even if it’s the only one of the two traits

present. This gene is thus called a dominant gene. On the other hand, there

are genes that only get expressed (meaning they are physically and often

visually present in the offspring’s physiology) when there are two copies of

that specific gene; if there is one gene carrying one trait and a dominant gene

carrying another trait, the dominant gene will always override the other gene.

This overridden gene is thus called a recessive gene, and it takes two copies
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of a recessive gene to express that genetic disorder in the next generation.

Since the gene is recessive, the dominant healthy gene will be expressed,

resulting in a dog that looks physically healthy but is a carrier of that specific

genetic disease. Many canine genetic diseases are recessive, and it becomes

much more common when closely related individuals are paired together like

purebred dogs (Weir, Williams, & Barnette, n.d.). If the dogs being bred

together are both carriers, there’s a 1 in 4 chance that the offspring will inherit

two copies of the recessive gene, thus giving them the disease. To top it off, 1

in 2 of the offspring will be carriers like their parents, passing the recessive

gene along to each subsequent generation. If the excessiveness of selective

breeding goes too far, genetic diseases in dogs will become more prevalent,

and–similarly to argument 1– will cause the dog a lower quality of life.

Argument III

As beneficial as practicing responsible breeding practices can be (Even

if we move to make responsible breeding practices more widely practiced), it

only contributes to the dog overpopulation problem in the world. The WHO

estimates that there are 200 million stray dogs worldwide. Of the 25.02 million

dogs recorded in the Philippines, 8.01 million (or about 32%) are strays

(SOPH, n.d.). Breeding more dogs doesn’t help the number of stray dogs; if

anything else, it only contributes to the overpopulation problem. It also

increases the number of dogs carrying transmissible diseases like rabies,

canine transmissible venereal tumour (CTVT), and canine parvovirus, all of

which can eventually kill infected dogs if not treated or dealt with immediately.

Thus, it’s better to adopt a dog from a rescue shelter instead of making new

dogs.
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Counterargument I

The health issues that selective breeding causes in some breeds such

as pugs with brachycephalic (flat-faced) traits are often brought up against the

selective breeding of dogs. However, it is argued that through ethical breeding

practices, these issues may be reduced. The International Retro Pug Club, for

instance, advocates for the creation of "Retro Pugs," who are bred with longer

snouts to help with respiratory issues and minimize the risk of diseases which

includes obstructive airway syndrome and eye injuries (Shute, 2022). Nola, a

retro pug with a longer muzzle, floppy ears, and a full curly tail, resembles the

original pug before the breed’s features were exaggerated. With her mixed

lineage, 75% pug and 25% beagle, Nola has been tested and found free of

the common hereditary issues affecting both breeds (Gibbs, 2023). In addition

to improving the dog’s quality of life, this method illustrates how genetic

engineering can also maintain a dog’s desirable features while also

addressing its inborn health issues (Johnston, 2023).

Ethical breeders emphasize the importance of prioritizing genetic

variety and health ahead of aesthetic choices. However, these strategies'

effectiveness depends on how widely they are adopted. Unfortunately, a lot of

breeders still put marketability and looks before health, which emphasizes the

need for stricter laws and penalties to encourage ethical breeding practices

(Rubio, 2023). In addition, studies show that there are still health concerns

regarding the breeding of retro pugs, and those health problems are allergies,

especially in the skin, hip and shoulder dysplasia, skin cancer, epilepsy, and

dental problems. This type of breed is also very costly, usually ranging to

around 800-1000 USD, and the perspective of the owner should take into
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consideration that high costs of medical bills will be inevitable with this type of

breed (Eniko, 2022).

Counterargument II

The breed of a dog plays a crucial role in shaping its unique needs and

abilities. Each breed carries inherent traits and behavioral tendencies that

influence how they learn and respond to training. For instance, breeds like

German Shepherds and Poodles, celebrated for their exceptional intelligence,

thrive in mentally stimulating training environments. These dogs often excel

when given challenges that tap into their problem-solving skills and keep their

active minds engaged (Tangen, 2024). By understanding and satisfying these

breed-specific needs, dog owners can tailor their approach to training,

creating a more fulfilling and effective learning experience for both the dog

and the handler.

Acknowledging breed-specific characteristics is crucial for any dog

owner or trainer. This understanding leads to clearer communication, more

successful training, and better overall dog care. Each breed was intentionally

bred for a certain duty, such as hunting, herding, guarding, or companionship.

Recognizing these natural tendencies enables trainers to work with, rather

than against, a dog's instincts. However, understanding breed traits does not

imply putting all dogs into restrictive stereotypes. Instead, it's about utilizing

these characteristics to tailor training and care procedures, ensuring that each

dog's specific needs are satisfied in a respectful and successful manner

(Lifestyle, 2024).

As beneficial as responsible breeding can be, it only contributes to the

dog overpopulation problem in the world. The WHO estimates that there are
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200 million stray dogs worldwide. Of the 25.02 million dogs recorded in the

Philippines, 8.01 million (about 32%) are strays (SOPH, n.d.). Breeding more

dogs doesn’t help the number of stray dogs; if anything else, it only

contributes to the overpopulation problem. It’s better to adopt a dog from a

rescue shelter instead of making new dogs.

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CHAPTER 3

Conclusion

The practice of selective breeding in pure-bred dogs raises profound

ethical and practical concerns that necessitate immediate attention and

reform. While historical intentions behind breeding have often been geared

towards enhancing aesthetic features and specific traits, the consequences

have inadvertently resulted in diminished genetic diversity, the proliferation of

hereditary health conditions, and the emergence of severe physiological traits

detrimental to the overall well-being of dogs. The plight of brachycephalic

breeds facing respiratory disorders, along with the inhumane practices

endemic to puppy mills, underscores the urgent need to reform breeding

practices to safeguard animal welfare.

Nevertheless, it is essential to acknowledge that responsible breeding

can yield positive outcomes. Ethical breeders who actively engage in practice

that mitigate health issues exemplify the potential for improvements within the

breed community. Moreover, selective breeding initiatives aimed at producing

hypoallergenic dogs or highly skilled service animals manifest how thoughtful

application of breeding principles can enhance the relationship between

humans and their canine companions.

A balanced approach that prioritizes the welfare of dogs while

accommodating legitimate human needs is paramount. It is critical to

implement regulatory frameworks that ensure breeding practices emphasize

genetic health, broaden gene pools, and uphold humane treatment standards

for all animals involved in the breeding process. Collaborative efforts among
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breeders, veterinarians, policymakers, and animal welfare organizations are

essential to instill ethical responsibility within the breeding industry. By

fostering a breeding culture that values health over aesthetic appeal, the

future of canine companionship can be both sustainable and prosperous,

ensuring a healthier and sustainable for our four–legged friends while

continuing to enrich human experiences.

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