The way in which pedigree (purebred) dogs are selected for breeding is based primarily on appearance. In many breeds, this has resulted in exaggerated features or body shapes, some of which can seriously affect a dog's quality of life. In addition, most pedigree breeds have an increased rate of genetic or inherited disorders as a result of selective breeding or inbreeding, leading to welfare problems and the need for veterinary intervention.

The full extent of the problems caused by pedigree dog breeding in Australia are currently unknown, but there is research underway to help to determine this and to reduce the prevalance of inherited disorders. This article expands on some of the known factors that contribute to problems in pedigree dog breeding.

Breed standards

The ‘breed standard' is a set of guidelines which are used to ensure that an animal conforms to the specifics of a particular breed. These standards are used as the basis for selective breeding of pedigree animals and as the criteria for judgment in the show ring.

For most pedigree breeds adhering to the ‘breed standard’ is a condition of pedigree registration. Unfortunately some of these breed standards include physical and behavioural traits that may seriously compromise an animal’s quality of life. In addition, most breed standards tend to focus on appearance rather than health, welfare, fitness or temperament. Over time, many breed standards relating to appearance have become exaggerated, e.g. selecting for even shorter legs or a more flattened nose, which further compromises animal welfare.

Dog and cat shows are a major part of the pedigree companion animal scene. For pedigree animals, the breed standard is the only criteria by which dogs are judged, rather than their overall health, welfare, fitness and temperament. Thus the fact that a breeder shows their dogs is not necessarily an indication of their quality as a breeder or that they are a responsible breeder. ‘Best in show’ animals are often sought after to parent new litters thereby ensuring that their traits are passed onto new generations. Unfortunately some of these may be negative characteristics.

In some instances, conforming to the breed standard may also result in the euthanasia of otherwise healthy puppies or kittens that do not meet the standard, for example, where the coat colour of a puppy does not conform to the ‘allowable’ colours for the breed, or where required markings are not present.

Genetic diversity

Many pedigree breed organisations operate a closed studbook system. Closed studbooks mean that the organisation will only register dogs whose parents are registered as being members of that breed. This limits the genetic pool from which future breeding animals can be sourced. Over time this system tends to reduce the genetic diversity within a breed which can ultimately compromise the welfare and survival of a breed.

Mating close relatives

Some breeder mate closely related animals. This is genetically undesirable as it increases the chances of the offspring having an inherited disorder, may compromise immune system function  and ultimately leads to infertility. Before purchasing a purebred dog, you should find out what inherited disorders occur in your chosen breed.  An internet search for 'inherited diseases' and the breed name will help, or you can have a look at the List of Inherited Disorders website (LIDA)  website.