A controversial British documentary about the breeding of dogs has stunned the Australian public. Nowadays, one of the main criteria of dog breeding is “appearance”. Experts claim that the general public are ill-informed of the health issues involved with cross-breeding, and thus, have placed an unjustified emphasis on the appearances of dogs rather than their well-being. Currently in Australia, there are thirty-five most popular dog breeds. Among these well-liked breeds is at least one inherited genetic disorder which is associated with breeding standards.
Image: Dachshund from the present day and a painting of a dachshund from 1906 - Notice that the difference in the length of the leg and the neck.
Dogs with congenital problems due to interbreeding often suffer epileptic fits or ‘spasms’. In some cases, some breeding dogs are born partly paralysed because their brain is much too big for the skull. This breeding article argues that some dogs are better to be purely bred because their distinctive physiological features can be retained. Also, in case of dog breeding, the gene analysis is needed beforehand.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/09/11/2682934.htm
