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For thousands of years, dogs have stood

by man and they have created a mutually

beneficial bond. However, in recent decades,

man has become too exploitative of his

furry friends, breeding for “favorable”

qualities, which can greatly endanger

the well being of dogs.                                             

                                         

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A New York Times article stated that dog breeding dates back to the Neolithic Age, when nearly 9,500 years ago, the “ideal” sled dogs were bred with the abilities to run faster and cope in low oxygen conditions (Gorman). Veterinary Doctor Paula Kislak highlights how humans' early association with dogs for assistance in hunting created an interdependence between us.

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Check out this TED-Ed video by Ian Howe for a brief

history of dogs and how they grew to be one of man's

best companions.

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Humans provided a stable food source, and dogs provided their hunting skills:  “dogs' association with humans facilitated earlier and more frequent dog breeding, including those individuals in the gene pool who may not have reproduced at all in the wild due to low social standing in their pack.” (Kislak). Our furry friends deserve our attention and care, not just as pets, but as beings whose well-being is intrinsically linked to the practices we've developed over centuries.

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RELATED ISSUES

Selective dog breeding has contributed to other issues that dogs are also facing, such as lab testing, dog fighting, and dog homelessness. Corporations that test on animals seek controlled groups of dogs with similar genetics to test their products on, so dogs are bred specifically for testing. These dogs grow up to only ever see the inside of a lab, and in the cases of drug and chemical testing, they are killed after. The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's most effective animal protection organization. They provided research surrounding this issue on their website, detailing that out of the 44,000 dogs used in experiments over the last three years, tens of thousands of those puppies were born in breeding facilities (Humane Society of the United States).

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Check out these videos from the Humane Society of the United States,

showing the devastating reality of puppy mills, where dogs are

inhumanely bred.

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The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing animal cruelty, and they published an article giving a closer look at the cruelty that is dogfighting: “Underground dogfighting publications and websites are commonly used to advertise pups or the availability of breeding stock.” (ASPCA). Dogs used in dogfighting are commonly bred from “winning” dogs, and the losers are usually killed. Excessive breeding dogs also leads to the birth of lots of puppies, which increases the levels of dogs that end up in shelters. Dogs that are not killed in dogfighting or after testing are also sent to shelters, and require extra veterinary care due to their traumatic upbringings.

 

This video made made by National Geographic ​provides an insight to the underground horrors of dogfighting. Viewer discretion is advised. This video is age-restricted by youtube and contains unsettling images and videos of dogfighting and its victims. 

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                                                  Image: Humane Society of the United States

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Shelters that are already populated by mixed breed dogs have become overwhelmed when large numbers of pedigree dogs are bred and born with nowhere to go. In a CBS news report, the Animal Care Centers of NYC, New York City's largest animal shelter, stated that in 2023, the organization contended with 3,200 abandoned dogs, up 41% from 2022 (Gibson). Due to current economic climates, it has grown more difficult for families to afford caring for dogs, but the population of purebred dogs has continued to increase. Each of these related issues provide more opportunities for selective breeders to profit off of these dogs.

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THE MAIN PROBLEM - SELECTIVE BREEDING

Selective dog breeding has caused unnecessary and avoidable health issues such as genetic disorders, and reduced lifespan, has raised ethical concerns such as the welfare of dogs, inbreeding, and overbreeding, and has developed with a lack of regulation of breeders and lack of awareness of potential dog

owners to issues their dogs will face.

While dog breeding dates back to the

Paleolithic era, it has in modern times,

become a more life-threatening issue

caused by human greed.

 

 

 

 

                                                                             

  image: University of Washington

 

Many purebreds that are bred for more “favorable” qualities such as small bodies and squished, smaller faces suffer from conditions like hip dysplasia, heart defects, and epilepsy, all due to a limited gene pool and a focus on appearance over health. Purebred dogs have a higher chance of inheriting diseases due to lack of genetic diversity (RSPCA 2), and experience many health problems as a side effect of their emphasized features. Smushed, flatter faces lead to breathing problems, floppy ears to infection, larger builds to heart disease, small bodies to reproductive issues, short legs to mobility issues, and so much more (RSPCA 1).

 

 

 

 

 

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 The study “Selective breeding in domestic dogs: How selecting for a short face impacted canine neuroanatomy.” by Sebla et al. (2020) consists of research that is the first of its kind, investigating how selecting smaller, “cuter”, faces in brachycephalic (shorter-faced) dogs impacts the anatomy of their brain through the analysis of endocasts – a type of internal cast created to assess the properties of the otherwise inaccessible space of the brain.

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The team generated these endocasts using CT scans, and utilized geometric morphometric analyses to measure the results. Selba and colleagues discovered that the shape of the endocast correlates with the cephalic index–​​a number obtained by taking the maximum width of the head of an organism, multiplying it by 100 and then dividing it by their maximum length.

 

This means that scientists were able to take scans of the brains of dogs who were selectively bred, and determined that the way that they were bred has a direct impact on the dog’s brain structure.

 

These changes can impact the functionality of the brain shape, because brain structure is responsible for many neurological and behavioral traits. These alterations of brain structure are associated with many of the health issues that brachycephalic breeds experience. For example, Bulldogs and Pugs that suffer from breathing, eye, and orthopedic issues. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The study "Tracking Footprints of Artificial Selection in the Dog Genome'' by Akey et al. (2020) researches the genetics behind the variety of traits we see in dog breeds. While it has been established that dogs have been shaped by humans through selective breeding for thousands of years, the specific genetic changes responsible for this diversity were relatively unknown until recently.

 

The study introduces how dogs are one of the species with the most variety on the planet, with over 400 distinct breeds, each with their own characteristics of fur, built, ect. from breeding. In this study, researchers scanned the genomes of 275 dogs from ten different breeds. They looked at over 21,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), or genetic markers. The scan identified 155 regions in the dog genomes that showed strong signs of selection, or areas where specific traits were favored.

 

Some genes were linked to specific traits, which suggest that changes in gene regulation have greatly altered the variety of dog breeds seen today. This study provides the first detailed map of how selective dog breeding has shaped the genome of the dog. Knowing how these genomes have formed can help us to improve breeding practices by educating and promoting the dog breeding community on genetic diversity. 

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These studies provide a comprehensive scientific insight on the effects that selective breeding causes, that translate from genetics to physical abnormalities or diseases. It is important to recognize that selective breeding causes actual differences in brain and body structure.

 

This research calls forth for more ethical and health-conscious breeding practices, ensuring that the well-being of dogs is not compromised for the sake of aesthetic preferences. Remember that dogs are man’s best friend, and this relationship goes both ways. Dogs have remained loyal to man, even serving integral roles in our society, so it is vital that we treat them with the respect and ethics that they deserve. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    This graphic from

    PETA shows some of the 

    effects of breeding on

    pugs.

 

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DON’T WE NEED SELECTIVE BREEDING?

Previously mentioned was the fact that dogs serve a few integral roles in our society–police, guide/service, search and rescue, and therapy dogs all support us in some irreplaceable means. These dogs that perform specific critical tasks could be bred more efficiently to enhance their ability to perform these roles effectively.

 

For example, the intelligence and temperament of German Shepherds make them ideal for police work, while the gentle nature of Golden Retrievers suits them for therapy roles. A more general trait that dogs carry a greater capacity of than humans is their sense of smell. Why not make the entire process more effective and breed for these specific traits?

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                                                                                              image: Police Dog, Fresno Bee

 

This is where the research articles presented earlier: “Selective breeding in domestic dogs: How selecting for a short face impacted canine neuroanatomy.” and "Tracking Footprints of Artificial Selection in the Dog Genome'' come into play.

 

These studies are key to helping us understand what happens when dogs are selectively bred. By researching these results more thoroughly, a compromise could be offered to regulate dog breeding and draw a line as to where it becomes inhumane.

 

More research needs to be conducted to understand where this line actually falls, but researchers like Sebla et al. and Akey et al. are making strides in this movement. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The American Kennel Club is a registry of purebred dog pedigrees in the United States. Their website argues that the issue is ill informed owners, not the breeders themselves. (American Kennel Club).

 

However, they do not address the issue of animals being bred on a larger scale for testing and other similar purposes. There needs to be more education on both ends for dog breeding to become a more humane act. An excessive amount of dogs being bred becomes unethical when there is already an excess amount of selectively bred dogs occupying shelters.

 

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GLOBAL SOLUTION

Kitty Block, the CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, and Sara Amundson, the chief government relations officer for the Humane Society published an article in March 2023 explaining proposed legislation that “brings hope for dogs languished in puppy mills.”

 

The United States Humane Society is a non-profit organization that focuses on animal welfare and opposes animal-related cruelties of national scope. Many of these dogs that suffer their whole lives in puppy mills are born as a result of selective breeding. In 2021, The United States Senate Introduced the “Puppy Protection Act of 2021”, which sought to amend the Animal Welfare Act to enhance the welfare of breeding dogs and their puppies. This legislation was proposed to address various issues in commercial dog breeding, such as the harmful genetic effects, inherited diseases, living conditions, regulated veterinary care, and increased exercise requirements for dogs in breeding facilities.

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Three years later, the bill has not yet come into law, but most recently it was referred  to the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry (Senate - Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry). If this act is put into law, it could potentially improve and bring up the ethical levels that dog breeding facilities currently hold. This act provides a national regulation that serves as an option for a global solution. The organization urges readers to ask their representatives to cosponsor the Puppy Protection Act. 

 

Los Angeles representatives have taken action on a smaller level. Although the Puppy Protection Act is the main proposed solution to the issue of selective dog breeding, we have evidence that legislation can increase the standards of living for selectively bred dogs. Dakota Smith, who covers the city hall for the Los Angeles times newspaper, published an article on April 9, 2024, covering the decision made by the committee that oversees the city’s Animal Services Department to stop issuing new dog breeding licenses as long as the shelters remain overcrowded.

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The shelters currently remain at a 200% capacity. The American Kennel Club, a non-profit pro-breeding organization, opposes this ban, stating that blaming registered breeders will not improve conditions for dogs in crowded shelters. However, Smith presents anecdotal evidence that suggests that the majority of people who purchase licenses from the city aren’t breeding their dogs, said Staycee Dains, the Animal Services Department’s general manager.

 

The issue is that many dog owners who buy a $235 city breeder permit so that they do not have to spay or neuter their dogs. Los Angeles does not regulate breeders, and underground, unlicensed breeders remain a problem. Council members say this is “far from the only action” needed to address this issue, but it is the beginning of a movement. This article from the Los Angeles Times provides a smaller-scale global solution to the issue of selective dog breeding.

 

By continuing to enact legislation that prevents legal breeding, we can make a step in the right direction and work towards the issue of illegal, underground breeding. The Puppy Protection Act would have more impactful results because it is proposed at a national level.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More regulation of selective dog breeding is the best solution to the issue, because an increased level of national regulation would make it more difficult for dogs to be forcefully bred with inhumane intentions.

 

Local actions are important first steps and have provided an example of how legislation can benefit this issue, but comprehensive national legislation is necessary to create lasting change and protect dogs from the harms of selective breeding.

 

HOW YOU CAN HELP

As an individual, you can make an effort to reduce the harmful effects of selective breeding. If you are looking to get a dog, opt to adopt from an animal shelter rather than supporting a breeder who sells puppies. If you are not able to adopt a dog, you can foster, or donate to animal shelters and volunteer near you!

 

You can also opt to purchase cruelty free products, by looking for the PETA bunny symbol when you shop. PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, is a national non-profit organization that advocates for the better treatment of animals in laboratories, and the food, entertainment, and clothing industries. The organization has levels of certifications that companies can reach, highlighting if a company is cruelty free, and even vegan. When companies reach this free certification, they can pay a one-time $350 licensing fee to use the bunny logo (shown below), attesting to the fact that their company does not test on animals. PETA even has a database on their website at which you can search for your favorite or most used brands to see if they are cruelty free.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next time you go to buy something, you can do your research before you support companies that test on animals by visiting PETA’s website https://crueltyfree.peta.org/ to check if a company or product tests on animals. Resources like PETA’s website aim to increase education about these practices that have become hidden, yet become an increasingly larger issue in our society.

 

By making minor changes to your lifestyle to stop supporting brands that test on animals, you can help to reduce the demand for items manufactured with testing on animals, and driving down the market for selectively bred testing dogs.

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Many brands use their PETA certification as a marketing tool to sell their product. This campaign from PETA’s twitter highlights many household name brands that are PETA certified. Taking a closer look at this campaign may hopefully urge you to change some of the brands that you support, or keep supporting cruelty-free companies that you already love. Take a look at the campaign here. Check out some more cruelty free shopping tips in the video below. 

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I also created my own social media campaign over the quarter, educating my audience about the problems, solutions, and organizations offered for the issue of selective breeding and many umbrella problems about the issue, such as animal testing and the overpopulation of shelters. You can find access to my entire campaign on my X account here, and here for the highlights of my profile.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                   

 

 

                                                  image: my X profile: view here

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​Creating my own campaign opened my eyes to issues that are not usually presented on my social media feed. It was important to market my posts to an audience that was relatively unfamiliar with an issue, utilizing “clickbait” techniques with images or striking captions to draw a reader to click on a post.

 

Social media can be a great way to spread a message and create a platform, like PETA has created a “trend” for brands to be free of animal cruelty. Social media can serve as a means to make reducing global issues trendy. My experience on social media opened my eyes to new legislation and deep-rooted issues that I have been around, but not aware of.

 

Social media campaigns have created a new age of corporate accountability. In the future, we should aim to increase the analysis of large corporations that capitalize off of the exploitation of animals.

 

Breeders can also make a change from their perspective: join the Functional Dog Collective (functionalbreeding.org), a platform for breeders to communicate with others to promote ethical breeding practices. They have a podcast which features breeding professionals and scientists to talk about how they have created a platform for safe breeding. Creating a platform for this issue can help the breeding community work towards the common goal of reducing unfair ethical practices in breeding. 

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                                  image: functionalbreeding.org

 

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REFERENCES

Akey, J. M., Ruhe, A. L., Akey, D. T., Wong, A. K., Connelly, C. F., Madeoy, J., Nicholas, T. J., & Neff, M. W. (2010). Tracking footprints of artificial selection in the dog genome. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 107(3), 1160–1165. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0909918107

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Breeding discontent. (n.d.). https://www.hsvma.org/breeding_discontent

Dogs used in experiments FAQ. (n.d.). The Humane Society of the United States. https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/dogs-used-research-and-testing-faq

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Gibson, K. (2024, January 9). Animal shelters are overwhelmed by abandoned dogs. Here’s why. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/animal-shelters-overwhelmed-by-abandoned-dogs/

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Gorman, J. (2020, June 29). Dog Breeding in the Neolithic Age. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/25/science/arctic-sled-dogs-genetics.html#:~:text=Elaine%20Ostrander%2C%20who%20studies%20dog,at%20least%2015%2C000%20years%20ago.

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Jiang, G. (n.d.). Dogs and the selective breeding crisis. https://stuyspec.com/article/dogs-and-the-selective-breeding-crisis

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Pedigree dogs health problems | RSPCA - RSPCA - rspca.org.uk. (n.d.). RSPCA. https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/puppy/pedigreedogs/health

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A closer look at dogfighting. (n.d.). ASPCA. https://www.aspca.org/investigations-rescue/dogfighting/closer-look-dogfighting

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S.1385 - Puppy Protection Act of 2021. (2021, April 27). congress.gov. Retrieved May 26, 2024, from https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/1385/text

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Search for Cruelty-Free companies, products, and more | PETA. (2022, August 23). Beauty Without Bunnies. https://crueltyfree.peta.org/

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Selba, M. C., Bryson, E. R., Rosenberg, C. L., Heng, H. G., & DeLeon, V. B. (2020). Selective breeding in domestic dogs: How selecting for a short face impacted canine neuroanatomy. ˜the œAnatomical Record, 304(1), 101–115. https://doi.org/10.1002/ar.24471

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Staff, A. (2021, April 20). Reasons to breed. American Kennel Club. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/reasons-to-breed/