Unnatural Selection

-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger

The idiots that are in charge of determining the traits that pedigree dogs must possess, are abusing dogs. The genetic defects caused by inbreeding are heart breaking. While we have often discussed cases of humans abusing dogs, nothing can compare with the scope and magnitude of the abuse done by kennel clubs and dog shows.

Kennel clubs can’t claim ignorance as an excuse, the basic genetics are well known. The breeding for certain physical attributes can lead to disastrous results for the breed. That cute curly tail on the pug comes with all kinds of spinal ailments. The small cute heads of smaller breeds often lead to syringomyelia, where the skull is too small to accommodate the brain.

A BBC One documentary, Pedigree Dogs Exposed, is embedded below. The documentary sparked a long overdue debate on kennel clubs and dog shows.

The video shows one dog show judge claiming that the weakened, ataxic hindquarters of pedigree German Shepherds is anatomically correct. The show German Shepherds are referred to as half-dog, half-frog because of their misshapen hocks.

As Professor Steve Jones, of the Department of Genetics, Evolution & Environment at the University College London, said, “it’s absolutely insane.”

H/T: Pharyngula, RSPCA.