When talking about pedigree breeds, one must first consider the ramifications of such a practice. Going back since the dawn of the 'breed' of dog, we have been having specific dogs mate in order to acquire the necessary traits. In the short term, we end up with animals that are stronger, smarter and more loyal, and have the right kind of look - the very reason 'pedigree breeding' began. In the long term though, this means that, somewhere down the line, the animals of today will have had some inbreeding in their ancestry.
Inbreeding is unavoidable when considering breeding, as all breeds had to start somewhere. Once the desired traits in the animal are acquired, it is up to the first 'batch' of offspring to make these a standard result from breeding. Further down the line, this inbreeding filters out, but inevitably it needs to have been involved. This leads to genetic disease and illnesses that get passed from generation to generation, and also ensures that not only are the favoured traits present in the animal, but so are the faults.
To study this point, look at both the German shepherd dog and the Pug. Both well known, old breeds that were bred for specific purposes. The GSD is well known for its colour, intelligence and very recognisable features but is also well known to suffer from hip dysplasia and other joint problems. The pug is famous for its small size, large personality and energetic disposition, but the breed commonly suffers from breathing problems due to the way the face has developed through breeding. These breeds will cost a lot more to purchase than a stray, but the costs of these common problems can also be very expensive through the life of the breed.
Are the outcomes of this inbreeding necessarily a bad thing? Perhaps not to each and every individual case, as some people certainly prefer the look of a pedigree breed to a mongrel, and thanks to the Kennel Club's policies on breeding the standards in recent years have had to increase. Of course, on the other hand we see a large number of mongrels and mixed breeds put into rescue homes each year, some not being rehomed due to the public's preference for pedigree breeds. Certainly thanks to the celebrity culture we are seeing the demand for pedigree dog's rise and with it the necessity for the breeding of these dogs to continue.
What can be done to help? Pedigree dog owners need to understand that there may be a long line of genetic faults with their chosen breed and research it fully before making the choice, as well as taking out pet insurance to help with the costs that those problems may incur. Otherwise, the thoughtful prospective dog owner can visit a rescue home and see the variety on offer. Not only can mongrels be healthier than and just as interesting as a pedigree breed, but they also need a loving home to take them in after being abandoned or left behind. Take a few moments to consider your choice, and consider all the options before picking your animal friend. In the end, it's the best way you can directly help out an animal in need.
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