Let's Discuss Developing New Dog Breeds

[6 Beautiful Pugs]

I think most, if not all of us, are okay with responsible breeders of show quality dogs. That being said, I would like to propose a discussion. I don't think there is a right or wrong answer and I could easily argue both sides, but would love to see some thought-provoking discourse on the following subject:

We have the diversity of dog breeds we do because people crossbred and selectively bred dogs to conform to, not an existing breed standard, but a new idea. A dog which existed in their mind only.

I'm sure at the time many were upset, especially at those who bred giant or miniature versions of existing breeds, new colorations, etc., but eventually these "freaks" took hold and became accepted members of the dog world with their own standards and adherents.

Undoubtedly it could be argued that brachycephalic breeds, like our beloved Pugs, are the result of selectively brreding dogs for a harmful mutation, the same with dachshunds, basset hounds and corgis, who's short legs are the result of the gene for dwarfism. Supporting and loving these established breeds with known health problems related to their breeding....can we condemn those who crossbreed and selectively breed dogs for traits outside breed standard? And for those attempting to develop new and unique breeds?

If you discovered the guy down the street was trying to develop a new breed and wanted to use Pugs in the mix, would you be upset? Encouraging? Interested? Has any of you ever thought about developing a new breed yourself?

Take care,
Lisa

[BeachyKeen]

Off the top of my head, I'd be against it.

Centuries ago dogs were often cross-bred so that they could better perform certain tasks. With their long snout and short legs, dachshunds were bred for catching badgers. Bassets are a scent hound: a lot of their features--the hanging skin on the face, the short legs, the white tip on the tail--are bred into them specifically to help track scents. And so on for other breeds.

These days dogs are primarily companion animals--not working animals. There is no reason to come up with a new breed except to make money. There are too many homeless pets to add yet another designer breed to the mix.

Just my two cents (I've got a lot of pennies today!) but would be interested in other opinions.

[6 Beautiful Pugs]

So do you feel all dog/cat breed development should stop? or only for useful purposes. I am reminded that pugs smushy faces were developed solely for their charm.

BTW - I'm just playing devil's advocate, not taking a side, because I could argue both ways effectively.

Take care,
Lisa

[CountryPug]

This is a very interesting subject and I really had to think about the way you put it, but I have to agree with Patricia. Unless there is a real reason, like making a better hunting or tracking dog or to preform a certain task, then I say no. We need to work to preserve the breeds that are already out there.

Edited to add that I would like to see some possible changes to the breed standard that would help with some of the pug breathing issues.

[BeachyKeen]

That's a good question.

How much breeding needs to be done until a "standard" is arrived at? And to what end? And what happens to the dogs along the way who are part of the trial and error of developing a new breed?

I can see improving certain dog breeds that are true working dogs: police dogs, assistance dogs, etc. I can see a hybridization of certain breeds to perform some tasks better.

But I could not justify a new companion breed: I don't understand Malti-poos, cockapoos, and let's not forget puggles. What exaclty is the point? If anyone has any of these dogs, please don't be offended. My Phoebe is an accidental pugweiler, but that's my point. There are enough accidents without doing it on purpose.

[tall grass pugs]

People with unneutered and unspayed black labs have new hybrids born every six months. They usually find immediate homes at Christmas and are brought to the pound by Easter. Wolf dogs, coy dogs, mastiffs without manners but with teeth, all join the endless march to eternity along with puggles, miniature australian sheepdogs, and hairless cats. If we can design dogs for needed improvements, can we design breeds that only come in heat during leap year and limit their litters to two puppies each?

[6 Beautiful Pugs]

What Christa added is interesting. Should we change the pugs (and other brachy breeds) breed standard to lessen problems related to brachycephalic dogs? Historically, does anyone know if this ever happened in any breed to make a breed more healthy?

Is breeding companion animals allowed to delve into the realm of art and fashion? Aside from breeds developed for a useful purpose, many, many breeds are and were developed just because someone was trying for a particular "look".

My late husband's family acquired a kitten that was the result of culling by a cat breeder trying to develop a new breed. She was extremely secretive about it due to backlash (real or imagined) within the cat world, especially among the breeds she was using to develop this breed. She routinely euthanized kittens which were culled from the program....mainly because she didn't want people to know what she was doing....however a few were adopted after being altered, to people outside the cat show and breeding world.

This was many, many years ago and the kitten long ago died of old age....I have yet to hear of a new cat breed resembling what she was breeding for.

Take care,
Lisa

[BeachyKeen]

As much as I love brachycephalic breeds in dogs and, to a lesser extent, cats, I cannot imagine ever breeding an animal to appear this way. Who thought of it and why? What was the impetus behind eliminating a prominent nose and creating myriad breathing problems?

However, since the breed has been around for centuries and is my favorite, I can't imagine it disappearing and fully support responsible breeding for the love of the breed and to maintain the breed standard. And I know this is a tiny, tiny percentage of the breeder population but I am happy to know at least two of them on PV.

Edited:

Lisa, I was writing this as you posted and I think we said a lot of the same things!

[BeachyKeen]

She routinely euthanized kittens which were culled from the program....mainly because she didn't want people to know what she was doing....

And this addresses my question of what happens to the animals who are living and breathing experiments.

[Suri]

Is there birth control for canines? maybe it can be put into dog food, I know it sounds crazy but I believe they do it in some areas to create sterillity in pigeons.

I know I am off subject, too many designer dog are "in" for a while, mainly due to some movie star who has to have one, so I say no, unless like Beachykeen says to help the breed become healthier.
I guess it is the breeder job to try to eliminate hip dyspalsia, and the pug knee problem, sorry for spelling.