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As long as dogs are being selectively bred for aesthetic and physical characteristics, they will

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As long as dogs are being selectively bred for aesthetic and physical characteristics, they will continue to suffer. Selective breeding is the process in which human beings breed animals to produce desired traits in the offspring. Eventually dogs were being bred less for the ability to work and more for how the animals looked. Selective breeding does have its own benefits. The clubs keep track of the dogs and their lineage, which is helpful for telling if the dog has any family history of disease. When breeders use inbreeding or line breeding it greatly increases the chances of genetic diseases. The alternative to purebred dogs and the health problems associated with them would be buying a mixed breed. Genetic diversity is important for…show more content…
It could be anywhere from breeding dogs with strong noses to breeding dogs for a specific color in the dogs coat. Carrie Allan from the Humane Society says that dogs were first selectively bred to be better at whatever job was required (2010). These jobs were predominately hunting but also branched into other areas like sheep herding. Owners wanted dogs that were best suited to chase foxes or crawl into rabbit holes, and when one dog showed aspects that would help with the job, that dog was bred with others that showed similar traits.
Eventually the dogs were being bred less for the ability to work and more for how the animals looked. Breeders stopped choosing animals that could run fast and started choosing animals that had extra fluffy hair or a long curled tail. Dogs ended up becoming massive or miniscule, bald or furry, long or short. Dog owners wanted animals that fit their ideal of the perfect pet. Tea-cup canines became increasingly popular in the search for the perfect lap dog, while dogs like Mastiffs and Great Danes were bred for their enormous size. Pugs were bred for their short faces that were deemed as cute. Pit Bulls and Rottweiler were chosen for the strength and ferocity that the breeds exhibit.
Pedigree dogs are registered by the Kennel Club and The American Kennel Club, organizations that recognize certain breeds and set standards for the
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