100 Years of breed “improvement”
It’s hard to believe that the Bull Terrier was once known for its good looks and athleticism. Over time, the breed has developed a distorted skull and a bulky abdomen, along with several other health issues such as extra teeth and an uncontrollable urge to chase its tail.
The Basset Hound has become shorter in stature and has undergone alterations in its hind leg structure. The breed now has excessive loose skin, spinal issues, droopy eyes susceptible to entropion and ectropion, and notably large ears.
A reduced facial structure brings numerous complications. The contemporary Boxer not only features a shorter face but also has a slightly upturned muzzle. Like all brachycephalic breeds, Boxers struggle to regulate their body temperature in warm conditions, limiting their physical capabilities. Additionally, they suffer from one of the highest incidences of cancer among dog breeds.
The German Shepherd Dog frequently comes up in discussions about deteriorated breeds, possibly because of their once remarkable qualities. In “Dogs of All Nations,” the GSD is characterized as a medium-sized dog (25 kg /55 lb), which is a significant departure from the angled, barrel-chested, sloping-back, and ataxic 85-pound (38 kg) specimens seen in conformation shows. Gone are the days when a GSD could effortlessly scale a 2.5-meter (8.5 ft) wall.
The English Bulldog has become a symbol of the flaws within the dog fancy, and for justifiable reasons—they are plagued by nearly every conceivable disease. A 2004 Kennel Club survey revealed that their median lifespan is only 6.25 years (n=180). Essentially, a healthy bulldog is a myth. Their enormous size makes natural mating and birthing nearly impossible without medical assistance.
The Dachshund once had practical legs and necks proportionate to its size. However, their backs and necks have become elongated, their chests protrude forward, and their legs have shortened to the point where there is minimal space between their chest and the ground. Dachshunds are at the highest risk for intervertebral disc disease among all breeds, which can lead to paralysis. They are also vulnerable to achondroplasia-related conditions, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and various leg problems.
The St. Bernard, formerly revered as a noble working dog, has been bred to be oversized with a flattened face and excess skin. This modern incarnation is unsuitable for work as they tend to overheat quickly. Common health problems in this breed include entropion, ectropion, Stockard’s paralysis, hemophilia, osteosarcoma, aphakia, and fibrinogen deficiency.
The Pug is another brachycephalic breed that faces all the associated health issues, including elevated blood pressure, heart diseases, reduced oxygen levels, breathing challenges, a tendency to overheat, dental problems, and skin fold dermatitis. Moreover, the highly sought-after double-curl tail is actually a genetic flaw that can lead to paralysis in more severe cases.
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