The Advantages and Disadvantages of Pedigree

The Latin name for the domestic dog is Canis lupis familiaris. Within this scientific classification, the canine species includes over 1,000 different breeds, each with a unique name and pedigree. Plus, there are infinite combinations of breeds that make up the lovable family of dogs affectionately dubbed “mutts”. 

When choosing a dog, potential pet owners often consider acquiring a pup with a pedigree rather than a mixed breed. To make an educated choice, it is good to know what makes a pure breed so “pure,” and what mutts have to offer.

What is a purebred?

Specific dog breeds were developed and refined over many generations to develop traits that made them suitable for certain jobs. Mating two dogs with specific traits was arranged to produce pups that could accomplish certain tasks, such as run fast, pull sleds, guard property, or retrieve birds. The best pups of the litter were identified and selected for future breeding. After several generations of critical selection, pups with specific traits were consistently produced and a new “breed” was identified (e.g., greyhounds for speed, huskies for sledding, German shepherds for protection, labradors for retrieving birds).

Around the end of the 19th century, selective breeding gained popularity for a different reason. The affluent population of pet owners gathered at social functions and enjoyed parading their dogs around, comparing them to other dogs. From this pastime, a new sport of showing dogs emerged. To ensure fair competition in the show ring, written breed standards were adopted that described each breed’s appearance and temperament and reflected the breed’s original function. At dog shows, the best specimen of a particular breed was deemed the winner.

The goal of breeding and selecting dogs with certain physical features, whether for work or show, is to produce the “ideal” dog. A consequence of this process may be inbreeding, which results in some less desirable genetic traits becoming more common along with the traits people are trying for. If there is a recessive gene for an inherited disease, such as hip dysplasia, a pup born of two related dogs has an increased chance of having that problem.

Natural mating of related dogs is not the only way inherited defects permeate a breed. Sometimes, a male dog that fits the breed standard and wins numerous championships will be used to father many litters (naturally or through artificial insemination) with unrelated mothers, and his genes, both good and bad, become widely spread through the breed. Even though the mother and father are not related, there is a good chance that future generations will be linked through the father.

How are safe breeding practices ensured?

Dogs of pedigree can be wonderful pets or service dogs, so it is important to avoid inherited medical. To safeguard the integrity and health of a bloodline, guidelines have been developed.

1. Review pedigrees before mating to ensure you are not breeding close relatives. Most pedigrees outline ancestors for several generations.
2. Use several breeding males and females to add diversity to the population.
3. Avoid mating siblings to siblings, and parents to offspring.
4. Do not breed dogs with known genetic defects or inherited diseases like allergic skin disease, cryptorchidism, hypothyroidism, or hip dysplasia. It is best to have these dogs spayed or neutered.

How do breed standards help?

Breed standards help educate potential pet owners about what to expect when choosing a specific dog breed. People can research breed standards for information about the size, temperament, and potential health problems of their chosen pup. Future dog owners can anticipate how big the pup will be, what he will look like, and what medical problems to watch for. For example:

• Bulldogs are particularly prone to respiratory problems associated with their short nose and elongated soft palate. 
• Pugs tend to experience ocular problems associated with their bulging eyes (corneal ulcers, proptosed [popped out] eyeball).
• Beagles often have epileptic seizures.
• Shih tzus, toy poodles, and Yorkshire terriers may have luxating patellas (knee caps) that cause intermittent lameness.

It is important to understand that any dog breed can have these health issues, but certain breeds are more predisposed than others. Mixed-breed dogs, while not exempt from these medical problems, are less likely to develop them due to “hybrid vigor”: a variety of genetic material gives mutts a health advantage over their upper crust canine companions.

What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of pedigree?

There are advantages and disadvantages to choosing a purebred dog over a mixed breed.

Advantage: You will have a good idea what your pup will be like when he grows up. A mixed breed pup cannot be as easily pegged.

Disadvantage: Your dog may have a health or behavioral issue related to his carefully scripted blood line that may show up immediately or become evident later in life.