Genetic defects rise with fad-driven inbreeding of dogs in Japan

Martin Fackler ^ | 12/27/06

[TigerLikesRooster]

Silly Japanese women, ping!

[AnAmericanMother]

Doesn't only occur in Japan.

As soon as a dog breed gets popular here, the puppy mills get started and genetic defects abound.

Either buy from a reputable hobby breeder who gets all the genetic certifications (OFA, PennHip, eyes, etc.) or get a mutt from the pound.

[TigerLikesRooster]

Re #3

Do mutts come with DNA charts?:-)

[NewCenturions]

If they want a pet THAT small, why not get a hamster and dress it up as a dog?!

[sure_fine]

"Either buy from a reputable hobby breeder who gets all the genetic certifications (OFA, PennHip, eyes, etc.) or get a mutt from the pound."



or, adopt a liberal, but only after exausting all attempts to find a real dog

[AnAmericanMother]

No, and my personal preference is for carefully bred dogs with a well-researched pedigree, from a reputable breeder with a track record of healthy, intelligent performance dogs.

I have two Labrador Retrievers who are better bred than any D.A.R. member. My boss says I "give new meaning to the term 'informed consumer'."

But most people don't want to go to all that trouble (and expense). A pound mutt is usually not subject to the genetic issues that are concentrated by inbreeding. Hybrid vigor and all that. It's not risk free, because you have no idea what you're getting, plus people have been known to dump purebred dogs with serious health issues on the pound.

It's less risky than a "purebred" from a puppy mill, though.

[AnAmericanMother]

Nah, you can't housebreak a liberal.

[dighton]

I have two Labrador Retrievers who are better bred than any D.A.R. member.

In the English-speaking world, all those who take up [genealogy] announce sooner or later that they can trace their descent back to Edward III. This should surprise no one with a rudimentary knowledge of mathematics; there are probably one or two well-bred basset hounds who could also trace their descent back to Edward III.

— Peter Bowler, The Superior Person’s Book of Words.

[McGavin999]

Do mutts come with DNA charts?:-)

Yep, they're called pedigrees and they are easily researched. Many of the breeds are now tracking defects and health issues through the various breed clubs.

[WorkingClassFilth]

...adopt a liberal, but only after exhausting all attempts to find a real dog.

No way. They climb up on the table and eat your food. They piss and crap all over your home and on your favorite things. They bite viciously and they constantly try to dominate your children and rule your home.

Get a spider, cobra or something else more cuddly.

[Thrownatbirth]

adopt a liberal, but only after exausting all attempts to find a real dog

And spoil a good euthanization?

[KarlInOhio]

or, adopt a liberal, but only after exausting all attempts to find a real dog

Remember to spay or neuter your liberal. You don't want them breeding and increasing the population of unwanted liberals roaming the streets.

[TigerLikesRooster]

Re #12

Well, a liberal can be your human shield.:-)

[RockinRight]

All purebreed dogs (for the most part) are inbred, that's how they create breeds.

[RockinRight]

Not an issue since most of them are gay. ;-)

[KarlInOhio]

Not an issue since most of them are gay. ;-)

It might still cut back on some of the problem with antisocial humping in public. :-)

[muawiyah]

Growing up I noticed that the Kentuckians who'd moved up from the mines kept their "hounds" in cages on the backporch. The only time those dogs got out was to run on a hunt, or to breed in the backyard ~ or my schoolyard where they'd sometimes let them loose.

Every hound was a different blend of colors and fur types, and some were tall while others were short, with different sorts and sizes of tails.

You might recommend simply getting a pup from a mixed breed litter from a hillbilly if you want a playful, hardworking, dog's dog sort of dog.

[AnAmericanMother]

LOL!

Neddy Three was a very busy guy!

[Knitting A Conundrum]

It is an expense! I have golden retreivers from a champion field trial bloodline. When I buy my next female in the not too distant future (my dogs are 13 and 9 years old, mother and daughter), I expect to spend $1500 at least...but she will not have hip dysplasia, and I will know her ancestors back further generations than most Americans know theirs.

But it is worth it. And it supports those who work to keep the obvious problems out of the bloodlines.