Document type: published in Mr Globalization
Author: Waclaw
Preview: Who hasn't fallen in love with the sweet face of a French Bulldog or the beautiful blue eyes of an Australian Shepherd? However, behind the aesthetics of these highly fashionable dogs lies another, more harmful, trend, which involves the breeding of animals with exaggerated physical characteristics, even when this leads to an accumulation of problems ...
What is a hypertype in dogs?
Yes, it is true that the Chihuahua is descended from the wolf, in an evolutionary development that would have been highly improbable without human intervention. The genetic diversity to be observed in dogs today gives an illusion of great variety, but this wealth of types is actually misleading. To preserve the physical attributes patiently shaped over decades of breeding, the contribution of external genetic traits have been restricted, to the point, sometimes, of inbreeding. The result has been pedigree lines that are increasingly vulnerable. A purebred dog is said in France to be "typical" if it meets the standards required by the LOF (Livre des Origines Français). These are determined by a number of criteria, ranging from height at the withers (shoulder) to ear shape, muzzle length and coat color. When these physical details are taken to extremes, they are referred to as hypertypes: a completely flattened muzzle, folds of skin that obscure the animal underneath, blue eyes in a breed that usually has dark eyes, etc. What is wrong with this? Rather than preventing such hypertypes by avoiding the breeding of dogs that are prone to them, many unscrupulous breeders have actually developed them. It is the law of supply and demand, but it is applied to an animal's health.
Because they're attractive, because they're fashionable, Bulldogs struggle to breathe, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have increasing heart problems, Shar-Peis suffer from very painful skin problems under their numerous folds, Shih Tzus have eyeballs so disproportionate that their eyelids can no longer cover them or keep them moist, German Shepherds end up crippled by osteoarthritis because their pelvis has become so low (...)
The myth of dogs "lining the pockets of veterinarians"
Contrary to popular belief, veterinarians are fighting against the hypertypes trend. The AFVAC (French Association of Veterinarians for Companion Animals) has launched an awareness campaign on the subject: "It is urgent that all stakeholders in the industry define the recommendations and rules that must be followed for proper selection, with respect for animal welfare." (...)
Owners or breeders... Who is to blame?
It is a chicken and egg question. Should we blame the breeders for continuing to produce hypertypes for owners who continue to request them, or the owners for creating demand and thus pushing breeders to continue to breed them? Beyond the identification of the responsible parties, though, the question today is how to staunch the wound. The Animal Cross association, which recently drew attention to the issue, is proposing a petition to combat this serious problem. But it is asking for more: backed by a comprehensive, 62-page dossier, Animal Cross wants to implement 13 measures to end animal suffering, drawing its inspiration from our European neighbors. These include banning the breeding of breeds that are "medically unsound," such as the Cavalier King Charles (a ban that is already in place in Norway), sterilizing unwell dogs or those carrying diseases, and strengthening veterinary controls in high-risk dog breeding facilities. "I may be naive, but I think that informing and educating people are the keys to trying to solve the problem," says Marion Arribart. "You only have to look at the number of puppies still for sale on Le Bon Coin, even though it's supposed to be banned... In the very short term, a ban may indeed become necessary if things don't move fast enough—a bit like with the environment! (...)
The widespread dissemination of accurate information now appears to be one of the essential levers to curb a phenomenon that directly threatens the health and welfare of many dogs. (...)
