As a result, purebred dogs not only have increased incidences of inherited diseases but also heightened health issues due to their bodily frames and shapes, such as hip dysplasia in large breeds like the German shepherd and the Saint Bernard, and patellar luxation, or persistent dislocation of the kneecap, in toy and miniature breeds. When a male dog wins numerous championships, for instance, he is often bred widely-a practice known as popular sire syndrome ( pdf)-and his genes, healthy or not, then are spread like wildfire throughout the breed. To foster the desired appearance, breeders often turn to line breeding-a type of inbreeding that mates direct relatives, such as grandmother and grandson. Over time the American Kennel Club (AKC) and other such organizations have set standards defining what each variety should look like. But the vast number of modern breeds-and the roots of their genetically caused problems-came about over the past two centuries, as dog shows became popular and people began selectively inbreeding the animals to have specific physical features. Why did this happen-and what can be done about it?įor almost 4,000 years people have been breeding dogs for certain traits-whether it be a physique ideal for hunting pests like badgers or a temperament suitable for companionship. Most purebred dogs today are at a high risk for numerous inherited diseases. And although Cavaliers may be a particularly obvious case of purebreds with problems, they aren’t alone. By the same age, up to 70 percent will suffer from canine syringomyelia, a debilitating neurological disorder in which the brain is too large for the skull, causing severe pain in the neck and shoulders, along with damage to parts of the dog’s spinal cord. Unfortunately, though, it is almost certain that their pet will also come with genetic disorders.īy age five, for example, half of all Cavaliers will develop mitral valve disease, a serious heart condition that leaves the dogs susceptible to premature death. I was surprised to see how sweet and adjusted both these dogs are.Īll Forrest wants now is a family that will love him forever.įorrest is 1.5-2 years old and weighs 42 lbs.With its sweet and loving disposition, combined with silky fur and elegantly droopy ears, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel is a popular breed-with families paying hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars per puppy. I didn't know what kind of behavior to expect from dogs that have been locked up in cage as long as these two. It's truly heartbreaking what he has been thru. He spend several nights at a vet hospital in the area, before returning back to the shelter. In the fall of 2022 an aggressive dog ripped down the kennel wall and attacked poor Forrest. After almost a year at the shelter they were facing euthanasia to make room for the never ending influx of new dogs.Ĭrowding and aggressive dogs are common problems at "no-kill" shelters. The shelter practices a "no-kill" policy, but these sweet hounds were running out of time. Hank, who appears to be his brother was picked up in the same area a few weeks later. He was picked up by the local dog catcher in Mullins SC in May 2022 and spent 9 long months in a cage at the southern shelter. Forrest is hands down one of the sweetest hounds that I've had the pleasure of meeting! He is super friendly, although a little bit shy at first.įorrest has been thru a lot.
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