The Problem with Purebreeds

Dogs have been man’s best friend for longer than we can actually know. In fact, dogs have been such an integral part of human development that early dogs and humans evolved right alongside each other.

Even though dogs have been around for longer than we can remember, dog breeds are a relatively new development.

It all started in 19th century Victorian England. During this time, British aristocracy began to dabble in eugenics just to see what kind of dogs they could create. Fast-forward a few generations, and these early Dr. Frankensteins decided to attach the name “purebred” to their creations.

Even though the term purebred leads many to believe that dogs from one of these “pure” breeds are healthier than their mutt cousins, the opposite is actually true: purebred dogs often suffer from a host of genetic defects.

And then, of course, there is the English bulldog. The English bulldog is an animal famed for its so-ugly-you-have-to-love-it look, but the very thing that makes this breed of dog so sought after is also the greatest source of pain for a bulldog.

An English bulldog’s nose is so squashed that breathing problems within the breed are extremely common, their hips are so small compared with their weight that the development of hip dysplasia is almost a guarantee, and their heads are so big that the only way a bulldog can give birth is by cesarean section.

All in all, a purebred dog is not a good thing. In fact, whenever you hear the term “purebred” you should think inbred, because that is how kennel clubs maintain the breeds today. So do yourself a favor: if you want a dog, go pick up a mutt. Not only are mutts healthier than their purebred cousins, but a mutt is actually the natural evolutionary form a dog is supposed to be.