Why Pedigree Dogs Have Higher Risk Factors for Health Problems
If you’re trying to decide what type of dog or puppy is right for you and are reading up on different pedigree dog breeds, you will probably have noticed that virtually all pedigree dog breeds have a hereditary predisposition to certain breed-specific health problems.
Almost all of the pedigree dog breeds that we recognise in the UK – including well-loved breeds like the French bulldog puppies and pug puppies – have certain known health conditions that appear within their gene pools much more frequently than in other breeds. These conditions can range from mild to severe and may significantly impact the dog’s quality of life and lifespan.
Understanding Hereditary Health Issues in Pedigree Dogs
The vast majority of health problems in pedigree breeds are hereditary, meaning they are passed down genetically from parent dogs to their offspring through gene mutations and anomalies. Some of these mutations are well understood, while others remain unknown.
Genes can pass traits through dominant or recessive heredity. Recessive conditions usually affect a smaller number of dogs, provided that breeders avoid mating two carriers of the same gene fault. However, when breeding two dogs carrying the same genetic defect, the risk of pups inheriting health issues rises sharply.
Limited Gene Pools Increase Health Risks
Pedigree registration requires both parents to be registered pedigrees of the same breed. Crossbreeding with different breeds or unregistered dogs excludes the pups from pedigree registration. This restriction limits genetic diversity and reduces the gene pool size.
A smaller gene pool increases the likelihood of genetic mutations spreading and the chance of breeding dogs carrying harmful genes. This issue affects breeds with large populations but is more severe for breeds with few unrelated individuals to choose from. Popular stud dogs may sire many litters, which can further narrow genetic variation.
Selective Breeding and Its Impact
Selective breeding aims to pair dogs to produce litters with desired traits while diminishing less desirable characteristics. When conducted responsibly, it can improve breed quality. However, if genetic diversity and health are neglected, selective breeding increases the propagation of hereditary diseases.
Conformation Defects and Exaggerated Traits
Beyond genetic mutations, deliberate breeding for specific physical features can also harm dogs. This is often seen in brachycephalic breeds, where flat faces, large heads, and compact bodies create vulnerabilities to breathing difficulties, joint problems, and other health complications.
An example is the English bulldog puppies, whose increasingly exaggerated features make them prone to serious health challenges.
Breeding Regulation and Health Testing
Many hereditary conditions can be detected using pre-breeding health testing techniques like DNA screening. Responsible breeders use these tools to exclude affected or carrier dogs from breeding. However, not all breeders conduct the recommended tests, and only a few health conditions are mandatory to screen for to register litters.
Limited regulation and lack of enforcement allow hereditary health problems to continue to spread, which is why many welfare organisations campaign for improved health screening standards across breeding.
Buyer Demand and Its Role
Buyer demand significantly impacts breeding practices and prioritises certain breeds and traits. Unfortunately, some popular breeds come with high risks of hereditary or conformation-related health issues, which potential owners may not fully understand.
This demand has driven many of the health problems seen in pedigree breeds. The most effective way to improve puppy welfare is through informed buyer choices: say no to puppies with exaggerated features or untested parents, and research breed health carefully before purchase.
Ultimately, responsibility lies with breeders and buyers alike to support ethical practices and reduce health risks in pedigree dogs.
