Breeding for aesthetics has resulted in genetic disorders, health problems and a loss of biodiversity, writes Sorelle Tan. Selective breeding for aesthetic traits such as floppy ears, short noses and flat faces often predisposes the hybrid animal to ear infections and respiratory problems. Brachycephalic breeds like French bulldogs have a life expectancy about 4.1 years shorter than dogs with longer muzzles, and similar issues are seen in Persian cats and Netherland dwarf rabbits.
Source: The Tufts Daily, May 13, 2025. Link.
Related: Researchers bust the myth that crossbred ‘designer dogs’ are healthier than pedigreed ones, The Conversation, August 29, 2024. Link.
Testing the assumption that designer crossbreeds have less chance of suffering common disorders compared to their founder breeds, United Kingdom’s Royal Veterinary College researchers found no compelling evidence of hybrid vigor in studied crossbreeds.
There was also no evidence purebreds were significantly healthier than the designer crossbreed dogs, although the study only looked at three types of crossbreeds, all involving poodles. Other designer crossbreeds may experience better health than their purebred cousins.
INSIGHTS: As interested dog buyers gain more information, genetic testing to determine any breeds represented will become more relevant to help dog owners and veterinarians predict size, conformation and potential health risks.
Image: Link.