We all love dogs. They have been with us for around 15000 years. Through this time, many new breeds were created, mainly for aesthetic purposes. Lately, while browsing the Internet, I stumbled across an interesting post about dog breeds that experience health issues caused by all human tinkering with their genetics. I wanted to know more about this topic, so I found this short video, which describes the process of creating a new breed and complications that follow it.
Questions:
1. Do you agree with all the genetic tinkering that people do to dogs?
2. Which two dog breeds would make a good combination?
3. Did you know about the problems that come with creating a new breed? (like breathing problems of a pug)
Comments
We shouldn't tinker in the dog's genes to create the perfect breed, I didn't think it looks so bad. Until now it seemed to me that it’s good to have a purebred dog, because we know some of the character traits of a given breed and it's great. I knew that purebred dogs may have health problems (breathing problems, backaches), but I didn't know that they have different brains, it's terrible.
2. Which two dog breeds would make a good combination?
A good idea would be to connect a dachshund with a labrador. I love dachshunds because they’re small and very connected with the owner, but sometimes their character bothers me. Labradors have a very good character - they love to hear the owners and are happy to carry out all commands.
3. Did you know about the problems that come with creating a new breed? (like breathing problems of a pug)
I know that bulldogs suffer from hip dysplasia, and Cocker spaniels can have retinal atrophy.
2. My favorite breed is the Golden Retriever, however he is quite a big dog. So I would combine his genetic code with a smaller one, like Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, who is very cheerful, lively and non-aggressive.
3. Yes, I knew about the health problems of brachycephalic dogs resulting from the selection of individuals with defects. It is very sad that we consciously decide to suffer animals only because we like their appearance more because they have features that make their functioning difficult.
In my opinion, such changes are only acceptable if the characteristics are improved so that these dogs can better serve humans. Some dogs have been selected by man to serve specific purposes: to guard the backyard, track the animals, hunt , guard the herd . However, it is not acceptable that the purpose of modifying dogs is to look. An example of a breed spoiled by breeding are mops. Due to their extremely shortened face, these dogs have permanent problems with breathing and eyeballs falling out, which protrude from too shallow eyeballs.
2. Which two dog breeds would make a good combination?
As I mentioned, the change should be useful but it must not affect the health of the dog. In my opinion, the issue of modification of certain species, e.g. Boldogs, should be regulated
3. Did you know about the problems that come with creating a new breed? (like breathing problems of a pug)
I knew it. Additional problems are associated with dogs having a barrel-shaped chest, which can cause twists in the stomach, suffer from allergies, hip and elbow dysplasia, bone inflammation and cancer.
2. I once had a breed called Entlebucher. God, it was the cutest, sweetest, most caring dog I have ever met. He loved to cuddle; he was really calm but a bit crazy. If I had to choose which two breeds should be mixed, I would mix this breed with Labradors. I guess by creating this combination people would get a “walking candy”. Cuddly, beautiful, cute ball of love and fur
3. Yes, I was aware of these problems. My brother has a pug and it is like never ending story of problems. He had part of his eye surgically transplanted, he had some kind of medical treatment due to his problems with breathing. Just two days ago we went for a walk with my brother and Watson, and he got tired after ten minutes of walking. When temperature reaches around 25 Celsius degrees it is almost impossible for him to go on walks – he simply suffocates due to breathing disfunctions.
I think that evolution is dogs is a natural phenomenon, but humans only make it much quicker. I get that it can create some diseases for the animals, but that's not the case for the majority of breeds.
2.
Rottweiler and beagle.
3.
I've heard about the problem that is in the question, but apart from that sadly no.
I agree. There is nothing wrong with playing god. If it serves us any purpose, we should fully accept embrace it. Of course, everything has its own boundaries.
2. Which two dog breeds would make a good combination?
Labrador and Golden Retriever would make perfect combination. They are similar in terms of genetics so we can expect they wouldn’t born ill.
3. Did you know about the problems that come with creating a new breed? (like breathing problems of a pug)
Yes, I am aware of that and this is horrible. I don’t understand why people breed pub and why they are so expensive.
2. According to the information presented in the film, the best combinations are those that the dog breeds are similar (for example, golden labrador and ordinary labrador). All in all, it makes logical sense.
3. I didn't know about these problems. It wasn't until your film showed me that this is a very serious problem. Unfortunately, this is how it is - if we play with nature.
I am against genetic tinkering that people do to dogs. It's no different to asking whether we should conduct experiments in humans that create defective humans. Plus, genetic modifications have unintended consequences. For example, uncontrolled breeding in dogs can cause allergies, which are a growing problem across the country. It's time to answer two questions: Do you want puppies with cancer on your hands, and will you be happy with a hybrid dog that "may have as many genetic defects as a purebred dog, but in an attractive form?"
2. Which two dog breeds would make a good combination?
There is a lot of good ideas on the internet and I will just choose first come first served. The Cockapoo! For people who love the doodle face of the Goldendoodle but don't want to take care of a dog quite so big, there's the Cockapoo. One of the first "designer dogs" ever bred, this Cocker Spaniel/poodle melange usually doesn't grow to be more than 24 pounds, at most. But should you ever meet one, you'll be amazed at how these tiny dogs can capture the attention of a room with their bright personalities.
3. Did you know about the problems that come with creating a new breed? (like breathing problems of a pug)
Of course, I did. Like I've mentioned before, that is scary, what can go wrong with breeding. Maybe they look more adorable but if it will end up bad, the consequences are painful for those dogs.
2. I do not want to answer this question because I am against breeding dogs for the sake of creating new species. For me it is just cruel.
3. Yes, I heard about it. I have also heard that their eyes are falling out of the eye sockets.
I don't agree. I think people shouldn’t play a god. If we do a mistake manipulating dog's DNA than a dog could born sick. Dogs are our friends and we need love them and protect them.
2. Which two dog breeds would make a good combination?
I don’t know. I am not an expert in dogs breeds. I think a good combination would be dogs that have similar height and bodies.
3. Did you know about the problems that come with creating a new breed? (like breathing problems of a pug)
I didn't know about the problems that come with creating a new breed. I never had a purebred dog. I always adopt a mutt from an animal shelter.
2. As I said I do not agreed with multiplying breeding.
3. Yes, I met a case of pug who had trouble breathing, especially in the summer during the heat. My other friend had a German shepherd, who had huge problems with walking and suffered greatly at the end of his life due to dysplasia.
2. I recently made friends with Goldendoodle, which is a mix of a Golden Retriever and Puddle. This is a great combination as puddles are known for their intelligence and a Golden will do anything to please his master, effecting in a smart and loyal companion.
3. Yes, I did know this. I knew a bulldog once, the poor guy was five when the summer heat took him down. His nostrils were too clouded for him to breath. I'm strongly against buying those races, maybe in time others will realise it too and we stop maltreating those poor pups.
It is really hard for me to answer to this question. I am a dog owner and I could not imagine that my dog could have any struggle because of human playing god. I don’t agree fot it, on the other hand it is really common to cross some species and some of the dogs are really great. After I wrote it and few minutes of reflection I know that I dont agree.
2. Which two dog breeds would make a good combination?
For example some strong and speed dogs. They could be good as dog rescuers or police dogs. But I don’t agree for it, it is just a speculation.
3. Did you know about the problems that come with creating a new breed? (like breathing problems of a pug)
I didn’t know about it, but there has to be many problems not only with breathing, there are some problems with knuckles.
I've never really thought about this. It would be easier to form an opinion if I knew what it takes to create a new breed and how "humanly" it is. However, knowing what I already know e.g. how malformed and tend to have health issues some breeds are I rather disagree.
2. Which two dog breeds would make a good combination?
Golden retriever + husky mix, however I'm pretty sure that someone had already came up with such idea and it's loooooooovely. I'm rather a cat person, but if I were to have a dog, it would be great if it had golden retriever's temper and husky look.
3. Did you know about the problems that come with creating a new breed? (like breathing problems of a pug).
I was. One of my friends has a pug and it really looks as if it was kind of suffering due to his breating problems. You can even hear it - it sounds as if it was snoring the whole time.
2. Honestly, I don’t have opinion on that. In my opinion every breed has its pros and cons but not every dog has to act by the book, for example I am proud owner of a Yorkshire Terrier who simply doesn’t bark at all (I know - sounds unreal 😉 ) just because when she was a puppy we didn’t let her to do so, and right now she is just the calmest dog I could ever imagine and by character she’s more like a Labrador.
3. Yes, I was aware of some of the problems connected with creating new breeds especially the breathing problems for all short-mouthed dogs not only pugs.
No, I think it is horrible. Take Pugs for example. People think they are cute, they are extremely popular but they suffer from lot of problems due to their unnatural body. I think it is cruel and people that know about those problems are kind of responsible for suffering that those dogs have to come through.
2. Which two dog breeds would make a good combination?
I would rather not to think about that. I don't know that much about dog breeds and their differences.
3. Did you know about the problems that come with creating a new breed? (like breathing problems of a pug)
I think I did, look at my answer at first question :D
Oops, I hold unpopular opinion that genetic tinkering, in any organism (plants are also welcomed!) is reasonable and justified. Even if it's pure cosmetic... well, we could be spending our time better with researches.
I'm a bit annoyed that due to "genetics lottery" new species may suffer. I hope we could move this to more controlled and science oriented territory, where risk of harm is minimal.
2. Which two dog breeds would make a good combination?
I'm a pug owner, so it's already one of the most "combined" dog breed existing :D Knowing the history it's countless iteration to make a dog as similar to a dragon as possible. It's a bit funny China ceasar decided, that a pug as it is, is good enough :)
I would love to see even smaller pugs, what dog's breed is the best candidate?
3. Did you know about the problems that come with creating a new breed? (like breathing problems of a pug)
Yes. As I mentioned in my first answer - if genetics tinkering was moved to laboratory environment, run and controlled by scientists I believe the problems would me either minimised or completely removed.
Oops, I hold the unpopular opinion that genetic tinkering, in any organism (plants are also welcomed!) is reasonable and justified. Even if it's pure cosmetics... well, we could be spending our time better with researches.
I'm a bit annoyed that due to "genetics lottery" new species may suffer. I hope we could move this to a more controlled and science-oriented territory, where the risk of harm is minimal.
2. Which two dog breeds would make a good combination?
I'm a pug owner, so it's already one of the most "combined" dog breed existing :D Knowing the history it's countless iteration to make a dog as similar to a dragon as possible. It's a bit funny China Ceasar decided, that a pug as it is, is good enough :)
I would love to see even smaller pugs, what dog's breed is the best candidate?
3. Did you know about the problems that come with creating a new breed? (like breathing problems of a pug)
Yes. As I mentioned in my first answer - if genetics tinkering was moved to a laboratory environment, run and controlled by scientists I believe the problems would be either minimized or completely removed.
No and I think it's awful think to do. People messed up DNA of many breeds of dogs and cats (pugs, exotic cats) just because they think it looks cute. But in fact it causes a lot of health problems with breathing, bone structure, moving around and so on. I just don't understand why people mess up nature.
2. Which two dog breeds would make a good combination?
I don't think breeding is a good idea at all so I think none of the breeds would make a good combination. Better adopt, don't buy - at least not these kinds of breeds. Buying such dogs and cats supports breeders and causes demand for this type of animals.
3. Did you know about the problems that come with creating a new breed? (like breathing problems of a pug)
Yes. As I mentioned - pugs have problems with breathing, their skeleton is so unnaturally build that moving around is painful for older dogs and their eyes can even fall out. Exotic cats have problems with breathing because their nose is so flat, they are also more likely to get eye infections.
I think that we shouldn’t tinker with dogs’ genes. It may and in most cases has some unpredicted negative consequences. Because of humans there are hundreds of pure-bred dogs with painful diseases, just because we wanted them to look in a specific way.
2. Which two dog breeds would make a good combination?
I don’t believe that we should mix breeds to make a new better one, it depends on the specific two dogs that we plan to breed, they should have desirable traits, and no health problems.
3. Did you know about the problems that come with creating a new breed? (like breathing problems of a pug)
Yes I was aware of that, and that’s my main concern with buying co called “pure bred” dogs.
English bulldog and Jack Russell Parson would be a crazy mix - imagine the lazybones part of the bulldog and extra fast metabolism of the JRP. I know it's a bit crazy, but if it would not result in any defects, then I would love to see something like this.
Yes. Don't take me as a person without feelings - we are just helping dogs to cross-breed. It would've happened sooner or later. Still i think that breeding dogs within the same race (if they are related to each other, to create another pure-bleed heir) is devastating for all dog-lovers and gene pool.
1. Do you agree with all the genetic tinkering that people do to dogs?
Oops, I hold the unpopular opinion that genetic tinkering, in any organism (plants are also welcomed!) is reasonable and justified. Even if it's pure cosmetics... well, we could be spending our time better with researches.
I'm a bit annoyed that due to "genetics lottery" new species may suffer. I hope we could move this to a more controlled and science-oriented territory, where the risk of harm is minimal.
2. Which two dog breeds would make a good combination?
I'm a pug owner, so it's already one of the most "combined" dog breed existing :D Knowing the history it's countless iteration to make a dog as similar to a dragon as possible. It's a bit funny China Ceasar decided, that a pug as it is, is good enough :)
I would love to see even smaller pugs, what dog's breed is the best candidate?
3. Did you know about the problems that come with creating a new breed? (like breathing problems of a pug)
Yes. As I mentioned in my first answer - if genetics tinkering was moved to a laboratory environment, run and controlled by scientists I believe the problems would be either minimized or completely removed.
Well, I haven't thought about it at all. But after this video, I find it horrible. People shouldn't do something like this with dogs and they for sure shouldn't be played with their genetic so easily.
2. Which two dog breeds would make a good combination?
I don't know. I am not so interested in dog breeds, so I can't say.
3. Did you know about the problems that come with creating a new breed? (like breathing problems of a pug)
No, it was a discovery for me. And it was a horrible discovering. Now I am thinking why this is allowed at all. Why people are messing up with dogs' genetic so easily and why there are no consequences for these.
1. Do you agree with all the genetic tinkering that people do to dogs?
Personally, I do not agree with human interference in manipulating animal genes when it endangers the life of an animal or when it causes it harm in some way. I don't mind if this interference in gene manipulation doesn't hurt the animal.
2. Which two dog breeds would make a good combination?
I think a good combination of dogs would be to combine a golden retriever with a German Shepherd Dog. First of all because German Shepherds are extremely wise, they like new challenges and often work as dogs in uniformed services and on the other hand Golden Retrivers are extremely calm, loved and friendly. It would be an ideal mix in terms of both behaviour and appearance.
3. Did you know about the problems that come with creating a new breed? (like breathing problems of a pug)
From what I've heard about the problems with crossbreeding, it's the problems with breathing, temperature problems and the tendency to strokes. I believe that such crossbreeding should be strictly forbidden, because it is extremely harmful to these dogs.
Personally, I do not agree with human interference in manipulating animal genes when it endangers the life of an animal or when it causes it harm in some way. I don't mind if this interference in gene manipulation doesn't hurt the animal.
2. Which two dog breeds would make a good combination?
I think a good combination of dogs would be to combine a golden retriever with a German Shepherd Dog. First of all because German Shepherds are extremely wise, they like new challenges and often work as dogs in uniformed services and on the other hand Golden Retrivers are extremely calm, loved and friendly. It would be an ideal mix in terms of both behaviour and appearance.
3. Did you know about the problems that come with creating a new breed? (like breathing problems of a pug)
From what I've heard about the problems with crossbreeding, it's the problems with breathing, temperature problems and the tendency to strokes. I believe that such crossbreeding should be strictly forbidden, because it is extremely harmful to these dogs.
I am totally against genetic tinkering. It shouldn’t be allowed to create new breeds of dogs by genetic manipulations. Nature is nature, and we should accept what we have without artificial changes.
2. Which two dog breeds would make a good combination?
None
3. Did you know about the problems that come with creating a new breed? (like breathing problems of a pug)
Yes, of course, I did. That's why I am against genetic tinkering even though dogs can look more cute or something like that..
2. Sounds like it would make a perfect dog.
3. These are really popular breeds, so it makes me sad, so many dogs suffer from some illnesses daily.
2. I heard people say Golden Retriever is an amazing dog, but he created a lot of problems because of his size, so your idea seems great.
3. Sadly, appearance is for what people care the most now.
2. Your way of describing the Cockapoo! makes me think like it is the best dog breed ever made. Nice persuasion skills.
3. I agree they look adorable, but with normal nose they looked even better in my opinion, so I can't really process why people could change the poor pug so much.
2. Regulations should be present for sure, I'n surprised this topic isn't taken more seriously by people around the world.
3. Your examples are almost making me feel sick, as I've only read about lighter ones. Poor dogs.
2. This combination sounds amazing. Cuddling types of dogs are the best in my opinion.
3. I'm really sorry for your brother's dog. Everytime my dog needed a medical attention I was feeling crushed. I can't imagine how it must feel seeing the suffering of a dog almost everyday.
2. This combination was mentioned by few other people, sounds like it could be popular.
3. I have no clue either. Paying so much for a dog will only encourage breeders to continue their work.
2. Yeah, the problem is breeders combine breeds that aren't similar genetically, thus creating all of the problems mentioned later.
3. I'm glad I could raise this matter to more people. Maybe one day something will change around it.
No, I don't. In my opinion most of this tinkering is just harmful for dogs and unnecessary. They were made only for their appearance and human's benefits and this is wrong demeanour.
2. Which two dog breeds would make a good combination?
I don't know, I'm cat person. But maybe Czechoslovakian Wolfdog and Alaskan Malamute or Husky? They are the closest to wolves, so their combination could be interesting.
3. Did you know about the problems that come with creating a new breed? (like breathing problems of a pug)
Yes, I know. Unfortunately, this phenomena is also in other species, for example cats - Persian cats also have breathing problems because of their flat faces and Munchkin cats have very short paws, so they can't jump as high as other cats. Moreover, due to "clear blood", genetic illnesses are not as rare as they could be.