Have you ever wondered if that adorable purebred puppy might be hiding some not-so-adorable health issues? Well, I’ve been researching dog breeding practices for years, and let me tell you – the world of dog breeding has a dark side that many pet owners don’t realize until it’s too late.
Inbreeding in dogs is way more common than most people think. According to a veterinary study from the University of California at Davis, scientists discovered inbreeding levels of approximately 25% across dog populations. That’s pretty shocking, right?
Today, I’m gonna break down the major problems inbred dogs face and why you should be concerned if you’re thinking about bringing a new furry friend into your home.
What Exactly Is Dog Inbreeding?
Before I dive into the problems, let’s clarify what we’re talking about. Inbreeding happens when two closely related dogs (like siblings, parent-child, or cousins) are deliberately bred together. Many breeders do this to emphasize certain physical traits or behaviors, or to maintain a “pure” bloodline.
This is different from linebreeding, which involves breeding more distantly related dogs. Linebreeding is like marrying your second cousin, while inbreeding would be like marrying your sibling or first cousin (yikes!).
5 Major Problems Inbred Dogs Experience
1. Damaged DNA and Increased Health Problems
The most serious issue with inbreeding is the damage it does to a dog’s genetic makeup. When closely related dogs breed, harmful mutations become more likely to appear
There are three types of harmful mutations
- Additive
- Dominant
- Recessive
In dogs with greater genetic variance, these mutations are easily bred out. But when inbreeding occurs, damaged genetic sequences can be passed down by both parents, causing serious health issues.
Inbred dogs commonly suffer from
- Neurological conditions
- Skin problems
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Joint problems (like hip dysplasia)
- Heart defects
- Compromised immune systems
2. Fertility Problems and Smaller Litters
According to the Institute of Canine Biology, dog breeds with inbreeding rates greater than 5% face increased risks of fertility problems. These dogs tend to produce smaller litters, and in some cases, they might be completely unable to reproduce.
What’s shocking is that only about 20 breeds worldwide have less than 25% inbreeding in their genes. Most popular breeds have significant levels of inbreeding in their bloodlines.
3. “Inbreeding Depression” – Reduced Quality of Life
There’s a strange phenomenon called “inbreeding depression” that affects many inbred dogs. This is described as an “unspecific decrease of fitness” that drastically reduces a dog’s quality of life.
Inbreeding depression leads to:
- Higher mortality rates in puppies
- Shortened lifespans
- Weakened immune systems
- Increased susceptibility to diseases
Research from 2021 found significant differences in lifespan between dogs with low inbreeding levels versus those with high levels. Some estimates suggest inbred dogs live 6 to 10 months less than they would have without inbreeding.
4. Behavioral Problems and Aggression
It’s not just physical problems – inbred dogs often suffer from behavioral issues too. They tend to be less intelligent than other members of their breed and can exhibit concerning behaviors like:
- Excessive aggression
- Rough play
- Snapping or biting people/animals
- Serious attacks
- Impulsive behaviors (like chasing vehicles)
These behavioral problems can make inbred dogs difficult to train and potentially dangerous in some situations.
5. Anxiety and Personality Disorders
Inbred pups are more likely to develop severe personality disorders, including:
- Severe separation anxiety
- Fearfulness
- Compulsive behaviors
- Lack of affection for their human family
These issues can make it difficult for these dogs to live happy, well-adjusted lives and can put a strain on their relationships with their owners.
Physical Signs of Inbred Dogs
You might be wondering if you can spot an inbred dog just by looking at them. While not all inbred dogs show physical signs, there are some common characteristics:
- Smaller size compared to non-inbred dogs of the same breed
- Asymmetrical features (eyes of different sizes, misaligned jaws)
- Congenital birth defects
- Stunted growth
- Physical deformities
Vets can often suspect inbreeding based on physical traits and breed, but genetic testing using the “coefficient of inbreeding” (COI) is the only conclusive way to determine how inbred a dog is.
Most Inbred Dog Breeds
Some breeds have higher inbreeding rates than others. The most inbred dog breeds include:
- Norwegian Lundehunds (most inbred breed by far)
- Bull Terriers
- English Bulldogs
- Pugs
- Basset Hounds
- Golden Retrievers
- Labrador Retrievers
- Boxers
- Collies
- Airedale Terriers
On the flip side, breeds with lower inbreeding rates include:
- Sloughi
- Chihuahua
- Spanish Water Dog
- Jack Russell Terrier
How to Avoid Contributing to the Problem
If you’re looking to add a dog to your family, here are some ways to avoid supporting inbreeding practices:
1. Adopt, Don’t Shop
Consider adopting from a shelter or rescue organization. You’d be surprised how many purebred dogs end up in shelters, and mixed breeds often have fewer health problems due to their diverse genetics.
2. Research Breeders Carefully
If you’re set on a specific breed, do your homework on breeders. Reputable breeders:
- Conduct genetic testing
- Can provide COI information
- Prioritize health over appearance
- Take excellent care of their breeding dogs
3. Consider Mixed Breeds
Mixed breed dogs (mutts) typically have greater genetic diversity and fewer health problems. Some of the best dogs I’ve ever owned were mixed breeds!
4. Ask for Health Guarantees
Responsible breeders offer health guarantees and will be transparent about potential breed-specific health concerns.
My Personal Experience
I’ve owned both purebred and mixed breed dogs throughout my life, and I’ve noticed a difference in health issues. My purebred golden retriever (a breed known for inbreeding) developed hip dysplasia at just 4 years old and had numerous skin issues throughout her life.
Meanwhile, my mixed breed rescue has been remarkably healthy with no major health concerns at 12 years old. While this is just my experience and not scientific evidence, it aligns with what research tells us about the health benefits of genetic diversity.
The Ethical Question
The prevalence of inbreeding in dogs raises important ethical questions. Is it right to continue breeding practices that we know cause suffering, just to maintain certain physical traits? Many animal welfare organizations argue that current breeding standards need to be reconsidered with a greater focus on health.
Final Thoughts
Inbreeding in dogs is a major problem that causes serious health and behavioral issues. While certain breeds are more affected than others, the practice is widespread throughout the dog breeding world.
As dog lovers, we have a responsibility to make informed choices that don’t contribute to practices that cause suffering. Whether you choose to adopt from a shelter or purchase from a responsible breeder, prioritizing genetic diversity and health over appearance is the compassionate choice.
Remember, a healthy dog with a few “imperfections” is far better than a “perfect” dog who suffers from health problems throughout their life. After all, we love our dogs for their loyalty, companionship, and unique personalities – not just how they look!
FAQs About Inbred Dogs
Can a vet tell if a dog is inbred?
Vets may suspect inbreeding based on physical characteristics and known breed tendencies, but genetic testing (using the coefficient of inbreeding or COI) is the only definitive way to determine inbreeding levels.
Do inbred dogs live as long as other dogs?
No, research shows that inbred dogs typically have shorter lifespans than dogs with low inbreeding levels. Some estimates suggest they live 6-10 months less on average.
Are all purebred dogs inbred?
Not all purebred dogs are heavily inbred, but most purebred lines do have some level of inbreeding in their history. Only about 20 breeds worldwide have inbreeding levels below 25%.
What is the difference between inbreeding and linebreeding?
Inbreeding involves mating closely related dogs (siblings, parent-child), while linebreeding involves mating more distantly related dogs to maintain certain traits while minimizing the risks associated with close inbreeding.
Can inbreeding problems be reversed?
While the genetic damage from inbreeding can’t be “reversed” in an individual dog, outbreeding (breeding with unrelated dogs) in subsequent generations can help reduce these issues over time.
#3: The strange phenomenon called “inbreeding depression”
Inbreeding depression, known as “an unspecific decrease of fitness,” drastically reduces the quality of an inbred dog’s life, leading to higher incidents of mortality in puppies and shortened lifespans due to a weakened immune system. Common health issues include neurological conditions, skin problems, gastrointestinal matters, and joint problems, such as hip dysplasia.
What does an inbred dog look like?
You may wonder if any of the signs of inbred dogs are easy to spot by appearance. Certain dog breeds are renowned for possessing specific traits. From the French bulldog’s precious face to the German shepherd’s trademark stance, dog breeders have relied on selective breeding for centuries. Unfortunately, some physical signs of inbreeding aren’t as endearing as the Frenchie’s stunted snout.
Inbreeding not only results in reduced litter size, but it also leaves inbred pups smaller than non-inbred dogs of the same breed. In some cases, inbred dogs have asymmetrical features, ranging from eyes of different sizes to misaligned jaws. Inbreeding also makes dogs much more likely to develop a genetically predisposed disorder at some point during their life.