Breeding animals is not as ‘pure’ as it seems 

MARIA SIMPSON/ COPY EDITOR

Everyone has heard the saying “adopt don’t shop,” urging  prospective  pet owners to choose a furry friend from an animal shelter or adoption agency, as opposed to breeders who sell purebred animals for high fees. There are many reasons why adopting is a more ethical approach to obtaining a pet, but one of the most crucial is avoiding the purchase of a purebred dog or cat. This is because breeding purebred pets is an unethical practice that should be put to an end. 

Breeding dogs and cats for aesthetic purposes creates many health issues within those breeds. An article from Time Magazine said that “by allowing only the most aesthetically pleasing animals to mate, breeders believed they could make more-perfect creatures.” Unfortunately, these creatures are not so perfect. Common health hazards linked to breeding include respiratory disorders, skin conditions, reproductive issues and eye problems just to name a few.

To achieve the purebred status and “idealized” traits, inbreeding has been a widely used breeding practice. Inbreeding “results in a buildup of the recessive genes that cause  common non-conformation-related brachycephalic dog diseases like heart disease and skin issues. It also diminishes genetic variability, which protects populations from being wiped out by one catastrophic event,” Smithsonian Magazine said. The health issues that are spread from one generation to the next become amplified through a limited gene pool.

Take for example French Bulldogs. These dogs have been unnaturally altered to the point that they can not survive without human intervention. Centuries of breeding has made their hips too narrow to give birth, so they often require C-sections. If the ever-so desired wrinkles on their faces are not properly cleaned, they can become infected. Additionally, French Bulldogs are unable  to  tolerate  heat  or  endure  strenuous physical activity due to their difficulty breathing.

Unnaturally shaped body parts lead to a variety of health issues across many breeds, not just Frenchies. English Bulldogs and Pugs also commonly suffer from nostrils that are too small or soft palates (the roof of their mouth) that are too big, both of which block their airways, making breathing very difficult. Pugs’ curly tails are a staple in the breed, but that cute curl is caused by malformed vertebrae. Lots of dog breeds suffer from spinal issues, as their bodies have been stretched or condensed over time. Some also experience a skull-brain size mismatch, which can lead to neurological problems. 

The problem is not limited to dogs. Cats suffer from inevitable health struggles, as well. Persians, recognized for their flat faces, commonly suffer from dental disease, eye problems, and the same breathing issues as flat faced dogs. Polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a genetic condition which slowly deteriorates the cat’s kidneys overtime, is a condition that many Persians are born with. Many other purebred cats, such as Bengals, Exotic Shorthairs and Ragdolls are prone to blindness, heart disease and cancer among other health disorders. 

If the torturous, chronic health conditions are not enough to convince you to boycott “pure” breeders then consider the other animals you could help and the money you could save. According to World Animal Foundation nearly 6.3 million animals enter animal shelters each year in the U.S. alone. Of the  shelters  they  go to, about 52 percent are kill shelters. The rescue and shelter animals deserve love and a forever home just as much as a “perfect” purebred animal. 

My family has only ever owned rescues and adopted dogs and cats, and they have been incredibly fun, adorable and loving members of our family. A purebred dog costs upwards of $1,000. Purebred cats are no different, Maine Coons and Russian Blues can run up to $3,000. When you can adopt a dog or cat that will be close to your heart for minimal or free cost, why would you break the bank to buy a purebred and pay endless medical bills for it?

Breeding dogs and cats for unnatural, desired traits is a cruel practice that leaves them in pain and facing a shortened lifespan. While many of those popular purebreds may be “cute” to humans, the look is not worth the consequences that the animal will suffer. Breeding pets in this inhumane manner should be put to an end. If you are interested in getting a pet, please adopt  instead. Shopping for purebred animals only encourages the practice to continue.