First I agree that BBC likely produced this video last year that I watched. At least it was advertised and marketed as such. If PETA got on the bandwagon --- well they are very good at grabbing negative exposure that supports their questionable goals.
Whilst 78 breed standards were changed - all breed standards were reviewed. Does it go far enough? Maybe not - maybe yes only time will be able to tell. 5-10 Years of time that is. And that if judges are experienced enough and willing enough to overlook dogs that in |their opinion' presents a health risk. And breeders willingly following the new standard and through moral suasion persuading other breeders to do the same.
Genetics is a complicated business - not every inherited condition is a clear cut single genome - many are polygenetic - including hip and elbow dysplasia, and likely knee subluxation.
The gene pool of purebreed dogs is relatively limited. That is a real challenge. How and when do the pure breed registries allow outcrossings to improve a breed. Currently they do not as far as I am aware.
None of my above statements mean that I believe "mutts" are healthier than purebreds. In fact because the majority of "mutts" are not tracked through databases we have no idea on the "health" of the general mutt population. What we have is anecdoctal evidence that some people portray as "hybrid vigor". This is hard to refute or support due to lack of objective - over time related evidence.
Breeders of mutts - do not track their progeny through the variety of tests that purebred breeders do - CERF, hip/elbow Dysplasia registries, thyroid, heart tests, etc, etc.
__________________ Razzle and Dara. Our clan. RIP Karma Dec 24th 2004-July 14 2013 RIP Zoey Jun9 th 2008-May 12 2012. RIP Magic,Mar 26 2006July 1st 2018 |