Tter natural characteristics in dog breeds
identify potential ses, along with remandatory health ke an evidenceh to improving es. They will do ure their puppies ormation with a life. y, there are still re who are knownimals with traits ed to be desirable the puppy having of health issues e. Many of these ercise freely, can’t al body temperall because their small, live with suffer eye issues.” not advocate for banning breeds, it instead aims to educate the public to make informed decisions, and to help reduce the demand for dogs bred with extreme conformations.
NZVA companion animal veterinarians (CAV) president Becky Murphy, who also works as a canine reproduction consultant, said many breeders are making great progress by importing genetics and taking great care in improving their breeding practices.
“There are a lot of really good breeders who want to do the right thing because they genuinely love their breed,” she said.
“The key points owners need to remember is to do their homework; buy from registered, responsible breeders; view both parents; make sure they have viewed and understood the sire and dam hereditary disease tests; and sign a puppy contract. We also need to stop normalising the effects of extreme conformations in society, for instance, snoring, which can actually indicate respiratory issues.”
The ICECDogs position paper involved collaboration from experts in Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ireland Australia, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
The paper is based on the innate health concept, which provides information to help predict and assess a dog’s health and welfare based on its body shape. It has been developed through a decade of research at London’s Royal Veterinary College.
Basic innate health functions include a dog’s ability to:
Breathe freely and oxygenate effectively
Maintain their body temperature within a normal physiological range
Move freely without effort or discomfort
Eat and drink effectively Hear, smell, see, self-groom, eliminate, and sleep effectively Reproduce without assistance Reproduce naturally Communicate effectively with other dogs.
“If you’re thinking about getting a dog, consider what it is about the particular breed you are being drawn to,” Cory said.
“Do your research and go through a registered breeder, but also consider rehoming. There are so many dogs filling up our shelters that would make perfectly good pets. Getting a dog is a long-term commitment, so it’s essential to consider all associated health risks and costs that will add up throughout its lifetime.”
Murphy adds that she hopes to see more work being done at a national regulation level to protect dogs and puppies into the future.
The ICECDogs group encourages animal lovers to help protect the welfare of dogs by never promoting, breeding, selling or acquiring dogs with extreme conformations.