Pure Bred dogs: Then vs Now

Interesting to see the examples, even though the writer is a bit ott.

http://www.viralnova.com/dog-breeds-truth/

Hmmmm.

Although I understand why the writer's a bit miffed, I could pick out a few inaccuracies in what she's saying.

Yes, breeds have changed, some for good, some for bad. But with a couple of the breeds she's mentioned, she's way ott!

She obviously feels very strongly about the subject.

Yes, and I don't blame her. Some breeds are in a terrible state.

But a couple of the breeds she's chosen are nowhere near as bad as she's saying, and the health problems are being reduced gradually.

I suppose everybody's got something they feel very strongly about!

Attempting to write an exposé means that, really, she should have been looking at providing statistical evidence to support her claims. She's made quite a few errors, right from the first mention of respiratory problems in Bull Terriers. The only issue they ever really have, as a breed in general, is the odd snort.

I think she's focused too much on the physical exaggerations and trying to link them to unrelated health problems. It would have been far more accurate for her to mention problems such as skin sensitivity and kidney problems in Bull Terriers. Yes, the head is very exaggerated for a dog, but, as far as I'm aware, it isn't a major cause of health problems. I don't particularly like it, but oh well.

She was, however, spot-on with the OCD. It's a problem and needs addressing.

I like that she included the Boxer, as it shows that even the dogs we consider to look 'normal' can have underlying problems. Don't get me wrong - I love Boxers, but there are still issues with them.

I'd like to say that I wish she'd made it a little more well-rounded and included the efforts breeders are now making to breed out genetic flaws in certain breeds (Bulldogs, for instance), such as corkscrew tails and extremely short respiratory systems. But I suppose she probably wanted it to be quite hard-hitting to get the message across, so fair enough.

I do admire her strong feelings about breed exaggerations, as it's articles like these which make people realise how things need to change.

It's a bit hysterical yes, but interesting and thought-provoking even so.

I'm old enough to have noticed changes in some breeds over the last 50 or so years, and tbh I am hard pressed to think of a change for the better, even aesthetically. I won't go into the GSD again cos I've said more than enough on that subject! but I did notice the advent of squished faces with tippy-tipped noses in Boxers with dismay. Also giraffe-necks in Dobermanns.

But come to think of it, and it may be my imagination because I haven't had much to do with them, but have Cavalier Spaniels (both sorts - I never could tell the difference) become less bug-eyed in recent years?

They have, I think! Although there wasn't much of a choice left for breeders after Pedigree Dogs Exposed aired.

Thanks Eleanor, I did hope I wasn't imagining it. My neighbour opposite has a red Cavalier aged 2 years, and he looks like an un-exaggerated dog; a dear little thing.

Maybe it's just us seeing what we want to see, but I hope they're getting healthier.

I hope all breeds are getting healthier.

Me too! Breaks my heart!

Problem is it's only a small percentage of breeders breeding for health.
Most are going for championships or money. Health problems in dogs are not going to get better soon.