>> The problem is the AKC and other “show” promoters <<
Absolutely. A decrease in genetic diversity has resulted from the AKC’s standards, meaning that an increase in disorders from recessive genes has been the inevitable result. As with inbred and isolated human groups, so with canines.
A friend who runs a grooming business say that she now encounters cocker spaniels and golden retrievers with nasty dispositions. These formerly “sweet” dog varieties have been over-bred for certain AKC-desired characteristics like long ears and shinny coats, while too many breeders have paid scant attention to things like disposition, hip displasia, cancer, etc. They are literally ruining some breeds.
So what to do? Go for a mutt or mixed breed dog. They are much less likely to inherit the double dosages of recessive genes that are ruining so many of the pure-bred lines.
“Stud of the month” syndrome.
That wretched Cambria Dobe won BOG at Westminster two years running and made it to the final cut.
He was a DCM carrier and his get are lousy with it, yet *everybody* now has “famous” Cambria in the lines and Dobes are dying young and often of it.
I spit on them.
Mutts are no answer.
“Hybrid vigor” is not only a misnomer, it’s a myth.
They inherit the same issues that their purebred parents had and often, it’s multiplied if the “wrong” breeds mix.
At least with purebreds, you have a chance of knowing what will come and preparing for it.
With mutts, it’s a crap shoot.
I love all dogs but I’m gonna hedge my bets as much as humanly possible.
It’s a sin that these kinds of conversations and concerns are even necessary, now.
:(
The family's last cocker spaniel, born in 1948, was a biter. And, no he was never teased nor abused.
This is what I will do if I get a dog. I love certain dog’s looks and personalities and intelligence. So I will look for a mix of those dogs. My friend has a labradoodle that really has the best of everything between a lab and standard poodle. And no recessive genes.