Cognitive Dissonance in Dog Breeding
A Look Behind the Scenes
The term cognitive dissonance was first coined by psychologist Leon Festinger and describes the uncomfortable feeling that people experience when they need to reconcile conflicting beliefs or actions. Instead of changing their attitudes or behaviors, many people tend to justify themselves to alleviate this discomfort. This phenomenon is deeply embedded in human behavior and can be observed in many areas of life – including dog breeding.
What is Cognitive Dissonance?
Cognitive dissonance occurs when a person holds two contradictory thoughts or actions simultaneously. This inner inconsistency causes a feeling of discomfort, which the person then seeks to reduce in some way. A classic example of this is a smoker: even though the person knows that smoking is harmful, they continue to smoke. To alleviate the discomfort, they might downplay the risks or find reasons to justify why smoking is acceptable for them.
Cognitive Dissonance in Modern Pedigree Dog Breeding
Cognitive dissonance is also present in modern dog breeding, especially when breeders and dog lovers are confronted with the health problems resulting from selective breeding for specific aesthetic traits. Many breeders are passionate about their dogs and want the best for them. At the same time, they engage in breeding practices that often have the opposite effect: dogs are selectively bred for traits that may be visually appealing but can have severe health consequences.
A clear example of this is the breeding of brachycephalic dog breeds like the Pug or the French Bulldog. These breeds are bred for an extremely short snout, which many people find charming. However, the dogs often suffer from respiratory problems that severely affect their well-being and, in the worst cases, lead to a life full of suffering. Breeders of such breeds often face an internal conflict: on the one hand, they love their dogs and want the best for them; on the other hand, their breeding practices lead to serious health issues for the animals.
This cognitive dissonance is often reduced through rationalizations. Some breeders argue that these breathing issues are "normal" for the breed, or they emphasize that, with the right care, the dogs can lead happy lives. Others claim that the aesthetic traits causing these health problems are essential to the breed standard and therefore must be preserved. Such arguments help to alleviate the discomfort caused by the obvious flaws. Yet at the core remains the undeniable fact: these dogs are living beings that suffer from avoidable problems because human preferences are prioritized over their health.
Dogs as Living Beings, Not Status Symbols
A crucial perspective in this discussion is the recognition that dogs are sentient beings capable of experiencing pain, stress, and joy. Selective breeding for extreme traits often reduces these animals to their outward appearance, ignoring their needs as living beings. The idea that a dog must have a "cute" appearance frequently leads to neglecting its well-being. Cognitive dissonance in dog breeding becomes particularly evident when breeders and owners are aware of the health consequences but still cling to traditional breeding ideals.
The first step towards reducing this cognitive dissonance is to honestly reflect on what is truly in the best interest of the dogs. Instead of rationalizing or downplaying health issues, breeders and dog owners should actively work to put the welfare of the animals first. This means rethinking breeding practices: moving away from aesthetic ideals and towards breeding that prioritizes the health and well-being of the dogs.
Conclusion
Cognitive dissonance is a phenomenon that is clearly visible in modern dog breeding. The discrepancy between the love for dogs and the practice of continuing to breed harmful traits creates a distressing conflict, often managed through self-justification and rationalization. However, the dogs pay the price for this dissonance. They are living beings that deserve a healthy and natural life. By questioning our views on breeding goals and finding the courage to let go of outdated ideals, we can contribute to a breeding approach that aligns with the welfare of the animals and provides them with a life free from unnecessary suffering.
