Purebred Dog Breeding
1. Breeding Through Selection
The term "purebred dog" refers to dogs that are specifically bred for certain traits, such as appearance, behavior, or performance. Modern purebred dog breeding began in the 19th century, when ideas of breeding and ancestry were scientifically grounded in the emerging theories of Darwinism and Mendelian inheritance. During this time, the first breeding clubs and standards were established, defining which traits were considered typical and desirable. A purebred dog, therefore, is distinguished from a mixed-breed dog by the systematic documentation of its ancestry and adherence to breed standards.
It is important to understand that these standards are often based less on natural conditions and more on human preferences, and sometimes even ideological considerations. For example, in 19th-century Europe, nationalism and the establishment of national identities played a role in the creation and definition of certain dog breeds. The image of the purebred dog as we know it today is a product of the 19th and 20th centuries, heavily influenced by cultural and political factors.
2. Traditional Forms of Dog Breeding
In contrast, the landrace describes dogs that have evolved over long periods of time in a specific geographic region through natural selection and local breeding practices. Landraces are adapted to the climatic and cultural conditions of their home regions and are often less homogeneous than modern purebred dogs. Traditionally, they were bred for their utility and adaptability, rather than their appearance.
Landraces were typically bred by farmers or herders who preferred dogs with specific functional traits, such as herding dogs, hunting dogs, or guard dogs. These animals were robust, resilient, and often better suited to their environment than modern purebred dogs, which are often bred for shows and dog sports. The decline of landraces in favor of the increasing popularity of purebred dog breeding often leads to a loss of genetic diversity and valuable traits that are crucial for survival and work in specific environments.
3. Breeding Lines Within Breeds
The term strain is used in breeding to distinguish various lines within a breed. These lines often result from different breeding goals or regional preferences. Even though dogs of the same breed conform to a shared standard, there can be significant differences in appearance, behavior, or health among the various strains. For example, within the German Shepherd breed, there is a "working line strain" and a "show line strain," each with different breeding priorities. Working line strains focus on functionality and performance, while show lines are more concerned with aesthetic features.
The term "strain" is therefore primarily used in the specialized language of breeders to clarify the subtle distinctions within a breed. These strains often indicate that even within a breed, different requirements and expectations exist.
4. Criticism of Modern Purebred Dog Breeding
Modern purebred dog breeding has faced increasing criticism, particularly for its tendency to prioritize aesthetic traits over the health and well-being of the dogs. Many breeds suffer from genetic disorders exacerbated by inbreeding and selective breeding for extreme characteristics. Examples include respiratory problems in brachycephalic breeds like the Pug or French Bulldog, and hip dysplasia in larger breeds such as the German Shepherd.
These developments raise ethical questions: Is it acceptable to breed dogs according to strict aesthetic criteria when it comes at the cost of the animals' health? The narrow definition of what is considered "purebred" leads to a reduction in genetic diversity and an increased susceptibility to hereditary diseases. In many countries, there are now efforts to reform breeding standards to prioritize the welfare of the animals.
5. An Artificial Categorization
In summary, modern purebred dog breeding is a product of the last two centuries, closely tied to human endeavors for control and categorization. Terms like "purebred dog," "landrace," and "strain" highlight different approaches and goals in breeding. While landraces are characterized by natural adaptation and functionality, purebred dogs are primarily shaped by aesthetic and ideological aims. This development has led to the creation of many "perfect" dogs but also raised numerous health and ethical concerns. Modern purebred dog breeding is, therefore, not just a matter of breeding, but also a societal and moral issue.
6. The Shar Pei in China
The Shar Pei, still found in its original form in China, can indeed be considered a landrace. Historically, the Shar Pei was bred in China over many centuries, particularly in rural areas, where it was used as a guard dog, working dog, or hunting dog. These dogs were bred for their functionality, robustness, and adaptability to local conditions, without the strict selection criteria typical of modern purebred dog breeding.
The development of the Shar Pei in its original form occurred through natural selection and the practical use of the dogs in everyday life. In this sense, the original Shar Pei meets the characteristics of a landrace: breeding was defined less by aesthetic standards or uniform breeding lines and more by adaptation to the local environment and the needs of the people.
7. The Modern Purebred Shar Pei
The version of the Shar Pei commonly seen in the Western world today, known for its more wrinkled skin and compact stature, is the result of targeted purebred dog breeding that increasingly focused on aesthetic traits in the second half of the 20th century. This modern version of the Shar Pei differs significantly from the original, less wrinkled and more robust landrace dog found in rural regions of China. Breeding for more extreme wrinkles and other visual characteristics has led to various health problems, largely unknown in the original landrace Shar Pei in China.
Conclusion
In conclusion, landraces are superior to modern purebred dogs in many ways, particularly regarding health and genetic diversity. Landraces arise through natural selection and breeding for functional traits that help the animals thrive in their specific environments. These dogs tend to be more robust, resilient, and less prone to genetic diseases because they typically have greater genetic diversity and are not subject to the rigid breeding standards that often result in inbreeding and health problems in modern purebred dogs.
The original Shar Pei serves as an excellent example of this. While the modern purebred Shar Pei, bred for extreme traits like excessive wrinkles, often suffers from various health disorders, the original Shar Pei, as a landrace, is genetically more diverse and less susceptible to such problems. This genetic robustness stems from a more natural and function-oriented breeding approach, where the dogs were adapted to their environment and tasks rather than to aesthetic standards.
Modern purebred dog breeding, which often prioritizes aesthetic traits over the animals' health, frequently leads to a narrowing of the gene pool and increased susceptibility to hereditary diseases. Landraces, on the other hand, benefit from their broader genetic base and adaptation to local environmental conditions, making them more resilient and healthier. In an era where the welfare of animals is becoming increasingly important, the genetic and health advantages of landraces should not be overlooked in discussions about the future of dog breeding.
