Dogs have been humanity’s powerful companions for tens of thousands of years. Unfortunately, not every dog is as genetically healthy as he deserves to be, thanks in large part to our intervention. Over the past few centuries, human-directed breeding has divided dogs into hundreds of distinct breeds, based specifically on desirable physical characteristics. And sometimes these characteristics, or the inbreeding required to create them, can lead to a high risk of health problems.
Scientists, animal welfare advocates, and some breeders have long tried to draw attention to the plight of these less healthy dogs. And while many in these communities believe that breeding practices can still be steered in a positive direction, at least some countries have recently taken action to regulate or effectively ban the breeding of certain dogs. Some organizations have it too Launched Public education efforts to discourage buying and selling of certain breeds.
Of course, every dog alive today is a good boy or girl who deserves to be part of a family. But for whom Interested in letting a dog occupy his home and heart, here are some breeds that are known to be less healthy than others.