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We asked: Is selective dog breeding (creating new breeds with specific behavioral and physical traits) ethical? …
The recent news, which turned out to be fake, that a Bengaluru man spent a jaw-dropping Rs 50 crore to purchase a dog, may have turned heads, but it also raised serious ethical concerns. Dogs are living, thinking beings—not inanimate objects like tables and teacups to buy. Yet ‘purebred’ dogs are manipulated through selective breeding to exhibit exaggerated physical or behavioural traits, typically at the cost of their health and happiness, to be sold. Don’t be mistaken, selective breeding is not about love for animals. It’s about satisfying arbitrary human preferences. Whether it's a certain look, behaviour, or market trend, dogs are routinely forced into genetic moulds that nature never intended. Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Pugs, French and English Bulldogs, Pekingese, Boston terriers, Boxers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Shih tzus are popular, but they commonly suffer from severe respiratory problems, such as brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), for which they often require surgery, and eye and skin disorders. These dogs can be heard rasping for breath, their tongues hanging from their mouths. Due to their shallow eye orbits, pugs and other brachycephalic dogs like Pekingese, Shih Tzus, and Lhasa Apsos are also predisposed to proptosis – a condition in which the eye bulges out of its socket and requires emergency surgery. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, also a brachycephalic breed, suffer from syringomyelia, a condition in which a dog’s skull is too small for their brain as they are bred for an unnaturally small head. Similarly, dachshunds—bred for their long backs and short legs—face painful disc disease or other debilitating back problems, which can even lead to a collapsed spine, skin conditions, and other ailments that cause a lifetime of pain—all because some humans think grotesquely disproportionate legs and backs on dogs is ‘cute’. Breeds like mastiffs or St. Bernards, bred to appear “majestic”, often suffer from hip dysplasia, arthritis, and heart conditions. Labrador Retrievers often suffer from bone cancer, joint pain, and eye cancer. German Shepherds are prone to degenerative myelopathy (a spinal cord disease that can lead to paralysis), chronic hip pain, and multiple heart conditions. Doberman Pinschers face sudden death from cardiac disease, blood-clotting disorders, and gastric torsion—a painful and often fatal condition. Golden Retrievers often suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia and heart conditions. These aren't rare flukes but common, predictable outcomes of breeding dogs for appearance or a trait over well-being. And then there are dogs deliberately bred for aggression, such as pit bulls. These dogs were developed through selective breeding to accentuate characteristics desirable for use in dogfights and attack, resulting in abnormally strong jaws and muscular strength. They are exploited in illegal dogfighting operations or kept as status symbols. These dogs are chained, beaten, and starved for training, and when they attack as they have been bred to, they are punished, abandoned, or killed. What’s more, most breeders and pet shops in India operate illegally, as they are not registered with their respective State Animal Welfare Boards (SAWBs), as required under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding and Marketing) Rules, 2017 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Pet Shop) Rules, 2018. These unscrupulous traders are notorious for keeping dogs and cats in filthy cages and kennels, depriving them of suitable veterinary care and socialisation, and selling them to anyone who wants to buy them without any suitability checks. This results in high rates of abandonment, with countless dogs and cats ending up in shelters or struggling to survive on the streets. Tragically, while a man boasts about buying a dog for Rs 50 crore, even if it was fake news, countless desi (Indian) dogs suffer on the streets or languish in shelters, longing for a fraction of that attention and care. The irony is that not only are desi dogs intelligent and loving, they are also robust and healthy because they are not created through deliberate breeding. PETA India urges anyone with the time, patience, love, and resources to welcome a dog into their home to adopt a community dog in need from the street or animal shelter. Compassion isn’t measured in crores—it's measured in kindness. Skip the breeder. Adopt a desi dog and save a life. -Shaurya Agrawal, Advocacy Associate, PETA India
Breeding by external agencies or human-directed breeding is always a complex procedure. Nature, the great scientist, is known to carry out selective breeding, which is crucial for the advancement of evolution. In her infinite wisdom, hers is a natural and gradual process, driven only by the elevation of traits in a species to best suit its environment. Artificial or Selective breeding is mostly driven by human desires, such as producing more efficient crops, animals that are high-yielding, or aesthetically pleasing pets. In each case, it is humans who determine the yardstick of correct and incorrect, good and bad. We tend to overlook the scientific aspects of genetics leading to disease susceptibility, decreasing genetic diversity, and that is where welfare standards are compromised, especially where animals are concerned. Pets, especially dogs and cats, are the most common domestic pets all over the world. Dogs were developed by humans 15,000 years ago, from a common ancestor - the wolf - to guard their properties and give them company. Slowly, as is common in human nature, man looked for diversity to satiate his diverse needs, and the emergence of various breeds of dogs, as many as 400 breeds, and cats became common. Minus their DNA, they have nothing in common with their ancestors in size, shape, or temperament. Selective breeding works by breeders choosing desirable traits in animals to mate. The desired result can take time; therefore, animals and their litters are made to go through repetitive pregnancies in an unnatural period to achieve the result. This is the first step of welfare compromise. The practice of breeding animals is unethical in several other areas. The most frightening aspect is our freedom to choose what we fancy. Nature always provides us with what we need, not what we greed for. Selective breeding for exaggerated features (like brachycephalic breeds) can lead to health problems like respiratory issues, eye problems, and dental issues. Taller breeds have cardiovascular and musculoskeletal problems, shorter breeds have more nervous-sensory, respiratory, and urogenital disorders. In the case of breeds with curly tails, like Pugs and Basenjis, there are spinal issues such as hemivertebrae and spina bifida that come as a result of the tail’s curly nature. The distinctive folded ears of Scottish cats are unnatural, though cute to many. Reduced genetic variation can lead to attacks by specific diseases, which could be extremely destructive. Rare disease genes can be unknowingly selected as part of a positive trait, leading to problems with specific organisms, like deafness in Dalmatians or faulty hips in large dogs due to incorrect formation. Breeding for profit purposes will always compromise the well-being of the animal due to constant impregnation, overcrowding, and lack of medical care. Mortality rate is high in such animals, leading to a robust, unethical market that will churn out low-quality products in larger quantities. The goal of selective breeding is not focused on the health and wellness of the dogs, but on the dogs' monetary and social value. Ultimately, genetic engineering and selective breeding violate animal rights because they involve manipulating animals for human ends, treating animals like nothing more than human property, rather than treating the animals as being of value in themselves. Breeding should be made a punishable offence when thousands of pedigreed animals are either abandoned or put to sleep, when they lose the fancy of their owners. These animals need to not be treated as objects but as living, breathing animals with emotions and needs. To stop the unethical practices of breeding, people who want an animal as a companion, need to turn to adopting from shelters, where thousands of animals require loving homes, rather than contributing to the problem by buying them off the shelf like commodities. The problem lies with us in our greed and mentality, but the solution is also in our hands. -Shakuntala Majumdar, President, CPCA Thane
Selective dog breeding, the practice of intentionally breeding dogs for specific physical and behavioral traits, is a complex issue with both ethical pros and cons. Arguments for ethical selective breeding often highlight: Predictability: Responsible breeding can produce dogs with more predictable temperaments, sizes, and energy levels, making it easier to match dogs with suitable owners and lifestyles. Working abilities: Selective breeding has been crucial in developing dogs with specialized skills for herding, hunting, guarding, and assisting people with disabilities. Reducing inherited diseases: Ethical breeders screen their dogs for genetic health issues to reduce the likelihood of passing on inherited diseases. Breed preservation: Selective breeding helps preserve the unique characteristics of different breeds. However, significant ethical concerns exist: Health problems: Extreme breeding for certain physical traits has led to severe health issues in many breeds (e.g., breathing problems in brachycephalic breeds, spinal issues in long-backed dogs). These conditions can significantly impact a dog's quality of life. Reduced genetic diversity: Focusing on specific traits can narrow the gene pool within a breed, making them more susceptible to diseases and reducing overall resilience. Irresponsible breeding practices: Puppy mills and unethical breeders prioritize profit over the health and welfare of their dogs, often leading to inbreeding, poor living conditions, and unhealthy puppies. Focus on aesthetics over well-being: Sometimes, breeding prioritizes looks over health and temperament, leading to dogs with physical features that cause suffering. Surplus of unwanted dogs: The demand for purebred puppies can contribute to the overpopulation of dogs in shelters. Ethical considerations depend heavily on the breeder's practices. Ethical breeders prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs, conduct health testing, and strive to produce healthy, well-adjusted puppies. Unethical breeders often neglect health, engage in inbreeding, and prioritize profit over the dogs' welfare. In conclusion, selective dog breeding can be ethical when practiced responsibly with a focus on health, temperament, and the overall well-being of the animals. However, the practice raises significant ethical concerns when it leads to compromised health, reduced genetic diversity, and the perpetuation of suffering due to extreme physical traits or irresponsible breeding practices. Manoj Kumar Chaturvedi, a bank employee and animal activist, Lucknow, UP
Selective dog breeding, the deliberate mating of dogs to create breeds with specific physical and behavioral traits, has produced the vast array of dogs we see today, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes. While this practice has cultural and practical roots, it is fundamentally unethical when viewed through the lens of future consequences. Prioritizing human desires over animal welfare often leads to devastating outcomes for dogs, compromising their health and quality of life. Breeding for extreme physical traits frequently results in severe health issues. Consider the English Bulldog, bred for a distinctive wrinkled face and short snout. This aesthetic comes at a cost: many suffer from brachycephalic syndrome, struggling to breathe and facing chronic discomfort. Similarly, German Shepherds, selectively bred for a sloped back to enhance their gait, often develop hip dysplasia, a painful condition that limits mobility and shortens lifespans. These examples highlight how breeding for appearance over function creates animals predisposed to suffering, a clear ethical violation. Behavioral traits are equally problematic. Breeds like Pit Bulls, engineered for aggression in fighting rings, face societal stigma and legal bans, leading to abandonment and euthanasia. Such manipulation of temperament disregards a dog’s natural instincts, creating conflicts that harm both the animal and society. Inbreeding, common in maintaining “pure” breeds, further amplifies genetic disorders—Dalmatians, for instance, are prone to deafness due to limited gene pools. These practices treat dogs as products, not sentient beings. The long-term consequences are dire: overcrowded shelters, rising veterinary costs, and diminished genetic diversity threaten entire breeds. Ethical breeding would prioritize health, longevity, and natural traits, but the current trend of chasing trends or profits ignores these principles. The suffering inflicted on dogs, from physical pain to shortened lives, outweighs any short-term human benefit. Selective breeding, as it’s often practiced, is unethical, sacrificing dogs’ futures for fleeting human whims.- Preeti Giri Goswami, Ranikhet, Uttarakhand, is a Para Athlete(Para Swimmer, Captain Wheelchair Basketball Team, Motorsports) and a social activist from Kumaon
Today, we live in a world where science has taken over several traditional practices that have been going on for hundreds of years. In fact, as we speak, there are several such practices which are being replaced by machines, and with the recent development in AI we are also witnessing that there are many more practices where even humans will be replaced. Today, man has not just reached beyond the moon but has reached a stage where he can also have a child of his choice, right from choosing the eye colour and skin of his choice. And all this that is happening to conquer and control nature beyond a point is super alarming and dangerous for mankind and all that is connected to it. Coming to the topic, selective breeding is totally unethical, especially for meeting the needs and requirements, which change their trend from time to time. Humankind is already overburdened and unable to cope with the dog breeding mistakes we have made in the past, and is already preparing for a recipe for adding more problems and complications for the future. Thousands of dogs are purchased every day, and a similar number are abandoned. With rescue centres and animal shelters full and still unable to cater to or meet the needs of animals in distress, this is just going to add to our problems and add more to the cruel suffering of these species. Regarded as a man's best friend, do they really deserve this? At the same time, with so many problems that the world is already facing, right from the extinction of species which are important to maintain balance in nature for the well-being of mankind to climate change and global warming, do we really need this? We often forget that the uncontrolled population of humans and all that humans have created is actually a burden on the planet and its natural resources. We cut forests and destroy habitats killing several species, grow food, breed animals to meet the need of our uncontrolled populations, then breed domestic and exotic pets for our fantasies putting pressure on natural resources, leave them on streets or abandon them in forests to breed and again lead to the population explosion of such species which throw challenge to the natural species and to the whole ecosystem. We need not forget that even dogs were created by the domestication of wolves thousands of years ago, and what we see today is a result of the disastrous experiments to meet our needs. Natural will always be inclined towards nature, and artificial shall always remain unnatural. - Adv. Pawan S. Sharma, Founder & President of RAWW. Honorary Wildlife Warden with Maharashtra State Forest Department, Member - Committee To Monitor Animal Welfare Laws, Constituted by the Hon'ble Bombay High Court & Government of Maharashtra
Genetically modified hybrid creation technology has been a sensation since its innovation. Scientists have created hybrids with ease and for the convenience of nature and mankind. However, strong natural theories have been operating for ages. The theory of evolution suggests natural modification in any species due to adaptation to the changing environment. Hence, dog species have also evolved with time. Useless features and characteristics have been replaced by stronger and modified features over time. Hence, in that case, is selective breeding necessary? Nature is blessed with strong natural forces beyond imagination. It is supported by the critical food chain as well. Hence, naturally developed dog species are fit for the time and food chain. Nature is not responsible for just one animal species; hence, sometimes even overpopulated species also reduce in features and numbers for the benefit of living creatures as a whole. Thus, naturally developed dog breeds are fit for the stable development of living creatures as a whole. This ensures maintenance of the delicate food chain as well, without disrupting natural balance. Selective breed creation considers a smaller perspective of the dog species only, which may disturb the food chain. This may not go with the theory of evolution and the survival of the fittest theory as well. Selective breeding is for convenience, which may not be a responsible act for nature and sustainable development. It may also be a partial approach for the convenience of mankind rather than the dog species.- Dr. Monika Raghuvanshi, Secretary, N.Y.P.I., Doctorate in Philosophy (Green Marketing), Master in Business Administration (Triple Specialization)
Selective dog breeding, the practice of mating dogs to enhance or suppress specific traits, raises significant ethical questions. On one hand, it has led to the creation of beloved breeds with distinct personalities, appearances, and purposes—such as herding, hunting, or companionship. However, the pursuit of ideal traits has also resulted in serious health and welfare concerns for many dogs. In this article, I want to highlight the outcome of this procedure. Selective dog breeding, while aimed at enhancing specific traits, often comes with a host of genetic issues that can jeopardize canine health. At its core, the process relies on selecting individuals with desired physical or behavioral characteristics, but this often leads to a narrowing of the gene pool. Such genetic bottlenecks can amplify existing recessive mutations and lead to an increased prevalence of inherited disorders. One of the main concerns is inbreeding depression. By repeatedly breeding closely related individuals, breeders inadvertently reduce genetic diversity. This lack of diversity makes it more likely for harmful recessive genes to be expressed. Common inherited disorders in many popular breeds include hip dysplasia, heart conditions, and eye diseases. For example, certain herding breeds have shown a higher incidence of epilepsy and skeletal abnormalities due to long-term inbreeding. Another significant issue is the emergence of breed-specific ailments. In pursuit of idealized physical features, such as the shortened snouts in brachycephalic dogs like Bulldogs and Pugs, breeders have inadvertently introduced traits that compromise the animal’s respiratory function. These modifications, while desirable from a human aesthetic perspective, result in severe breathing difficulties and other health complications, thereby reducing the overall quality of life for these dogs. Furthermore, selective breeding can result in what is known as genetic load—the accumulation of deleterious genes within a breed’s gene pool. Over time, this increases the likelihood of hereditary disorders, making it harder for breeders to eliminate genetic diseases without compromising the breed’s distinct characteristics. Ethical considerations arise when the pursuit of specific traits directly impacts animal welfare. Responsible breeders are now recognizing the need for genetic diversity and are increasingly turning to practices such as outcrossing. Such strategies aim to broaden the genetic base while maintaining breed integrity, thereby reducing the overall risk of genetic diseases. In summary, while selective dog breeding can produce breeds that cater to specific human needs and preferences, it also presents significant genetic challenges. Mitigating these issues requires a balanced approach that prioritizes animal health and genetic diversity over mere aesthetic or functional traits. Jaishree Chauhan, PhD scholar, Jigyasa University
Dogs have been the most loved and possessed pet since time immemorial. I do remember my childhood days when we three sisters used to request our Parents to bring home a pet dog. Our parents agreed on one condition that we had to take care of the adopted fluffy dog. We always kept pet dogs in our house, so we understood how to take proper care of them in our early days. It made it easy for us to handle and tackle them with a proper understanding of their food habits, their likes and dislikes regarding food, their sleeping pattern, and to look after their medicines and vaccination due dates. The main thing was to handle their behaviour and temperament when any guest was at home. We kept different breeds of dogs, including Pomeranian, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Labrador. Presently, we have two beagles named Marvel and Ollie. As we had one breed of dogs so it was convenient for us to know in detail through various books and YouTube videos on one specific breed. Before a pet dog came to our home, we used to research pet dogs, so we could provide the pet dog with a better life. I am a dog lover, and being around them makes me realize that dogs, too, have emotions that we as humans have to understand. I do not support selective dog breeding as it is unethical, in my opinion. There are various reasons to support my opinion: Unpredictable behaviour: Due to selective breeding, the behaviour will be unpredictable. Uncertainty of dogs' nature: There will be uncertainty in dogs' nature. We have found that due to selective breeding, many dogs have become ferocious and irritable. Human life at risk: Selective breeding risks the lives of humans, if not monitored properly, as many dogs attack human beings, which puts the lives of people at risk. More focus on selective breeding: There is more focus on selective breeding than on taking care of dogs. They are derived from love and affection. Not everyone goes in for selective breeding of dogs. There are many factors responsible for not selecting or being interested in the purchase of the selective breeds of dogs. -Deepali Bahadur, entrepreneur and proprietor of DB’Owns
Topic of the month: Why is the law or even the threat of penalty not stopping people from spitting on the roads, pavements, and every public place? Even the boundaries of flyovers are filthy with such ungainly sights. You can even see policemen spitting paan or paanmasala on roads! What do you think is the reason for this stubbornness, and what can be a plausible remedy? You may send your views (either in Hindi or English) in 300 words or more to [email protected]. Please also attach a colour photo of yourself.
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