In the world you can find all kinds of dog breeds, each with its distinctive and peculiar features. This is the product of selective breeding of breeds, which has generated over time more than 300 breeds of dogs.
Some of these dog breeds date back thousands of years, such as the Mexican xoloitzcuintle or the Inca Orchid («hairless dog») from Peru. Others are only a few centuries old, like the Pomeranian, which was thought to be a companion dog. The funny thing is that this selective breeding has been made all over the worldwhich has given specific traits to the dogs of each region, as can be seen in the interesting canine cartography made by the artist Lili Chin.
However, this genetic manipulation has caused substantial differences between today’s dogs and their ancestors of 100 years ago. The Science of Dog blog made a comparison gallery between some of the most popular breeds, based on current photos and others taken from the book. Dogs of All Nations from 1915, which you can check online if we haven’t listed the breed of dog you own. Here we reproduce a bit of these comparisons, with some new additions.
Dog breeds and their ancestors
English bulldog
bulldog terrier
German shepherd
Shetland Sheepdog
wire haired fox terrier
Saint Bernard
french pitbull
pug
english setter
Boxer
english greyhound
What consequences can this have on dogs?
The problem with dog breeds is that genetic manipulation, which seeks concrete results (for example, making a companion dog even more compact), does not take into account the negative health consequences that forced changes can have for dogs. And until recently, what genetic invariability could cause to the various dog breeds had not been considered either: diseases (respiratory, cancer, brain) and hereditary physical problems, among other things.
The differences between these dog breeds and their ancestors are more than just a curiosity.. In reality, these are mutations that can be very harmful to your health, and that end up affecting your quality of life. This is the case of the German shepherd, whose bone composition, especially in the pelvis, has deteriorated so much that at a certain age most of these dogs suffer from walking complications.
That’s why experts recommend that we no longer acquire dog breeds, especially those whose health is more deteriorated by genetic invariability. It is better that we choose to adopt mixed-breed companions, who have better life expectancy and without a doubt they will thank us for life for having chosen them. Of course, If you already have a purebred dog, just find out in depth about the complications it could sufferand try to take as many preventive measures as you can, so that their quality of life is the best possible.
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