Ask purebred fanciers why they prefer known breeds to mixed-breeds and they’ll tell you it has a lot to do with predictability: with mutts, they say, you never know exactly what you’re getting, but with specific AKC-recognized breeds, you know precisely what to expect in terms of behavior, temperament, and looks.
Of course, mutt mavens adore that je-ne-sais-quality of a randomly-bred shelter dog with a mysterious past, a one-of-a-kind pet unlike any other. But diehard purebred purists beg to differ: for these people, there’s great comfort when a dog conforms to a breed standard. While that predictability can be reassuring, there’s one predictable thing about purebreds that’s quite the opposite: many breeds are genetically predisposed to inherited diseases. These range from Epilepsy and Hypothyroidism to Mucopolysaccharidosis, an inherited metabolic disease that appears in different types (Type IIIB afflicts Schipperkes, while Type VI is common in Miniature Pinschers).
Happily, several non-profit organizations have been established to screen breeding stock for a wide range of canine ailments. Responsible breeders will have their dogs genetically tested to make sure they aren’t reproducing dogs that carry these diseases. Unfortunately, because this process involves an investment of time and money, irresponsible breeders – including the ones that sell to pet shops – don’t bother. That’s why it pays to be careful where you go when acquiring a purebred dog.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), for instance, collates and disseminates information concerning orthopedic and genetic disease – very important if the breed you’re considering is at risk for hip dysplasia, such as the Labrador Retriever or German Shepherd. The Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) registers dogs certified free of heritable eye disease by diplomats of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists – critical if you’re interested in acquiring an Irish Setter, Bullmastiff, English Mastiff, or miniature Dachshund (longhaired or smooth), all breeds at risk for Progressive Retinal Atrophy. The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation offers a complete listing on its Web site of canine diseases and where to go to have dogs tested for genetic health; the directory is updated all the time.
Getting the health 411 on dogs has benefits for all humans – not only for those of us who care about our beloved family pets. Humans and canines share 85 percent of our genetic makeup and many of the same diseases, so dogs are becoming valuable models for research into preventing illness in humans. Little wonder veterinarians and doctors are starting to collaborate to explore the correlations between human and canine health - it’s yet another example of dogs’ potential to positively impact human wellness and longevity.
