Mongrel dogs a healthier choice

Advocates for Animals is concerned about the effects that intensive breeding has had on many pedigree dog breeds, predisposing them to suffering from genetic abnormalities.

Basset hounds and dachshunds have problems caused by their long backs, King Charles spaniels suffer due to their bulging eyes and are prone to heart murmurs.

Labradors, Rotweillers and mastiffs are prone to joint problems, and Yorkshire terriers are prone to dental problems. British bulldogs suffer breathing problems. The list goes on and on.

Pedigree dogs have generally been intensively bred for their physical appearance and not for their health, which has suffered as a consequence.

Virtually every pedigree breed has some genetic defect that is detrimental to their physical or psychological welfare. Many are, in reality, unhealthy genetic "freaks".

Crossbreeds and mongrels are generally physically healthier than purebreds, more psychologically stable and invariably live longer.

Pedigree dog-breeding is big business, with dogs selling for many hundreds of pounds.

An increasing number are being intensively bred on puppy farms where big profits outweigh welfare considerations. Members of the public are unwittingly perpetuating this industry by buying certain pedigree dog breeds as they are unaware of the levels of suffering overbred dogs endure.

Advocates for Animals believes that it is ethically wrong to indulge in selective breeding to create an animal which is destined to suffer ill health during its life and doubtless meet an early death. Limits must be placed on the extent to which breeders are permitted to go to produce "deformed" dogs.

I would urge anybody considering getting a dog to think twice about buying a pedigree animal from a breeder and instead visit a rescue centre and give a home to one of the hundreds of thousands of unwanted dogs that are killed each year because homes cannot be found for them.

Ross Minett, director, Advocates for Animals