Did you know that within some dog breeds the average lifespan is only 4.5 years? Other breed dogs live on average until they are well over ten. The purebred dogs that die early do not die because of old age, but because of health problems. They struggle with breathing problems, hip problems, back pain, headaches and skin diseases. What makes this statistic extra sad is that many of the health problems have arisen through breeding over generations, based on breed standards that promote health problems. This applies, for example, to dogs with extremely short snouts that cause breathing problems, skin folds that cause chronic skin inflammation and cats with folded ears. The English bulldog is one of the dog breeds that has several disorders, and which the Supreme Court will consider whether it should be allowed to breed. Photo: Shutterstock Dog and cat shows are one arena for selecting animals for breeding. When the breed standards that are used as the basis for the awards promote traits that are harmful to health, animal welfare is undermined and new generations are bred with disorders. The same applies if you choose breeding animals without taking into account hereditary diseases – regardless of whether it is within purebreds or mixed breeds – such as hereditary skin diseases or skeletal disorders. Every single day, vets receive dogs and cats who suffer because they were bred for their appearance. Because of the inheritance they have received. The problem is not at all new. Vets have been warning about this for years. Nevertheless, we see few signs of improvement. We cannot accept systematic breeding of dog and cat breeds that do not take into account the animal’s health challenges and hereditary diseases. We must breed healthy animals, not traits that cause suffering. Over the past year, we have been following the court case between Dyrebeskettningen on the one hand and the Norwegian Kennel Club and six breeders on the other. Over the summer, the Supreme Court will consider whether breeding English bulldogs and cavalier king charles spaniels is legal according to the Animal Welfare Act. The Veterinary Association does not want to accept individuals, neither animal owners, breeders, nor organisations. But we want to raise awareness of the legislation and clearer enforcement, which effectively stops unhealthy breeding – and we hope the decision in the case will be clarifying. The legislation is already clear. The Animal Welfare Act states that it is not permitted to breed animals where the opportunity to exercise natural behavior is reduced. Nevertheless, we are unable to stop the unhealthy practice. Several dog breeds also have problems giving birth naturally. The problem is particularly pronounced among short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds with large heads and narrow pelvises. The Norwegian Veterinary Association distances itself from the mating of animals that you believe cannot give birth naturally. According to the Animal Welfare Act, caesareans should only be performed as a result of birth difficulties and not as a preventive measure. We hope that awareness will lead to breeders systematically crossing and breeding healthier offspring in the future. Offspring that can give birth on their own. Vets are primarily concerned with animal welfare, and healthy breeding is the most important starting point for good health and welfare. Our member survey from 2020 shows that animal welfare is the area that engages vets the most – more than both pay and working conditions. Although the Veterinary Association is now actively working against unhealthy breeding, it is important to clarify that vets accept all animals, regardless of breed and condition, and give them good treatment. We have a duty to do that, and it is in our nature. But it is tragic to have to treat animals that suffer needlessly from ailments caused by unhealthy breeding. In order for us to really overcome unhealthy breeding, most people must also take this social problem to heart – and not buy this type of dog. Animals give us a richer life. I myself have had bird dogs and sled dogs, and cherished every single day with my four-legged friends. That is why I wish everyone who has the opportunity to have animals in the family. But choose breeds with healthy genes and good predispositions to live long, happy and active lives.
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Dogs that suffer for their appearance – Expression
