>Look at what has happened to dalmations, hip problems in sheppards,
>temperment problems of pit bull terriers, and so on.  If man is going to
>interfere with the natural process of things in order to make some money
>then he should be willing to take responsibility for genetic defects that
>were bred in order to get a desired color, or other trait..
>
>Patty
 
So true!  Of course, a large number of breeders still breed for blazes or
panda heads despite known related health problems which are incredibly well
documented.  Have seen a place going for short faces and long, luxurious
coats get that by breeding for acrondoplasic dwarfism which is a painful
genetic disorder to have due to cartilage problems and other things.  Have
seen one going for short faces cause kits that bit more due to more painful
teething, and sometimes teeth that would erupt through the palate, The list
could go on and on.  Have personally seen deformities, and other handicaps
that would break your heart when any size breeder places looks first.  Why
does it happen?  Because there are those purchasers who put appearances
before health and longevity and those people are all over the place so
there are breeding facilities of all sizes which accommodate their demands.
How can it be changed?  By having more and more of the customers not put
looks first.
 
Health and longevity FIRST!
[Posted in FML issue 3473]