>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]