General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsDogs with flat faces.... WHY?
They're lovable, sure, they're dogs.... But they're generally not healthy and not cute.
OK, go hug your pug now. That's my controversy for the year.
Freddie
(9,231 posts)As they are being bred to exaggerate the feature. Same with flat-faced Persian cats. Ugly too IMO.
They are now breeding doll-faced Persians to bring back a more traditional (normal) look and Ive read they are doing the same with Pugs and other dogs with this look.
bullwinkle428
(20,626 posts)I'm not happy with the idea that they're being bred specifically for this characteristic, and that efforts are being made in the breeding community to alter this development.
She was rescued from a hoarding situation where she was most likely leading an absolutely miserable life, and has utterly blossomed in just the 3 weeks that I've had her in my home. I realize the likelihood of her experiencing respiratory issues in the future is higher than that of a "typical" domestic short-hair, but I'm willing to do everything I can to help her deal with those issues.
Freddie
(9,231 posts)Glad you can give her a good life! My boys (shorthair brothers, a tuxedo and a solid gray) are rescued too.
Its an unfortunate tendency in the purebred pet world to breed to exaggerate features. Siamese cats used to be beautiful but now they look like skinny rats with points. And with dogs they breed only for looks and ignore the temperament issues. That doesnt seem to be a problem with cats.
LakeSuperiorView
(1,533 posts)Look at what happens when Foxes are domesticated. Within generations, when they bred for "friendlyness"/acceptance of humans, their faces got flatter/more juvenile, the ears more floppy. There are a group of traits that are connected with domestication.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140714100122.htm
JustAnotherGen
(31,681 posts)Maltese. He's a dog of small mind, big heart, and he does good potty.