On the National Geographic channel tonight, Scott and I watched a program about dogs and the science behind them.The program explores the history of strict, controlled breeding of specific breeds of dog. In some cases, the dogs were bred to purify the genetic coding (much like computer code!). In other instances, the certain breeds of dogs are cross-bred with other breeds in an effort to combine strong, helpful traits such as sense of smell, speed, ease of learning, etc.
They demonstrated a small, hybrid breed of dogs that have the ability to identify 12 different chemicals used in making bombs. They had been bred for their size and sense of smell, and never failed a test. They were amazing!
However, the bloodlines have become so isolated that any recessive genetic flaws are much more pronounced. Like aggression (pit bulls) and nervous conditions (much like humans!). Skin conditions, tumors and deafness are all flaws that specific breeds are known for.
This coin definitely has two sides. Are they weighted evenly, in your opinion? As is often wondered about other practices like this, are the benefits worth the risks?
1 thought(s) on the subject:
When you see German Shepherds unable to walk properly and King Charles cavaliers suffering fits because their brains are to big for their skulls you kind of know it's gone too far...
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