How Genetics Impacts Welfare

Since each dog’s individual genetic code predetermines many aspects of their behavior and disease status, genetic health directly impacts a dog’s welfare. For example, some diseases are a direct result of specific genetic mutations, such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA, an eye disease) or polyneuropathy (a neurologic disease). For some of these conditions, direct genetic testing is available and breeders should use this testing to guarantee they are not producing affected puppies.  It is heartbreaking to have a dog go blind or lose the ability to walk because of a preventable genetic disease. The impact on health and welfare and the human animal bond is clear.

Behavioral genetics are more complicated; there is not a single gene for “retrieving” or “loves kids,” for example. But behaviors are absolutely still written into dog genetics, albeit in a more complicated way.  For example, breeders have been able to select dogs for behaviors such as herding or pointing. Welfare considerations come into play when a dog cannot cope with its job or environment, and sadly, behavioral euthanasia is the number one killer of dogs in this country. Selecting for behavioral soundness, while not always straightforward, should still be a top consideration in breeding decisions.

Some human desired traits, such as brachycephaly (the short or extremely short face), have been selected for in certain breeds, changing the way these dogs look by way of genetic selection and breeding choices. However, in some dogs, this trait causes a disease state which can have a huge impact on dog welfare.