Breeding convergence harms dogs' and cats' health, experts warn

Domestication and breeding aim to highlight desirable physical or character traits. Generally, these actions lead to greater species diversity in many aspects. According to the Science Alert portal, research has shown that many breeds of dogs and cats subjected to selective breeding are dangerously becoming similar. Abby Grace Drake and her team point out that although our pets are evolutionarily separated by over 50 million years, it turns out that many breeds of cats and dogs show undesirable anatomical similarities, such as similar skull shapes.

The phenomenon of convergence in evolution is a process where unrelated organisms evolve similar traits in response to similar environmental conditions or lifestyles. This does not result from a common ancestor but from independent adaptation to similar challenges. This process is seen in domesticated dogs and cats. Selective breeding carried out by humans for years has led to certain breeds, such as Persian cats and pugs, having very similar skull structures.

Selective breeding favours specific physical or behavioural traits in animals, and such actions significantly impact the health and welfare of the animals. A limited gene pool in bred breeds increases the risk of genetic defects and hereditary diseases, such as joint dysplasia, heart diseases, or epilepsy. Animals with flattened faces, like pugs or bulldogs, suffer from chronic breathing difficulties, overheating, and may have issues with eating and giving birth. Reports by the UK's Animal Welfare Committee from 2024 show that features considered visually attractive, such as very large eyes, short coats, or excess skin folds, often cause pain or infections. As a result, many purebred dogs and cats have shorter lifespans and experience a lower quality of life than non-purebred animals.

The Animal Welfare Committee calls for stricter regulations on breeding to prevent further animal suffering. Without changes, many popular breeds will continue to struggle with health problems.

Changes in the selective breeding of dogs and cats are essential to protect animals from suffering caused by irresponsible breeding practices. Lack of oversight also leads to pseudo-breeding aimed solely at profit, where animals are kept in poor conditions and treated as commodities. Appropriate regulations based on animal welfare and veterinary knowledge will help reduce suffering, improve the quality of life for purebred animals, and ensure a more ethical and responsible approach to their reproduction.