That is why we at VEGDOG clearly oppose torture breeding and appeal for the adoption of dogs. Our veterinarian Carla provides a deeper insight into this topic.

Short-headedness and round-headedness (also known as brachycephaly) are characterized by a shortening of the upper jaw, the jaw and nasal bones, and a round head. This breeding trait has serious effects on the health and well-being of the dog. This compression leads to respiratory distress and severe jaw misalignment. Chronic pharyngitis can be the result. Since dogs regulate their body temperature by panting, respiratory distress can even impair heat regulation, which can cause problems, especially at high temperatures. Due to the large skull, complications during birth can also occur.

In the face, increased skin folding occurs, which can lead to skin inflammation, excessive tearing, and blocked tear ducts. Eye problems, corneal injuries, or spinal problems can also be associated with brachycephaly.

Short-headedness and round-headedness are particularly well-known in breeds such as the Pug, French and English Bulldog, Boxer, Chihuahua, Pekingese, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Surely you are familiar with hip dysplasia in the German Shepherd? The strongly sloping back line leads to changes in the musculoskeletal system and can cause severe problems, especially in old age. In addition to elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia also occurs in the Labrador Retriever.

Anomalies in the musculoskeletal system also occur in the Basset Hound: the shortened forelimbs and hindlimbs as well as the elongated body of the Basset Hound result in spinal problems.

The merle coat pattern, known primarily from the Australian Shepherd, is a popular coat pattern. This pattern is based on a gene mutation and can lead to deafness and blindness in the dog itself or its offspring.

The strongly pronounced skin folds of the Shar Pei can lead to chronically weeping skin inflammation. But blistering of the skin due to a breed-specific disease, idiopathic mucinosis, is also not uncommon in the Shar Pei.
Massive changes in the skin are also obvious in hairless dogs. The lack of a coat is related to a genetic factor that can lead to dental abnormalities. In addition, thermoregulation is impaired and the skin is sensitive to injury. It is particularly shocking that this genetic factor means death for 50% of the animals within the first year of life.

The MDR1 defect is known primarily in Collies, Shelties, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and German Shepherds and stands for a gene defect that leads to hypersensitivity to certain medications. The symptoms can be very serious and can even lead to death.

Over 50% of all Dobermans suffer from incurable dilated cardiomyopathy. This is a genetically determined disease of the heart muscle, which is the most common cause of death in Dobermans.

After all this information, you are surely asking yourselves: how can it be that torture breeding is allowed despite all this? In fact, the breeding of dogs with such traits violates the Animal Welfare Act. In 2013, the so-called “torture breeding paragraph” Section 11b was added to the Animal Welfare Act. Nevertheless, breeding still takes place because the traits belong to defined breed standards and are deliberately demanded by dog owners. In addition, there is a lack of controls.

Since we would like to clearly distance ourselves from torture breeding, we can only appeal to people to give a home to a stray dog. There are many animals waiting for a family on the streets abroad or in animal shelters. Although these mostly do not correspond to a clear breed image, they are diverse, unique, equally lovable, and infinitely grateful. Therefore, there is no need to breed more animals. And, above all, one should refrain from torture breeding. Because anyone who loves dogs wants their dog to be able to lead a healthy life without being burdened with unnecessary traits from the outset. Willi, Alba, Rudi, Chaiyo, and Co. from the VEGDOG pack are the best examples of how wonderful rescue dogs are.

You can find out more about this topic in our blog post FAMILY ADDITION! ADOPT OR BUY?