So many pets have genetic conditions and problems due to overbreeding, as well as breeding for the aesthetic. This is a major problem, as many animals have shorter lives due to the problems associated with their breeds. As the proud owner of a Pit/Lab Mix my family got from the Madison County Humane Society, I urge everyone to stop buying expensive dogs with health issues from expensive breeders, and go adopt a mutt at your local animal shelter. 

In the case of French Bulldogs, many have issues simply just doing everyday activities. While heavier breathing after running around the yard, chasing the kids, is quite normal, walking around their house should never be an issue for any dog. The trachea is a body part which makes breathing easier, and many French Bulldogs are bred to have smaller tracheas, as well as nostrils. With the thinned tracheas, they have less oxygen flowing around themselves, and can make panting much harder.

In the example of the Munchkin cat, they originally came into play as a genetic mutation, but now people have decided to breed it for the aesthetic of the animals. In fact, the munchkin cat has lethal genes, because if two Munchkins reproduce, their children will not live. However, if you produce a regular Munchkin, you risk problems such as lordosis, concave chests, as well as osteoarthritis. Lordosis is the condition that presses down on their spine, making their hearts, lungs, trachaes and many other organs have pressure placed on them, which will cause discomfort for the cats. osteoarthritis.

Scottish Folds, another breed of cat, are adorable cats with round, saucer-like heads and ears folded on themselves (rather than perking up). In a study of Osteochondrodysplasia in the Scottish Fold, a genetic condition showed the cats´ movement decreased, while pain and unwillingness to be as active increased. This condition affects the quality of life for the cats and makes them have a shorter lifespan than other breeds. Their average lifespan is 13 years, and in the case of the typical housecat, their average lifespan is roughly 12-18 years old, showing the Scottish Fold has a shorter span than the average. 

Certain breeds have certain health issues, we should stop for the aesthetic of them. certain genetic conditions are inevitable in different breeds, such as the Golden Retriever and hip dysplasia, we should never breed because “ït’s cute” or “not a big deal.” It is a big deal, and the unethical treatment and consistent breeding of these poor animals should be deemed illegal. We should always consider buying animals from shelters, and consider the implications of the animals you buy and how they could later be affected. Shelter dogs are truly are the best, and many are tough, resilient dogs who otherwise might spend their whole lives inside shelters or with unloving families. 

Madison County Humane Society information: 

Address:  2020 OH-142 NE, West Jefferson, OH 43162

Phone: 614-879-8368