Strategies to enhance genetic health in purebred dogs

Dogs were initially tamed more than 10,000 years ago. Recently, health issues with purebred dogs have received international attention in the media and have been confirmed by cynological organizations. Among recent years, there has been a lot of discussion about the problem of genetic diseases and poor health in purebred dogs. The entire scope and prevalence of inherited illnesses in pedigree dogs are now being realized thanks to the development of genome-wide sequencing technologies and the continued innovation of novel diagnostic DNA disease tests. Based on significant factors like severity, prevalence, and inheritance as well as the availability of efficient preventative measures, individual action plans must be developed. In order to establish breeding techniques with the aim of considerably reducing hereditary illnesses, testing and screening programme are essential for identifying both the prevalence and susceptibility to developing disease. To optimize the impact of considerably reducing the frequency of inherited illnesses and increasing general health in pedigree dogs, DNA tests for disease-causing mutation(s) must be integrated with current screening methods, pedigree information, and if possible, genomic selection. Without violating many breed criteria, breed health could be improved by acknowledging the advantages of crossbreeding, allowing dogs with a distant ancestor of another breed to be registered, and imposing offspring limitations on stud dogs in Kennel Clubs around the world. Making these improvements successful and standard practice requires a number of crucial aspects, including increased public awareness, education, and—most importantly—the assistance of breeders and/or breed clubs.