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Stockholm University research shows dogs; are getting dumber
Topic Started: Jan 28 2009, 08:47 PM (250 Views)
schnuppi
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Katie

Not only dogs would I say... evilevil

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EVER wondered why Fido and Muffy prefer the toilet bowl to the water dish? Well, the truth could be that they're just airheads.
A Swedish research scientist has discovered that the current generation of pedigree dogs, normally social and curious creatures by nature, are disinterested, shy and less responsive to commands than their ancestors.

The study found show-quality and "handbag" pooches were the most likely to lack the instincts of previous generations, which were bred for their strength, hunting and working abilities, rather than their looks.

Stockholm University ethologist Kenth Svartberg said personality changes could be seen in dogs that are only a few generations removed.

"Modern breeding practices are affecting the behaviour and mental abilities of pedigree breeds, as well as their physical features," he said.

NSW University senior lecturer in genetics, Dr Alan Wilton, said it was a classic situation of "if you don't use it, you lose it".

"You can have lap dogs that are very intelligent. It's just that, if they're just sitting around doing nothing and you breed for many generations without selecting for intelligence, it is possible that their intelligence over time will diminish," he said. "That's what we expect is happening to some breeds."

Selective breeding was also having an affect on dogs' physical health.

The issue came to light last year in a British documentary, Pedigree Dogs Exposed, which detailed health problems among heavily interbred show dogs.

The show pressured the UK's Kennel Club to consider changing its guidelines, in favour of less pronounced breed characteristics.

Master Dog Breeders and Associates CEO Julie Nelson agreed that many breeders valued appearance over skills, but said some breeds simply didn't need them.

"The chihuahua was originally bred as a lap dog; all it needs to do is hang around the house. Same with dogs like pugs; they were never, ever intended to have any purpose, really, except to hang off people, to be companions," she said.



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BookJunkie
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Karen
There's a reason inbreeding is frowned upon - applies to dogs as well as humans, I guess!
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sdmountainkat
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Kat

Yep! RRlaugh
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CeeJay
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Trilogy
I watched the documentry that is mentioned in the report and it made me cry..the over/in breeding of some of the dogs shown has made them very sick - I still can't get the image of the dog fitting out of my head..Public outcry was so strong over here that the BBC has refused to show Crufts on the TV unless certain at risk breeds are excluded..The Kennel Club has refused to comply..
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EssieLou
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All my dogs are and have been mutts. Best breed in the world :)
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CeeJay
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Essie - is Crufts shown on the tv in the US ?...I have to say its a show I love to watch...I have a pedigree dog - Bichon Frise - he's like my second child and i love him dearly , but we won't be having another one - we spend £30 a month just on his grooming alone and in the last few years he's struggled with hip and knee problems ..all birth defects which were picked up on recent x rays..It was a hard and expensive lesson for us to learn , where dogs are concerned you don't get what you pay for ..My husband has said our next pet will be a heinz 57 - mutt ! - and I have to agree on this he's probably right !
Edited by CeeJay, Jan 29 2009, 01:41 AM.
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EssieLou
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Hangin' Tree Cowdog LINK
Not a mutt exactly, but far from a purebred also.
Edited by EssieLou, Jan 29 2009, 01:51 AM.
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CeeJay
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EssieLou
Jan 29 2009, 01:50 AM
Hangin' Tree Cowdog LINK
Not a mutt exactly, but far from a purebred also.
What amazing dogs !..And the actual breed is Hanging Tree Cow dogs ?...we only have the border collies here and they are classed as working dogs used by farmers and are reknown for their loyalty...
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EssieLou
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They are a four part mix and he continues to add to the mix. So they aren't exactly a breed as much as a recipe.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jWgDFXxgUQ
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CeeJay
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EssieLou
Jan 29 2009, 02:04 AM
They are a four part mix and he continues to add to the mix. So they aren't exactly a breed as much as a recipe.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jWgDFXxgUQ
Watched Jeeter - lovely markings on his coat - loved his one black leg at the back !...so fast and totally fearless about going upto and under the cows legs and stomach !..
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