Ten Dog Features to Avoid for Better Canine Health
An international team of veterinary experts has outlined ten physical characteristics that potential dog owners should avoid to promote the health and well-being of their pets. This revelation comes in a recent press release from the International Collaborative on Extreme Conformations in Dogs (ICEDogs), highlighting the critical need for pet owners to recognize healthy physical traits in dogs.
Understanding Extreme Conformations in Dogs
ICEDogs explains that “extreme conformation” refers to physical features significantly modified by human breeding, leading to numerous health problems that adversely affect a dog’s quality and duration of life.
According to ICEDogs, the rise of extreme conformations poses serious risks to dogs’ health and overall welfare. “This new position paper from ICEDogs can help owners gauge the likelihood of their dog suffering from negative health impacts due to these extreme characteristics,” the organization stated.
Physical Traits to Avoid
Pet owners are urged to steer clear of the following extreme conformations:
- Flat faces (brachycephaly)
- Large and protruding eyes
- Shortened and twisted legs (chondrodysplasia)
- Facial or body skin folds
- Lack of tail at birth
- A clearly overshot or undershot jaw
- A disproportionately broad head and shoulders
- Eyelids turned in or out
- A bulging or domed skull
- A sloped back with an excessively low rear end and excessively flexed hind legs
Characteristics of Healthy Dogs
In contrast, ICEDogs identifies several traits indicative of a naturally healthy dog:
- Ability to breathe freely and oxygenate effectively
- Maintain normal body temperature
- Move freely without discomfort
- Eat and drink effectively
- Carry out basic functions like hearing, smell, and self-grooming without issues
- Reproduce naturally without assistance
- Communicate effectively with other dogs
The Call for Awareness and Change
Dr. Michelle Groleau, Director of Animal Welfare at the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), emphasized that the rise of extreme conformations in pets poses significant welfare concerns that require immediate public attention. “There is an urgent need for the public to be made aware of the severity of the current situation and to learn how they can contribute to a solution,” she stated.
Dr. Dan O’Neill, Chair of the UK Brachycephalic Working Group and co-founder of ICECDogs, reiterated this sentiment, explaining, “It is the general public that now controls how dogs look.” He pointed out that many popular breeds, such as French Bulldogs and Pugs, possess these concerning traits, leading to unnecessary suffering.
Choosing the Right Dog
O’Neill clarified that the goal of the international agreement is not to eliminate breeds with extreme conformation, but rather to encourage responsible breeding. “This is not about telling people to avoid buying a French Bulldog or a Dachshund; it’s about choosing dogs with more favorable conformation,” he noted.
ICEDogs is advocating for prospective dog owners to educate themselves on what constitutes a healthy dog physique and to support breeders who prioritize the welfare and conformation of breeds.
“ICECDogs encourages anyone thinking about getting a dog to consider all the serious welfare issues linked to extreme conformations before making a decision,” the organization concluded.
