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Breed health was one of the reasons I ended up with a working line dog (Dutch Shepherd). Most dogs are bred for appearance these days, even in some working bree

Breed health was one of the reasons I ended up with a working line dog (Dutch Shepherd). Most dogs are bred for appearance these days, even in some working breeds like the German Shepherd. Anecdotally, I always felt like 'muts' were some of the healthiest dogs I've been around. They seem invincible, and the genetic diversity probably helps explain that.

explaininjs 3y ago
It is well established that mixed breeds and hybrids are healthier than purebreds.
jjtheblunt 3y ago
We have an offspring of central american feral dogs, whom we DNA tested via Cornell vet school’s embarkvet.com database. Interestingly, the notion of breed changed meanings, for me, when they published the results. The only modern breed in her is a great grandparent chihuahua and otherwise she’s genetically varied as feral dogs are, something like an asymptote for the various blends called mutts. Of the 161 (i think) tracked recessive disorders, she’s a carrier for only two.
- jjtheblunt 3y ago
  p.s. It's unclear to me if, genetically, "mutt" implies a blend of various artificially constrained gene pools (that is, "breeds") or just means less constrained gene pool than what occurs in "breeds".
inconceivable 3y ago
i've got a 12 year old 35 pound mutt and he's literally never had a health problem. i take him in every 12 months for shots. he did get kennel cough one time from dog daycare but he just... got better on his own after a few days, or something. he just slept it off. at this point i'm only half joking when i wonder if he'll outlive me.
h2odragon 3y ago
I've found many "pure" breeds to be regrettably diminished, they look like the books say but they pay for it in some way. Shorter lifespans, health problems, mental problems, etc. Out-crossing a purebred with something from a different style of dog can often produce much healthier pups than either parent. Great Danes and Collie make 3/4 sized, slightly skinny dane-like dogs that are shockingly robust and energetic and can live to 16+ in my experience (and that's as active working outdoor dogs).
- sundvor 3y ago
  That's awesome, cat level longevity. How would they fare as indoor, backyard dogs taken for twice daily sedate walks though? My personal (probably unpopular) opinion is that a lot of inner city people should not have the dogs they have - who need to be able to run around at all times, not just waste away. It's also why I don't have a dog, for exactly this reason - I don't live in the country, with enough free space around.
  - cyberlurker 3y ago
    I share your unpopular opinion and raise you that plenty of suburban families have dogs that waste away in yards when they really would benefit from walks or hikes.

explaininjs 3y ago

It is well established that mixed breeds and hybrids are healthier than purebreds.

jjtheblunt 3y ago

We have an offspring of central american feral dogs, whom we DNA tested via Cornell vet school’s embarkvet.com database. Interestingly, the notion of breed changed meanings, for me, when they published the results. The only modern breed in her is a great grandparent chihuahua and otherwise she’s genetically varied as feral dogs are, something like an asymptote for the various blends called mutts. Of the 161 (i think) tracked recessive disorders, she’s a carrier for only two.

jjtheblunt 3y ago
p.s. It's unclear to me if, genetically, "mutt" implies a blend of various artificially constrained gene pools (that is, "breeds") or just means less constrained gene pool than what occurs in "breeds".

inconceivable 3y ago

i've got a 12 year old 35 pound mutt and he's literally never had a health problem. i take him in every 12 months for shots. he did get kennel cough one time from dog daycare but he just... got better on his own after a few days, or something. he just slept it off. at this point i'm only half joking when i wonder if he'll outlive me.

h2odragon 3y ago

I've found many "pure" breeds to be regrettably diminished, they look like the books say but they pay for it in some way. Shorter lifespans, health problems, mental problems, etc. Out-crossing a purebred with something from a different style of dog can often produce much healthier pups than either parent. Great Danes and Collie make 3/4 sized, slightly skinny dane-like dogs that are shockingly robust and energetic and can live to 16+ in my experience (and that's as active working outdoor dogs).

sundvor 3y ago
That's awesome, cat level longevity. How would they fare as indoor, backyard dogs taken for twice daily sedate walks though? My personal (probably unpopular) opinion is that a lot of inner city people should not have the dogs they have - who need to be able to run around at all times, not just waste away. It's also why I don't have a dog, for exactly this reason - I don't live in the country, with enough free space around.
- cyberlurker 3y ago
  I share your unpopular opinion and raise you that plenty of suburban families have dogs that waste away in yards when they really would benefit from walks or hikes.