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There have been a few badly optimized horse breeding trends. There was a fad in the 1980s for decorative Arabian horses with thin legs. They were not even ridea
by Animats 2mo ago
There have been a few badly optimized horse breeding trends. There was a fad in the 1980s for decorative Arabian horses with thin legs. They were not even rideable, but were used as a tax shelter. That, fortunately, is over. The much tougher lines of endurance Arabians now dominate again. They're still beautiful, but good ones can do the Tevis Cup, 100 miles through the Sierras. (Several friends of mine have ridden that.)
Dog breeding is much worse. There are many dog breeds that are barely functional.
- stasomatic 2mo agoMy building is infested with Frenchies. In South Florida. Poor bastards.
- Animats 2mo agoYes. Many of the bulldog breeds have breathing problems. AKC breed notes: "Because of their front-heavy structure, Frenchies cannot swim and should never be left unattended near a tub, pool, or body of water. Like all flat-faced breeds, Frenchies are prone to breathing problems and do poorly in hot or humid weather. Flat-faced breeds are also more sensitive to anesthesia. Frenchies occasionally have eye conditions such as cherry eye, juvenile cataracts, or entropion, and skin allergies and autoimmune skin disorders also are known to occur." They don't need much exercise, which apparently makes them popular. If you get an intelligent, robust breed such as a border collie or a Doberman, you have to get serious about training and keep their mind and body occupied.