this post was submitted on 15 Apr 2024
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I think what OC was getting at was how some animal breeds are bred with very limited groups to maintain desired bloodlines/genes. This leads to health issues due to inbreeding.
Pug dogs are a somewhat common example; same with a lot of 'pure bred' dog breeds.
I'm not sure how much that applies to sphinx cats.
With a quick search, this comes up:
https://faqcats.com/is-breeding-sphynx-cats-cruel/
It can be done ethically, with a sufficient gene pool. It can also be done cruelly; especially when profit is involved. I can't say I have much faith in it being done ethically... But I'm sure there are some alright groups out there.
This is what I figured. Thank you.
something else to consider is the breeders chasing certain characteristics - in this case, the very wrinkly skin, akin to the traits seen in Shar-pei and other wrinkly dogs. It rarely results in an animal that's overall healthy and often introduces new issues.
I have an adopted hound who's ears - I'm convinced - could never exist in a viable dog without intense supervision and cleaning, we've tried alternative diets, flushes, allergy meds, and at the end of the day... loads of ear flap mean a big ear canal and not enough discharge to keep them clean. Left to her own devices she'll scratch them up in a few days. I love the dog, but damn... breeding for these characteristics didn't do her any favors.
My adopted 'mostly'Staffy, conversely, is a paragon of excellent diverse genetics, and physically issue free. And thick headed enough that she can stagger the 20lb heavier hound with a well timed head butt.
We're lucky to have animals in our lives, I just hate to see so many examples of abusing our privilege.