Many pedigree dog breeds carry inherited health conditions that cause lifetime suffering, requiring systematic genetic reform to improve canine welfare.
Breeding dogs for appearance at the expense of health creates lifetime suffering in affected individuals. Dogs with progressive retinal atrophy go blind in early adulthood; those with hereditary cataracts suffer early visual impairment; dogs with degenerative myelopathy experience progressive paralysis. The suffering caused by these conditions is preventable through health testing, selective breeding away from affected individuals, and reducing inbreeding. The popular sire effect, where highly show-winning males father thousands of offspring, spreads genetic conditions rapidly through breed populations. Mandatory health testing requirements and transparent health data publication are the most impactful policy interventions for breed welfare reform.