Many pedigree dog breeds carry inherited health problems caused by selective breeding for conformation, creating preventable and widespread welfare problems.
Hereditary health problems cause suffering throughout the lives of affected dogs. A Cavalier with mitral valve disease spends its final years in chronic heart failure. A dachshund with disc disease may experience paralyzing pain. Unlike acquired diseases, these conditions are built into the breed and guaranteed to affect significant proportions of individuals. Breed standard reform, mandatory health testing, and outcrossing programmes can reduce these problems over generations.