Are selective breeding practices merging our pets' anatomy?

Domestication and breeding aim to isolate desirable traits of appearance or character. Generally, these actions lead to greater diversity within the species. According to the Science Alert portal, however, studies have shown that many breeds of dogs and cats subjected to selective breeding dangerously resemble each other. Abby Grace Drake and her team point out that even though our pets are evolutionarily separated by over 50 million years, it turns out that many breeds of cats and dogs exhibit undesirable anatomical similarities, such as similarly shaped skulls.

The phenomenon of convergence in evolution is a process in which organisms not closely related evolve similar features in response to similar environmental conditions or lifestyles. This does not result from a common ancestor but from independent adaptation to similar challenges. This process is visible in domesticated dogs and cats. The selection that people have conducted for years has led to some breeds, such as Persian cats and pugs, having very similar skull structures.

Selective breeding favors certain features of an animal's appearance or behavior, and such actions are not neutral for the health and well-being of animals. The limited gene pool in purebred animals increases the risk of genetic defects and hereditary diseases, such as hip dysplasia, heart disease, or epilepsy. Animals with flat faces, like pugs or bulldogs, suffer from chronic breathing difficulties, overheating, and have problems with eating and birthing. Reports from the British Animal Welfare Committee from 2024 show that traits considered visually attractive, like very large eyes, short hair, or excess skin folds, are often sources of pain or infections. As a result, many purebred dogs and cats live shorter lives and experience a lower quality of life than non-purebred animals.

The Animal Welfare Committee calls for stricter regulations on breeding to prevent further animal suffering. Without changes, many popular breeds will continue to suffer from health issues.

Changes regarding the selective breeding of dogs and cats are essential, as they protect animals from suffering resulting from irresponsible breeding practices. Lack of oversight also encourages pseudo-breeders focused only on profit, where animals are kept in poor conditions and treated like objects. Appropriate regulations, based on animal welfare and veterinary knowledge, will help limit suffering, improve the quality of life for purebred animals, and ensure a more ethical and responsible approach to their reproduction.