Dogs That Have Been Ruined by Selective Breeding

Dogs may be considered humanity’s best friend, but truth be told, humans are not always the best friends of dogs when it comes to putting their interests first in the process of selective breeding. Here, we profile some admittedly interesting, yet disturbing examples of breeding gone perhaps too far, ranging from facial deformation that was seen as desirable to an accidental doubling of canine cancer rates. Worst of all, unhealthy breed show standards can mean enormous veterinary bills...
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Coming up:
10. English Bulldog
9. German Shepherd
8. Dachshund
7. Golden Retriever
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
5. Pug
4. Yorkshire Terrier
3. Shar Pei
2. Dalmatian
1. Great Dane
Source/Further reading:
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ru.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%A...
pxhere.com/en/photo/1003586
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commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
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www.betterbully.com/english-bu...
www.flickr.com/photos/british...
pxhere.com/en/photo/747025
www.earth.com/news/german-she...
ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%A4%...
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%A4%...
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
www.flickr.com/photos/british...
media.defense.gov/2015/Oct/20...
www.pikist.com/free-photo-ssqgi
www.rawpixel.com/image/411949...
www.officialgoldenretriever.c...
media.defense.gov/2011/Feb/16...
pixabay.com/ru/photos/%D0%BA%...
www.flickr.com/photos/british...
cavalierhealth.org/syringomyel...
www.flickr.com/photos/jelene/...
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
pxhere.com/ru/photo/121793
www.pxfuel.com/en/free-photo-...
www.flickr.com/photos/british...
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
www.pikist.com/free-photo-ixiyd
www.ufaw.org.uk/dogs/yorkshir...
www.barksdale.af.mil/News/Pho...
www.barksdale.af.mil/News/Art...
media.defense.gov/2014/Feb/20...
ru.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%A...
www.animalwised.com/common-sk...
pxhere.com/ru/photo/1375597
pxhere.com/en/photo/1166613
www.needpix.com/photo/downloa...
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
www.ufaw.org.uk/dogs/dalmatia...
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
ru.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%A...
ru.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%A...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Gr...
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www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/rev...
www.pikist.com/free-photo-xwerz

[@Kageoni187]

I feel like the AKC should be forced to change their standards to reflect improving the health and longevity of these breeds knowing what we have learned over the years. We have a responsibility to these poor dogs as well to some of the more recent cat (looking at you munchkin breeders) to do right by them.

[@michiganscythian2445]

Kageoni187 the AKC shortened minimum height for Great Danes to discourage breeding solely for huge size

[@mattfleming86]

I absolutely support this. There is a growing body of support in the vet community for this as well. It has taken some time to push out the old ways but I hope we continue making progress in that direction. CKC is even worse.

[@ewoodley82]

Yeah...... I am firmly of the opinion that the AKC is the worst thing to have ever happened to dogs

[@outcast170]

Dog and horse shows are both guilty of destroying breeds. You'd think they would have hired judges that actually knew something about animals before judging. It shouldn't have taken years to figure out, "dat one f***'d up critter!"

[@sweetpea31821]

100% agree!! I work in the vet industry and its disgusting to see this happen. Worst thing that can happen to a dog (or cat) breed is they become popular. The puppy mill and backyard "breeders" are ALSO to blame as they don't cull the crappy genes. Dogs got cherry eye, horrible mouth confirmation and needed a c-section - owner doesn't want you to spay 😳😳😳😳😳😳. As a pervious cat breeder (who spayed every c-section), munchkins are THE WORST!!! People need to STOP getting these cats!!!! They SHOULDN'T genetically EXIST!! At least dashchunds have a hunting purpose. What is the purpose in the wild for a short cat?? NONE!!!

[@jamesblanton3744]

The dog show business has ruined many dog breeds

[@derekscanlan4641]

The 'pugs are soooooo cute' people have a lot to answer for too. They'll pay €1500 for a pup

[@thoraneh7365]

It always makes me laugh that show breeders say they are 'preserving and protecting' historic breeds when most modern breeds that are popular (french bulldogs, pugs, english bulldogs, bull terriers, german shepherds, dachsunds, shar peis etc etc) look almost nothing like their ancestors. Once the function of these animals became obsolete they have been bred for looks in a quest for some arbitrary 'perfection' based on the warped view of some made up breed standard. The fact you have working lines and show lines of certain breeds e.g the GSD shows just how much the show lines differ from the original. So much excess skin, sloped backs, tiny stubbed legs and tiny skulls are a pure show invention. Just look at the difference between the original 'bone mouth' shar pei and the show 'meat mouth'. You cannot be considered a dog lover if you endorse these breeds, you do not love dogs you love your warped ideal of what a dog breed should be. Chondrodysplasia and brachycephalic breeds should be outlawed. I'm glad a video has been made on this. This form of animal cruelty is so ignored as it's been so normalised. Animals are suffering under people's very noses and videos of their suffering (e.g pugs sitting up because they cant breathe when they lie down) go viral because people are so ignorant.

[@jamesblanton3744]

@@thoraneh7365 I you said what I was thinking l thank you for your detailed explanation l grew up breeding and training american foxhounds of the walker type these dogs were used for hunting and most would not even be considered as show dogs but were better than the show lines in every way

[@meandmydog79]

I’m a vet tech. Thank you for making this episode. Accurate, interesting and much needed. Well done!

[@go7cha459]

Agreed 💯

[@LuchadorMasque]

What would you consider the healthiest dog? Australian cattle dogs? I thought smaller dogs generally live longer?

[@LuchadorMasque]

@Turtle Head youd be suprised at how difficult it is to become a vet tech and or vet. There are very few schools, they are very hard to get I to, and the coursework is challenging. Plus, they have to deal with condescending assholes too.

[@nickstav08]

Yea i work at a vet hospital too, its really hard seeing these big dog breeds that look like they're ancient when they're only 6 years old.

[@harryface1633]

So are mutts healthier than pure bloods ?

[@professorswaggamuffin7572]

Its incredibly *irresponsible* and *cruel* even to sentence a whole lineage of dogs to come to suffering and discomfort just to make $$$.

[@sholms42]

It should be criminal. And I personally feel that the AKC should be brought before a court and held responsible for contributing to nationwide animal cruelty.

[@krymsynrayne]

How this isn't considered animal abuse is beyond me.

[@mistytorres6047]

exactly there's a lot of other things people want to call animal abuse but not this.

[@paxardens3505]

Former vet tech chiming in: Breeding has also given dalmatians a VERY high incidence of diabetes. And bull terriers have massive skin problems and a high incidence of compulsive tail chasing (similar in some ways to human OCD, leads to spinning in circles for ages, sometimes picking a single spot in their home and literally wearing a circular hole in the flooring). English Cocker Spaniels and some Springer Spaniels have a predisposition to a type of epilepsy that can make them suddenly rage and attack anything in front of them, without being aware of what they're doing.

[@ididitlikethis2273]

Megan Hack Dalmatians are also very prone to bladder stones and crystals, the akc before the 2000s used to recommend Dalmatians to be put down if they were born without spots, its no wonder these dogs have so many problems

[@AverageJillM]

I did it Like this But I thought the spots didn’t appear until they were several days old.

[@alfredrestivo2713]

By way of rescue I have owned and trained ALL of these dogs throughout my professional career and charity. Very accurate information. It is sad, but not surprising, that MOST people look at dogs like a pair of shoes. They buy them when they are new. After the first scuff, use them until they are broken. Rarely repair them when needed. Then when they still are salvageable would rather buy a new pair than fix the old one. My rescue is FILLED with these animals. ADOPT! DON'T SHOP!

[@jenna6149]

I get why some people would choose a specific breed with health guarantees etc. from a reputable breeder. Not everyone is cut out for rescue life. I have seen way too many returns because they had baggage that a family was not cut out for. There are so many rescue groups that just don't give a damn about telling the truth about a dog. My 40lb "couch potato who loves leash walks" lab mix after eating and getting her 2 torn CCL's fixed is a hugely energetic 60lb pure bred AmStaff. I am disabled and was able to be home with her 24/7 and work through a metric ton of issues from leash aggression to food anxiety and thanks to GoFundMe and a loan I got both her knees done. But passing off troubled dogs to families looking for a pet is becoming a huge problem. I do not want to discourage anyone from adopting at all... It is just becoming as hard to find a reputable rescue group as it is a reputable (responsible) breeder.

[@ClaireCaoimheRaeMoonshadow]

We're hoping to get a service dog. I would love to be able to find a rescue, but I'm not sure how that would be done with all of the requirements for temperament and physical abilities (counterbalance etc.). Plus all the training.

[@BUSHCRAPPING]

Some people need to shop. Some people just want a companion animal but some need certain traits

[@teardowndan5364]

Pairs of shoes do not require over a years long investment in training before you can "wear" them though. (Though most people who are going to toss their dog away at the first sign of trouble are unlikely to have invested much of themselves in training and shouldn't own a dog in the first place.)

[@briansullivan5908]

Jenna It’s like some rescue groups are becoming the new puppy mills

[@RustedSteele]

Finally, someone other then me and my dog training group is talking about this. This 'breeding for looks' ideology has been a known problem for 'years' but the public just conveniently disregards it because; cute doggo.

[@jenna6149]

It is so awful. I also hate the new "designer breeds" that always end up with the worst traits of both breeds and get sold for an obscene amount of money. We had a neighbor with a 3lb Chug. The poor thing could hardly breathe or walk it just shook all the time and looked like it was having an asthma attack.

[@jacquelynsmith2351]

I used to know someone who bred golden retrievers. She bred for health. Some people backed out because her dogs were smaller ("runty") and looked different. Yeah, they were smaller, and they didn't have the usual hip problems that golden retrievers frequently have, and they were missing out on a lot of the other issues vets frequently see in the dogs, and she was freaking happy to lose those people as customers! Plenty of other people had happy, healthy puppies for many years

[@andiward7068]

Breeding dogs for utility I've no problem with but people doing it for estethics chaps my arse. Edit: when a breed has more health issues than not it's time to stop that breed/traits until a healthy line is established...if we bred noses short or w/ev go back the other way.

[@dynamicjaethought7788]

True

[@evillttlimp]

Yeah, the logic behind the physical changes is really important. "Why is your corgi so short?" "So he doesn't get kicked by sheep." "Why is your pug dying of heat stroke?" "Because I think wheezing is cute!"

[@tieck4408]

Especially when you consider culling is a essential part of the process, and that b-----s are not infrequently used to produce more litters than would be comfortable or healthy for them.

[@duanesamuelson2256]

There's a huge difference between working dogs and the same breed which are bred to meet show standards also

[@mistytorres6047]

I'm glad you mentioned this. There are breeders out there now breeding for working stock instead of focusing on the show ring.

[@blanchybaby]

You could breed the working type to the show type and greatly help the show type, thus helping the overall breed.

[@marctholl4620]

Yeah I have a working class German Shepherd and luckily her bloodline doesn’t have a history of hip problems and her arch isn’t too bad

[@kirkmorrison6131]

When I was a breeder I refused to breed to AKC standards for these reasons. I saw many dogs of the breed have serious problems.

[@scottmantooth8785]

*when a unique dog breed becomes so exaggerated that it becomes a parody of itself then it needs to be discouraged...* *i love dogs and have had some truly amazing canines over the years...mostly mixed breeds, all very sweet, loving and intelligent and long lived* *our last dog was a beautiful black lab named Pilgrim who lived to be 14 years old*

[@jannetteberends8730]

In the cat fancy there are similar problems. The the Persians suffer from breathing problems. The Siamese head became so triangular that almost all of them have problems with their teeth. The Scottish fold has serious bone problems, they are forbidden in a number of countries.

[@joemachismo6594]

There are similar problems in pretty much every species of animal that people have decided to breed for "pets"

[@gendeb9666]

:-(

[@thoraneh7365]

Yep, rabbits are suffering the same as well. Their faces have got shorter and shorter

[@AmberWool]

I have never had a purebred anything. Both of my dogs were mutts. Because of his sire we knew Joe was 1/4 bagel and 1/4 bloodhound. His dam was found abandoned as a puppy. Bruno had GSD, bagel, and pit bull in him and wasn't very smart. I had a cat who looked like a Persian and another who looked like an angora. Both were orange tabby long hairs and over thirty years difference. Right now I have a tortie laying on me. Her twin, a cali, is somewhere, and the old lady, a cali tabby, is in the hall.

[@LillibitOfHere]

AmberWool People ask me what kind of cats I have and I say a cat cat. I find it really disturbing how trendy cat “breeds” are becoming when we’ve already seen the cost of pure bred dogs.

[@patrickfulmer9596]

Following the popularity of the "Lassie" TV show, The long haired collie became popular. They were bred through the 60's and 70's to have very narrow heads. They were so narrow that health problems arose. Reduced cranial capacity resulted in some mentally challenged animals.

[@animalbites77]

I wish people would stop breeding brachycephalic dogs. :(

[@piotr5261]

One day it will be illegal

[@dynamicjaethought7788]

@@piotr5261 I hope.

[@gingerkid1048]

There are some that are trying to go back to the older standards which I agree with. It’s more responsible.

[@derekscanlan4641]

@@gingerkid1048 Yeah, I know one 'Old English Bulldog' in my area. She's just 7 months old. Longer legs. More natural looking snout

[@andyanderson2223]

I just wish the human race would stop breeding

[@Robert-xp4ii]

I had an English Bulldog many years ago and decided to breed her once to make some money. (I know! Very stupid and naive.) Anyway, I learned so much about the breed and the damage humans have done to it. They're bred for that flat face which causes terrible sinus issues. The wrinkles need cleaned regularly, especially at the base of their corkscrew tail. The large heads and chest with small hind end make natural delivery too dangerous so they deliver by caesarean. The cost prevents owners from taking chances losing puppies during natural birth. They're also artificially inseminated because the females' genitals are so sensitive that they'll bite the males, which can cost over $3500. No owner is going to allow a champion stud to get scarred because no one will want to use him for stud. It's a nasty, crooked business that I'm ashamed I was part of, albeit just once.

[@elfymcelferton2187]

I grew up with my parents' English bulldog, poor thing. I've been championing the virtues of mutts ever since. Healthier, smarter, and more interesting to look at. Imo, variety in the canine species is more beautiful, anyway. I like that nobody has a dog that looks like mine.

[@sholms42]

I friend of mine used to be a vet-tech and he said that the only time that snub-nosed dogs EVER breath "easily" is when they are intubated for surgery. Outside of that one instance, EVERY breath they take their entire lives is a chore on their body and their mental faculties. He once said to me "imagine going your entire life breathing only breathing through a crazy straw".

[@cyruss_j]

Yo broke a**

[@jamesdean0885]

Congrats, your dog is so beautiful it can barely breathe, but please continue telling me how opposed to GMO's you are. Thank you for making this, people don't realise how modified pups are today. *request: please do one on the origins of modern day fruit and veg.

[@karlabrewster8605]

I am a dog trainer by trade.... If it needs surgery to be born, stop beeeding it. And stop with the pugweilers

[@RedMo46]

Pug..... weilers?! Ok thats just too far

[@ididitlikethis2273]

i feel like this should be common sense, but humans seem to be about coulda not shoulda

[@meandmydog79]

RedMo46 I could be wrong, but I believe she’s referring to the fact that rotties have much shorter muzzles now than they used to (like pugs), not that the two breeds are being mixed.

[@knowledge-girl]

@@meandmydog79, there are pugweilers. Although, at least it's slightly better than purebred, it gives it a little genetic diversity.

[@thomasdarby6084]

I wish the American Kennel Club (AKC) would revise its entire thinking and support the health and welfare of dogs rather than honoring the "breed" and conformation to a standard.

[@mistytorres6047]

I've always hated people breeding dogs for look and show. I prefer dogs bred for their work ability not what they look like.

[@Zorrina19]

Thank you so much for making this! I worked in the pet industry for a long time, and nothing was sadder than seeing these cute and innocent pups suffering horrible heath problems.

[@tjzambonischwartz]

This is why I only adopt, and I only adopt mutts. Greater genetic diversity = healthier, saner dogs. I'm looking for a companion, not a display piece.

[@pruusnhanna4422]

Same here. Long live the mutt.

[@AifDaimon]

@CHIGGS 58TH even South East Asian countries, like Malaysia and Singapore, have groups of healthy-looking stray dogs; I've seen several of them up close while in the forest for army training in the past 7 years or so

[@AifDaimon]

@CHIGGS 58TH I'm aware of that, but the majority of the strays I've come across rarely attack humans even if they accidentally walk into our army training areas. At most, my guys and I would simply shoo them away. That's about it.

[@briansullivan5908]

All dogs deserve love

[@djquinn11]

I wish I could have one, I love dogs

[@FeedMeSalt]

I have been telling people how disgusting German shepherds look for years. THANK YOU. My uncle owns a Shepard with the classic look. The dog is amazing.

[@tylerchaney1533]

Agreed. I strayed away from a "pure bred" shepherd after seeing and reseaching that. I now have a "chow shepherd" which is a cross breed of Chow chow and german shepherd. Beautiful colors and no arched back....no hip issues either!

[@gwendolyn1003]

German Shepherds are cute 🤷🏾

[@MosoKaiser]

@@gwendolyn1003 They are, but the sloped back "show dog" variant looks really awkward, as if they've had an incorrect size rear end bolted on. Which it basically is. From what I've read, a big portion of the breed's aggression issues stem directly from hip and back issues. No wonder you're easily irritable and pissed off if your hips and back hurt like a mofo...

[@tygerm00n]

I agree! I would love a "working" line GSD or a cross of one. These are the dogs used for security, home and police work. Not the horribly sloped backs of show GS dogs. What were they thinking??

[@FeedMeSalt]

@@gwendolyn1003 You honestly feel that way? Yeesh. You probably think hag fish and road kill are cute too.

[@se4307]

So just got a taxi home from my night shift and I’m chatting with the driver (old fella) about decent stuff on telly and he says ‘if it’s something interesting your after you want to watch Biographics ’ I was like no way! how is Simon so famous? I mean I’ve been a fan since it was just toptenz but I live in the arse end of nowhere in Scotland very remote. I told him to get watching BusinessBlaze, he’s not seen it and I know you need the numbers up. Well done Simon and co. I’m feeling pleased for you 💚

[@Erin-Thor]

Sad to hear about Golden Retrievers on this list. I’ve owned several, and lost my last one, Paco a couple of years ago. They are incredibly bright, and make excellent calm pets.

[@michiganscythian2445]

Erin Thor my mother takes in rescue Goldens and the majority of the ones that she’s owned have had food allergies or skin and coat problems and all have developed cancer despite the raw diet that she feeds them

[@thoraneh7365]

One thing that differentiates the GR from those others on the list is it's not breed to have cancer. Breeders of these types of dogs dont want health issues in the breed but for others like pugs and shar peis the health issues are actively bred for because the features that cause them look cute.

[@Erin-Thor]

Jessica Gruebner My girl Paco live to almost twenty, despite her breed living normally to 11 or 12 years. When at 16 years of age her hips started to give her trouble snd the vet told me she needed a hip replacement or be put down... I almost did. He said I was a horrible person, but she was a bundle of happiness, chasing squirrels 🐿 in the yard albeit more slowly in her final years. She needed help getting up into the car, but still LOVED every car trip she could go on. I know one thing, she was a wonderful joy to be around, and so obedient it bordered the bizarre. We would be at a National Park on a hike and either someone or a ranger would come and ask if that was my dog, she needed to be on a leash. And I’d call her and slap my thigh and she would come running as I pulled her leash out, she would sit and wait to be put back on it. Never had to call her twice, had several rangers tell me as soon as that lady in red (or whatever) leaves, you can take her off her leash. I feel so blessed to have had her in my life, the thought of someone discouraging owning one because of potential problems is unthinkable.

[@Erin-Thor]

Thoran EH - I would like to think that no breeder would ever actively breed dogs to get cancer, LOL! But to attain their appearance or other traits such as hunting, protecting, whatever, they often inbreed which creates its own set of problems. I met one such breeder once, I asked about papers, breeding line, and they just laughed, we just let them all lose in the same pen when females are in heat, who cares who the parents are? I asked where do you get the breeding pairs from? He responded oh we just keep one occasionally from a litter for a while to make more. So you are inbreeding? He responded huh? What? F’ you a’hole (he said to me). We just left. All their dogs were essentially from the same line. At another breeder we were looking for an slightly older female who had already had a litter of puppies, and saw the saddest conditions ever, most spending the bulk of their breeding lives in small pens and cages. Small Cages before giving birth, pens for a while afterwards to nurse until the puppies were sold, then back to cages. It took almost a year for her to adjust to not being abused, someone would drop a fork or accidentally slam a door and she would cower in fear.

[@Erin-Thor]

Snickers - It hurts when they pass, but their companionship is worth the risk. My Paco was much the same, sweet, gentle, always wanted to be in the same room too. Scared of thunder, yet loved the rain. She was also smart and what I would call compassionate. I snapped at her once when she woke me up barking at about 5am to be let out. From that point forward I was woken up slowly. I’d wake not to a bark, but her sitting there watching me sleep with gentle little muffled soft barks. Cute little woofs, a whine, until I woke up. Then she’d be all happy nudging me along. I miss her every day. I’d love another one, but I’m hesitant because of the training process, takes time and work to hide the shoes and stuff they like to chew on when young. I go to rescue centers, and stop by pet shops, and make s monthly trip to the SOCA to look for any friendly faces. Someday... I will.

[@rafterman6476]

Simon, Thanks for using my photo! I shot the photo of the vet office and yorkshire terrier at 7:47. I'm a huge fan of your channel. I appreciate the objectivity and fairness you give to each video and always look forward to whatever wild topics you come up with next! Cheers, from Okinawa, Japan.

[@afunnyusername5599]

the pedigree standards are a disgrace, but the fashionable trend demands of regular people cause the problems to multiply at a rate that cant be controlled. Westie's twenty years ago where so popular in the uk that people jumped on the gravy train and overbread them to keep up with demand. No attention went into ensuring the correct parents were chosen, and soon the breed was riddled with the worst skin conditions imaginable. Vets started recommending clients to consider different breeds instead, and Westie numbers fell dramatically as cavies and shih tzus took their place as must have little dog, now frenchie's. During this time westie enthusiasts have put in considerable time and effort, and the breed is much healthier than previously many of those skin issues are a thing of the past, whilst the popular three have been bred so much that heart, eye and skin problems are now causing untold pain to many of these dogs. We cant just criticise those that do dog shows, then think its ok to buy a cute dog for instapics without researching the breed. A frustrated Veterinary Nurse

[@lel7841]

Can they breed them back with Cairns to improve their health? Cairns have never been as popular and have much fewer issues. We had them while I was growing up. I wish I could have 1 now for my daughter but I ended up being allergic to dogs, unfortunately. They're more calm than Westies and better with kids. Can climb like monkeys, though lol

[@afunnyusername5599]

@@lel7841 Cairn terriers are great little dogs your right, but breeding them with westies whilst it may make healthier dogs they would technically be crossbreeds which rarely cost pedigree prices(Cockerpoo and labradoodle perhaps the closest crossed breeds price to that of pedigree i'd think currently). To help fix the westie population I believe a few breeders searched every country with healthy examples of the breed, then imported and selectively bred them with their own healthiest examples. This combined the healthier genetics from each side and a few generations later the breeds health is drastically improving.

[@nickihammond3939]

I'd love to see a 'healthiest breeds' piece

[@BUSHCRAPPING]

JRTs have not been a recognised breednofr very long and as such have much less inbreeding in their lineages. Also small terriers are usually the most healthy and long lived dogs.

[@zoeen5650]

The Mutt will win.

[@pavementsailor]

My uncle always kept German Shepards at his farm as working dogs. I'm continually astonished at seeing what the breed has become. Our dog is a mix boxer of some sort and only is truelly happy when running. I think most dogs are this way. Sad to see the German Shepherd crouching about at dog "shows".

[@joydenault7794]

You could have added the host of problems Pomeranians have from being bred to be so small.

[@debbiebullard2090]

Agreed

[@ashliiprigmore5441]

They used to be about the size of huskies if I remember rightly, I've seen some bigger ones here in the UK but I think overseas they're called mittelspitzes.

[@richlee3777]

Sadly, there are a lot more than 10 suffering overbred dogs. A limitation of a top 10 list.

[@joydenault7794]

Ashlii Prigmore I have owned 2 larger Pomeranians, both around 15 pounds . Much healthier than the 3 to 7 pound ones.

[@ashliiprigmore5441]

@@joydenault7794 I had seen one recently that was bigger than my Shiba Inu, he's 8kg and a metre tall on his hindlegs. It's a shame how hard it is to find the bigger sizes in the UK. I think in Germany they go with Zwergspitz which is what we call the Pomeranian, Kleinspitz which is a miniature size, Mittelspitz which is slightly bigger than a Shiba Inu so standard small dog size and Gross spitz which I think is about a Husky size.

[@karinabissonnette95]

The german shepherds used in poloce and other work look very different from those in show.

[@karinabissonnette95]

*police*

[@tyrander1652]

I applaud you for showing what has been done to the German Shepherd by show breeders, and by extension the average pet dogs (but not so much the working lines), but Dang! the bulldog at #10. .. top five at least for the pitiable wheezing monstrosity.

[@derekscanlan4641]

I once worked in a boarding kennel. We had a Bernese Mountain dog pup come to stay. He was 8 months old and had already had both his hips replaced due to bad breeding. When he needed to go out for a pee, 2 people had to sling towels under his body and carry him outside. :(

[@kirkjohnson9353]

People who claim to love dogs are responsible for more dog misery than people who don't care.

[@Nico-kr5se]

The fact pugs weren't #1 and that french bulldogs weren't listed at all is wild.

[@ididitlikethis2273]

Just a way of saying “oh but it gets worse”

[@eugeneruby433]

I was really surprised Chihuahuas weren't on this list. Poor things live their entire lives looking like death warmed over. I did work on a customer's air conditioning system once and she had a Chihuahua so small and malformed she had to make it wear diapers all the time because it never developed the ability to control its bowels

[@sharonwrijil5899]

I have a Chiweenie and she is the most lovable little darling. I also have a Doxie that is so gentle but not quite as lovable now that she is aging.

[@AvoidTheCadaver]

My family has a sharpei who is reaching the ripe old age of 15. We've been fortunate that she hasn't got excessively folded skin and has been spared a lot of skin conditions.

[@hayreddinbarbarossa661]

If I were a dachshund I'd be more upset that my doodle always dragged on the ground. I mean I'm angry enough that it happens to me as a human. BADUM-BOOM TISH.

[@garetcrader1575]

This isn't business blaze take it outside

[@dynamicjaethought7788]

Hahahahahahaha

[@walterscogginsakathesilver6246]

You'd be upset too if you're nuts dragged over everything.

[@kittiekat8920]

SHOTS FIRED!😂

[@kittiekat8920]

skunk ape😂 SHOTS FIRED!

[@professorswaggamuffin7572]

Pugs look ruined.

[@professorswaggamuffin7572]

@CHIGGS 58TH for sure. I remember hearing that they have breathing problems and chronic discomfort. It's incredibly irresponsible and even cruel to breed animals to the point of them suffering.

[@blahsomethingclever]

Yeah pugs are often neurotic crazy little balls of anger at the universe that made them. I finally get why, their brain is squeezed! True story, an aunt of mine had two pugs and one would spend hours barking at the wall, even trying to bite it. It nearly bit me as a kid too. I think she got rid of it when it bit her

[@professorswaggamuffin7572]

For sure@@blahsomethingclever neurotic crazy little balls of anger is a perfect way to describe them. Lol They're the crackhead of the dog world (You'd think chihuahuas would be, Im sure chihuahuas are on meth and mountain dew).

[@Camopar87]

Pugs are adorable

[@fairywhore]

Surprised Bassett hounds didn’t make the list

[@glbernini0]

AKC is to blame for 90% of these problems. Evil breeding makes it even worse.

[@bluesira]

Who or what is AKC?

[@DueSouthWests]

​@@bluesiraAmerican Kennel Club. The people who create these harmful breed standards.

[@WahKeetcha0]

has also happens in the breeding of horses. Look at the Morgan horse, we have 2 seriously different styled horse beneath the same banner. There is the Lippit morgan which relate closely to the Justin Morgan standard. then you have the modern or show morgans that were mixed with sadlebreds and hackneys and now there are fine boned, elegantly headed psychos that have had the intelligence and useability the morgan was known for basically bred right out of them. It's not the same breed it was 15 to 20 years go. We suck and ruin things because we're vain and think we know everything.

[@ferociousgumby]

I made a comment above about how Arabian horses are now unrecognizable and basically deformed-looking, their breathing ruined by huge bug-eyed foreheads and tiny squashed-looking muzzles. They barely look like horses now, more like My Little Pony. How anyone can see beauty in this is beyond me.

[@ferociousgumby]

It's true, when I recently googled images of Morgans I thought I had the wrong breed. They looked nothing like the muscular, versatile athletes of old, more like spindly rejects from the show-ring.

[@bluesira]

I knew that selective breeding was an issue with cats and dogs. I didn't think about horse breeds, but with all the money to be made, it makes sense! Someone else also mentioned selective breeding having a negative effect on domestic rabbits! That seems so crazy to me!

[@acedragon1456]

@@ferociousgumby I lived in Dubai for a long time and rode a lot Arabian and Arabian cross horses out there (mostly ex-endurance racers that had been retired) and they are some of the most beautiful horses I've ever seen, even with their huge donkey like ears. The first time I saw an "Arabian" horse back home in England I didn't even recognise it.

[@acidcharon]

These days dogs are like tattoos, jewellery etc ... very few people adopt dogs cause they actually like them/ love them, they see them as a trend and just want to get one and show off. There are dogs that have never seen nature, they live in an apartment >> balcony >> Walk on the sidewalk / pavement.... not even to a park. Thats a damn torture.

[@JadedJassy21]

Thank you for doing this!

[@charllie_k_69]

Bravo Simon! Your medical pronunciation was on point. Those are not easy words. Excellent video!

[@MazdaratiMan69]

I had a Dalmatian as a kid and she was great. She was very sweet and protective while my brother and I were growing up. Towards the last few months of her life she went deaf and blind. She also had a hard time walking and eating. She was about 12 when we had to put her down. Every time I see a Dalmatian I think of my Ember and how happy she made my family

[@darkangel21892]

Mostly see Cavaliers for heart failure in the ER. A lot of pure bred small dogs get collapsing trachea (pugs with it sound the worst!). Pugs and Yorkies are prone to luxating patellas (where the knee cap moves in and out causing pain and limping). Dalmatians are also prone to urinary issues and aggression. Labs are prone to obesity. Chihuahuas and dental disease. Herding dogs like Blue Heelers and Border Collies are prone to anxiety. Cocker Spaniels ear infections. Labradoodle have horrible allergies, often related to the protein in theor diet. Just wanted to add some things 😺

[@kenshores9900]

Thanks! You did a great job pronouncing all the disorder names.

[@python27au]

I doubt the breeders knew what health issues they’d be causing. But I’d like to know if they’d have cared enough to stop if they had?

[@thoraneh7365]

They do know, there was a documentary called pedigree dogs exposed about this topic a few years ago. Breeders are aware but they deny the problems to the end of the earth. Ive spoken to breeders and some will not see reason no matter how much evidence you throw at them. Ultimately rosettes and appearances are too important to many. Many argue they are breeding away from health issues but will not change how the dog is structured. You can only get a dog like a pug healthy to a certain extent whilst maintaining that extreme head. No pug to standard will ever have normal dentition for example as there is simply no room in their mouths for their teeth.

[@python27au]

Thoran EH . Thats pathetic. So much for animal welfare laws.

[@01oo011]

Well that was an unpleasant 11 minutes... Thanks humans!

[@sassyslsgrl]

Well done and interesting video, but heartbreaking 😭

[@maureenmccurry9482]

It’s only the show GSD’s that have been poorly bred. The working line GSD’s do not have the sloping back and are great dogs. I should know because I have 2 who are 11.5 years old and very healthy and highly active dogs.

[@xvalkyra]

well bred showlines don’t have sloped backs.

[@kittymervine6115]

Thank you!! This is so sad, I have friends that have rescued greyhounds, and they have all had serious health issues. Great pets, but, so sad they are bred for racing... and who cares about anything else it seems.

[@Nipplator99999999999]

I hate breeders more than most anything else. I've never bought a dog, I've adopted/rescued every single one I've brought home.

[@requiscatinpace7392]

My two rescue mongrels are the best dogs ever!

[@tildedebruyn]

Getting a dog from a proper breeder who doesn't overbreed really can't be compared to puppy farms. I really, truly hate overbreeders and animal cruelty! I feel your statement is way too simplistic.

[@Nipplator99999999999]

@@tildedebruyn I do not see how you feel like these problems were not caused by "proper" breeders, or did I miss the part where over the years only puppy mills have produced show dogs?

[@rhondahuggins9542]

I grew up in rural Ozarks. We had all manner of dogs. The two purebreds (given/surrendered to my family) were VERY shortlived compared to our farm dogs. As an adult, I 'inherited' a Cocker Spaniel/Bassett mix and despite all his efforts to the contrary, he lived 16 years. It's beyond time we stop manipulating these innocent animals for our aesthetics. Fun Fact:Canines are the most diverse species of mammals on Earth.

[@grayace4556]

This can all be fixed by breeding for a healthy breed standard, not fashion. Adopt and rescue first, of course, but if you must buy from a breeder do so from one that cares about the health and standard of the breed!

[@MrKzynix]

Thanks for the info, it saddens me though...

[@SevCaswell]

'pedigree' dog breeding is wholly cruel and should be banned.

[@thoraneh7365]

It always makes me laugh that show breeders say they are 'preserving and protecting' historic breeds when most modern breeds that are popular (french bulldogs, pugs, english bulldogs, bull terriers, german shepherds, dachsunds, shar peis etc etc) look almost nothing like their ancestors. Once the function of these animals became obsolete they have been bred for looks in a quest for some arbitrary 'perfection' based on the warped view of some made up breed standard. The fact you have working lines and show lines of certain breeds e.g the GSD shows just how much the show lines differ from the original. So much excess skin, sloped backs, tiny stubbed legs and tiny skulls are a pure show invention. Just look at the difference between the original 'bone mouth' shar pei and the show 'meat mouth'. You cannot be considered a dog lover if you endorse these breeds, you do not love dogs you love your warped ideal of what a dog breed should be. Chondrodysplasia and brachycephalic breeds should be outlawed. I'm glad a video has been made on this. This form of animal cruelty is so ignored as it's been so normalised. Animals are suffering under people's very noses and videos of their suffering (e.g pugs sitting up because they cant breathe when they lie down) go viral because people are so ignorant.

[@O4FUXACHE]

The Jack Russell is another example, now nothing like the original form.

[@LilFoxyCosplay]

This was fascinating! I work in a rescue and some of them you can really see they've been ruined A bulldog needed some wrinkles removed as he couldn't breathe properly newer volunteers thought he was growling but it was just that he couldn't breathe normally

[@missmusica82]

Thank you so much for putting this video up! I wish more people would watch it! Selective breeding HURTS the animals!

[@ClaireCaoimheRaeMoonshadow]

Quite interesting! We're looking at maybe getting a service dog for me in the future. This definitely gives me some things to think about.

[@paulbowser1989]

Hey Simon, just wanted to let you know that I just somehow came across this KZbin channel called Global cities,power centers of the World and it has one of your TopTenz and VisualPolitik videos posted in their entirety. I spelled the channel name exactly the way it's spelled. There really isn't a space after the comma. I love all your channels so much I can't just see a channel taking your videos and not let you know. You may already know about it but I just wanted to make sure you knew

[@ryanroberts1104]

Somebody that lives near me breeds the English Bulldogs...I see their vehicle a lot at the grocery store, painted with dogs and offering them for sale. Makes me sick. Why are you creating new dogs when so many have to be euthanized every year because nobody wants them?! And if you're going to do that, *WHY* are you specifically breeding a dog with a short life and bad health?!?!?! I find it deplorable! I rescued a Dachshund that may not have made it...now at age 14 fortunately no spine problems but the poor thing has a giant tumor and is totally deaf. :-( Nothing but bad luck for this little guy...

[@paulsherick6335]

Humans can be damn fools

[@hali73]

Interesting but depressing video.

[@dogstar5572]

My border collie is a pure bread working dog, now a pet. He’s bulletproof.

[@Primalxbeast]

@rapheALtoid Border Collies are one of my favorite breeds, but I would never own one, and they aren't for everybody. They're working dogs and if you don't give them enough to physical activity and something to challenge their extreme intelligence, things won't work out well. I realize you probably know that already, but other people reading the comments might not realize that even though they're amazing dogs, it takes a lot of work to give them a happy life and keep them from having behavioral problems because they aren't in an environment that fits their personality.

[@devindobson8281]

But the sad thing is how many people actually take care of a working dog or treat them the way they're supposed to be treated.

[@ididitlikethis2273]

People also buy the wrong dog for there life style, border collies need constant stimulation, they’re working dogs. There not without genetic problems, increased risk of cancer, hip issues, and collie eye anomaly. I had a border collie for 10 years tho, and was hands down the best dog i ever had

[@dogstar5572]

I did it Like this I live in east iceland where he gets lots of exercise. Climbing, swimming, hiking, frisbee. No lead required. Fish oil for his joints. 35kilos of muscle and an iq more than some people.

[@ididitlikethis2273]

Dogstar that was my norder collie up to her later year, as long as collies get there activity quota, they will be just fine in most cases i see

[@sweetpea31821]

As someone who works in the vet industry and loves genetics, and hates what humans have done to these breeds... I could expand all day on what Simon said but these points were missed: Bulldogs should be higher on the list: they can't reproduce without human intervention usually requiring AI to get pregnant and always need scheduled c-sections in addition to all the problems listed. Cavaliers: I've never heard of the diseases mentioned. But if you get one, get pet insurance because these dogs usually have heart problems!! And will eventually need to see a cardiologist!!. Great Danes: get their stomach tacked unless you want to euthanize them at 8-9 yrs old because of a GDV (that's how I've seen every Dane go out, sometimes it's after hours ($$)), that or osteosarcoma (cancer).

[@kizmo2317]

As a GSD owner, I have learned that getting a working line from Germany or German stock avoids the problems in the show dog lines. Unfortunately, I learned this the hard way because my first GSD was from show lines and was a classic "frog dog".

[@xvalkyra]

showlines have more angulation because they stick to the original standard, which was designed to make the german shepherd an efficient trotter. angulation allows them to trot much more effectively, and able to conserve much more stamina. working lines are typically bred for other purposes other than herding, which is why they don’t have as much angulation. it doesn’t mean one is “better” than the other, they’re just used for different purposes

[@mikekelly607]

Great video, thanks. Very informative. Perhaps if you made an 11-20 list, it might include Boxers, American Pit Bulls, and Chihuahuas. Boxers in particular are very cancer susceptible and generally don't live past 8 or 9 years.

[@joescarfish7495]

with GSDs there's 3 lines. show lines, working lines, and pet lines. i've had 2 working lines and 1 pet line and their backs were not as sloped as they are in the show ring.

[@KarenRose70]

I had a dachshund growing up. She had thyroid issues, cataracts and of course a bad back.

[@powellmountainmike8853]

This is a great video, and points up a REAL PROBLEM which has sadly been made worse by dog kennel clubs and show standards. It is time that these organizations, if they actually CARE about dogs, alter their breed standards to allow for less extreme and less unnatural characteristics to be acceptable, or better yet preferable. This will help reduce many of these problems, and be a kindness to the dogs. Personally, I prefer less extreme dogs. I have a German pinscher who came into my life after she was abandoned by a former neighbor, not purebred by any means, and I call this breed because of her size and look and temperament, and a beagle bull, a cross between a beagle and a pit bull which I got from a shelter. Both are wonderful, healthy creatures, every bit as loving as any pure bred would be.

[@ash1rose]

When I was taking my old cat for his cancer treatments, I saw so many goldens. I’ll never forget the one named Charlie who was there both times I took Kin-mei. There was even a golden puppy 😞

[@heathergarnham9555]

Our mutt, Australian Kelpie/Border Collie cross lived to 16, we had to have her put to sleep, she stopped eating and drinking, it was kinder than letting her starve. I still miss her, she was the nicest and best behaved dog I've ever known

[@Chamelionroses]

People do so to all things nature so arrogantly and preferring appearances and superstition over reality and what is better for well being long term.

[@LyleFrancisDelp]

My favorite breed is the common Beagle...a beautiful tri-colored dog with a generally calm demeanor. They do tend to bay a lot, but the last two I owned were remarkably quiet, only baying when they saw another animal outside.

[@StormCaller5]

We had a dachshund when I was a kid that ended up temporarily paralyzed in her hind legs. Believe it or not, chiropractic care and swimming therapy fixed the problem and she never had another incident like that.

[@zoeen5650]

It's tragic that 10 isn't enough to cover all the dog breeds that humans are legally abusing through selective breeding.

[@monot00nz]

The German Shepard you're talking about is the show dog variant. Those poor dogs 😣

[@Vic.Toria.]

I wish you guys had mentioned the difference of reputable breeding vs backyard breeding as majority of these issues you are mentioning is due to backyard breeders, NOT reputable breeders or pedigree/showline breeding. Not saying its not absent entirely, but majority of breeders in this later category are working to improve the breed and eliminate these issues within their breeds.

[@angelasieg5099]

Our little Yorkie Snoopy had a heart murmur he lived until he was 10 we wok up on Thanksgiving last year he had gone to sleep and didn't wake up

[@Bnpoff]

Our Yorkie was ten also. No real health issues until one vet visit revealed protein levels were too high. Her kidneys failed her within a couple of months.

[@angelasieg5099]

@@Bnpoff I'm so sorry we have Morkie Poo girls now Snoops will never be replaced my daughter was 6 when we got him on her birthday they were best friends

[@kimsim4647]

HELLO! I'm early, love dogs!!

[@208cindygirl]

My beautiful best friend who shared my king sized bed for 7 years, began bleeding from her throat. I rushed her to the vet to find out she was suffering from cancer, and while surgery could possibly prolong her life a couple of months, she would eventually need to be euthanized. As the vet stressed it would be more humane, and extremely less costly, the go ahead and put her down. i left the vets office that day without my Honey Girl, and have not been able to not cry every time I see another beautiful golden retriever. She didn't live nearly long enough...

[@gendeb9666]

My Cavie cross rescue just died at the age of 13. No problems until the week before. I feel very, very fortunate for me and him.

[@davidostendorf3938]

Ahhh daily dose of TopTenz...

[@sholms42]

Simon, PLEASE do the Top 10 Healthiest Dog Breeds (and/or cross-breeds)!!!

[@bjvdkez2958]

Can you do an episode on the healthiest dog breeds? That would be a cool contrast I've got a golden and I knew they were bad with health but not that bad :(

[@Beachdragon99]

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels also have heart troubles and have shortened lives as well. It’s a terrible shame.

[@dalkapur]

Thank you for this. I see so many breeds when out and about, and just think to myself "that's just wrong." I was patiently waiting for the Rhodesian Ridgeback to be no 1. I guess it is because it is thankfully not a popular breed.

[@kylefarr3655]

How does one go from a wolf to a pug? This is what I need to know lol...

[@ididitlikethis2273]

Kyle Farr 62 thousand+ years of selective breeding

[@hughjass545]

Do a part 2.

[@sean..L]

It's better to adopt a regular mutt than a closely bred and malformed canine creature which vaguely resembles a dog.

[@kristophermueller5543]

How does anyone dislike these videos?!

[@jaspr1999]

One of my favorite KZbinrs, Taras Kul, has a beautiful little Dalmation named George. Taras got George as a puppy and didn't know that he was completely deaf until he grew up a bit but George is one very loved puppy by Taras and his wife but also by his other three dogs who protect George like a baby brother. Taras pointed out that he knew there was a chance George could be deaf as Dalmations are used as firehouse mascots due to their deafness and lack of overreaction from sirens and the like.

[@lexxsadbuttrue]

there is a need of part 2, Boxer dogs, Neapolitan Mastiff, french bulldogs

[@jodydiou]

We had a Shar pei when I was a teenager. He ended up needing an eye lift plastic surgery for his eye or he would have gone blind because of the wrinkles.

[@LaserRanger15]

This was interesting but sad too. I'm a Basset guy, and they have a higher than average instance of glaucoma and some have very twisted front limbs, Sweethearts though

[@AraAra-zc2eb]

Either buy work line specimens or do business with health-minded breeders. Adopting is not the solution, purchasing healthier dogs is what is required to turn this industry around. Vote with your dollars, that's what they understand.

[@stevec3813]

Well, that was insanely sad.