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Eugenics is defined as the selective breeding of humans to “improve” the population by increasing heritable traits that are deemed desirable. Although eugenics is a particular example of selective breeding, as well as breeding of dogs, eugenics is a concept applied to the human population only. The question of whether or not selective breeding is morally wrong has been a question brought forward in many various examples, but what about one of the most normalized examples: dog breeding.
The arguments made regarding dog breeding pertain to the ethical concerns of genetically favoring traits for the human benefit. Edwin Louis-Maerten argued that although selective dog breeding and humanistic eugenics have similar compasses, that does not make the mere practice of dog breeding itself unethical. It is argued that the practice itself is just morally questionable, but multiple perspectives are necessary to understand why people breed dogs and whether or not the choices are more harmful than good.
Personally, I do not fully understand the desire of breeding dogs. I believe a true pet parent would love any animal by any means necessary, but I can understand favoring a specific kind of dog for the purposes of service. For example, a larger dog as a guide dog for someone who cannot see well/is blind. But I do not see the point in breeding a completely new dog for this need.
Article: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/animal-science/articles/10.3389/fanim.2023.1195710/full
Other Source: https://www.tvmf.org/articles/responsible-dog-breeding/#:~:text=The%20primary%20reason%20to%20breed,puppy%20related%20to%20a%20dog.
I had never really thought about dog breeding as being the equivalent of eugenics before, and this really got me thinking about it. The practice does bare many striking similarities to eugenics, and it has never sat right with me. I agree with you when you say you do not see the desire in breeding dogs, as I do not either. I know that many times when certain dogs are bred together, there can be deleterious traits that arise like how pugs often have a difficult time breathing. In these cases, the practice of manipulating the genetics of an organism for human benefit while potentially harming the organism does not seem very ethical to me.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a good point to bring up. I agree with your points. I still do not understand why people choose to breed dogs. My main concern is all of the dogs that are in the street and have to fend for themselves. Why would you add to that? When I traveled to other countries all you see are malnourished dogs in the street and it is truly heartbreaking.
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