Most Dog Breeds Are Highly Inbred -- and Unhealthy

 

Within this article traits that are specific to certain dog breeds have been found to be most commonly achieved through inbreeding which significantly increases the amount of health risks for these dogs. An average rate of inbreeding was found to be 25% which is about as equal to how much DNA siblings share, this a a very concerning level to share for any animal or even human in general. In any species strong breed predispositions to health effects such as autoimmune diseases highlight how important it is that inbreeding dogs puts the dogs health at huge risks. Since there is so much inbreeding in the dog world there is a lack of genetic diversity within dogs and there should be more of a focus to preserving the genetic diversity among dogs. There should be a focus and careful management  to not lose the already existing genetic diversity through things such as breeding education and having inbreeding levels monitored.  

Inbreeding Issues

    Researchers have long studied purebred lines in dogs and determined that some lines contain as much as 25% inbreeding. This is far beyond the safe limit of 3-6%. Producing overly inbred animals comes with many genetic issues. In the golden retrievers and shepherds, it's most notably hip dysplasia. In the bulldogs, it's upper respiratory issues. Every purebred come with its own set of issues. Not every purebred dog will have these issues but the more inbred they are the more likely these genetic disorders will occur. Veterinary geneticist Danika Bannasch found that the majority of canine breeds are highly inbred and that it is contributing to an increase in disease and health care costs throughout their lifespan. In a study done across 227 breeds Bannasch stated "While previous studies have shown that small dogs live longer than large dogs, no one had previously reported on morbidity or the presence of disease. This study revealed that if dogs are of smaller size and not inbred, they are much healthier than larger dogs with high inbreeding." She was amazed at how much inbreeding had affected each studied dog. She talks further about how we breed for certain characteristics for the "breed standard" yet those desired traits can be a detriment to the dogs. An example of that is the squished face of the french bulldog, although cute, compromises their airway significantly.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/although-purebred-dogs-can-be-best-in-show-are-they-worst-in-health/

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/12/211202162148.htm

Genome Sequencing of Scandinavian Wolves shows Extensive Inbreeding

A study published in Science Daily describes the full genetic effects of intense inbreeding within a threatened species. The Scandinavian Wolf population was originally started in the 1980's with only two animals. The species grew, but it still incredibly threatened and populations are still low. Due to this low population, inbreeding is incredibly common. The research, which was conducted by Uppsala University, sequenced the entire genome of 100 wolves, and showed how incredibly inbred the species is.

Inbreeding, as we know, lowers the overall genetic diversity within a species. Genetic diversity is key in survival of a species, especially those with low populations and species that are endangered. Efforts have been put forth towards diversifying and protecting these wolf populations, however biology is working against the scientists. Disease or some other mutation could easily run through the small population and destroy it very quickly, where otherwise it could not. I think this study is great in showing us the problems with these wolves, however unfortunately there is no simple solution towards fixing the problem and regrowing the population. This gives great insight into the problem, but no solutions.

Scientists Shed More Light on Ebola Virus Through Experimentation on Mice

          There is a laboratory located in Hamilton, MT which is said to be one of the safest in America. This is the location where Scientist are trying to dismantle the problem of Ebola. Through experimentation with Ebola-infected mice, it has been discovered that the host genes play an important role in deciding if the virus is fatal or not. What does this mean? In some people the virus could actually be restricted, saving the lives of who are infected.

                                          From: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-28749615
       
           The Ebola virus deals immensely with the genetics behind the host it deals with, not necessarily due to the virus itself. Some of the infected people suffer from bleeding, shock, and some resist the virus entirely. After implementing the virus into the mice, the scientists found that 19% of them were not infected at all meaning there was no major sign of physical deterioration, they looked "normal". Less than half of the group of mice died, with 11% showing partial resistance. However, their was 70% that were severely infected. Many suffered from liver inflammation, loss of blood, swollen spleens, and many more symptoms.

         The conclusions the scientists came to were astonishing. The severity of Ebola infection was directly correlated to their specific gene patterns.The mice were a specific inbred of mice that had been developed to study influenza and were replicated in order to study the Ebola virus. I feel this experiment needs more studies done on it. Those mice could have built up an immunity from the previous side effects of the influenza virus. However, this experiment is definitely on the right track in solving this epidemic, which is adamant in Africa.
Article: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/284708.php
Related Article: http://jid.oxfordjournals.org/content/178/3/651.short