Boppard. The discussion about so-called hybrid dog breeds, also called 'designer dogs', is a topic that employs animal rights activists, breeders and dog lovers alike. The central question is: it is justifiable, hybrid dog breeds like the Pomsky (Husky and Dwarfspitz), The Labradoodle (Labrador and poodle) Or the Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever and Poodel) To design “for the market”, and is the animal welfare take sufficiently into account? It is reasonable to breed dogs with a view to health, nature and everyday characteristics – not for trends, but for quality of life. It becomes ethical where breeding goals are measurable (robust health, nerve -wracking beings), parent animals are extensively tested, rearing is socially shaped, returning guarantee and the well -being of well -being is on marketing. It is unacceptable if optics and hype have priority when puppies and products are calculated and when transparency, health tests and lifelong responsibility are missing.
The supporters
The supporters are on the one hand. They argue that the intersection of two breeds can combine the positive properties of both parent animals and at the same time reduce genetic diseases that are often widespread in the event of pure breeds. The concept of heterosis, or 'hybrid vigor', describes this effect: a higher genetic diversity often leads to more resistant and healthier offspring. For example, it is often said that Doodles have less hair and at the same time the friendly being of the Labrador or Golden Retrievers.
The critics
On the other hand, there are critics who express considerable concerns. They emphasize that the result of an intersection is hardly predictable. It is impossible to guarantee what characteristics prevail – be it in appearance, character or health. A pomsky, for example, could combine the demanding nature of the husky with the small size of the dwarf spitz, which leads to a dog whose energy requirements can hardly be covered.
Another critical point is the lack of control. In contrast to breeding recognized breeds, there are often no strict standards or breeding associations that check the parent animals for hereditary diseases or monitor the breeding conditions. This can attract dubious breeders who act out of pure profit greed without paying attention to the good of the animals. In some intersections, such as the Pomsky, the difference in size of the parent animals is so extreme that natural reproduction is impossible and artificial fertilization has to be used – a practice that many viewed as agony.
Breeding healthier dogs through intersections has their justification. However, as long as this happens without regulation and strict controls, the question remains whether animal welfare does not fall by the wayside. If you need so-called 'designer dogs'-do people have to create animals according to their ideas or convenience, such as a dog that is less or not at all? Ultimately, these dogs have been created for us consumers to pursue a trend. A dog from animal welfare or a breeder who pays attention to health tests and species -appropriate attitude is more of a better choice. (Stefan Richter)