Dog breeds 100 years ago vs now 🐶

Dog breeds 100 years ago vs now 🐶

The appearance and characteristics of many dog breeds have changed significantly over the past 100 years due to a variety of factors, primarily related to selective breeding practices. Here’s how and why these changes occurred:

1. Selective Breeding for Appearance
Then: A century ago, many dog breeds were bred primarily for their working abilities, such as hunting, herding, or guarding. Their appearance was secondary to their functional roles.
Now: In the modern era, especially with the rise of dog shows and breed standards, there has been a strong emphasis on appearance. Breeders have selected dogs that meet certain aesthetic criteria, such as a specific head shape, coat color, or body structure, sometimes at the expense of health and functionality. This focus on appearance has led to exaggerated features in some breeds (e.g., flatter faces in Bulldogs or longer backs in Dachshunds).
2. Health and Genetic Issues
Then: Working dogs were typically healthier because they were bred for robust physical capabilities. Unhealthy dogs were less likely to survive or be used for breeding.
Now: The emphasis on breeding for certain physical traits has led to an increase in genetic disorders and health issues. For example, the breeding for extremely flat faces in breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs has resulted in breathing difficulties, and the breeding for larger heads in some breeds has made natural birth difficult, often requiring cesarean sections.
3. Change in Functionality
Then: Many breeds were originally developed for specific jobs—retrieving, guarding, herding, etc. Their physical traits were closely tied to these roles.
Now: As the need for dogs to perform these traditional roles has diminished, breeding has often shifted towards companion animals. This shift has sometimes led to changes in size, temperament, and energy levels, making the dogs better suited for modern living but sometimes less capable of performing their original functions.
4. Popularity and Breed Standards
Then: Fewer dog breeds were recognized by kennel clubs, and breed standards were often less rigid. Breeding was more focused on utility than conformity to a standard.
Now: With the proliferation of dog shows and the formalization of breed standards, there has been more pressure to conform to specific physical and behavioral traits. This has led to more uniformity within breeds but also to the amplification of traits that may not be beneficial to the dog’s health.
5. Cultural and Social Influences
Then: Breeds were often localized and developed according to the needs of a particular region or culture.
Now: Globalization and media influence have led to the popularity of certain breeds worldwide, regardless of their suitability to different environments. This has increased demand for these breeds, sometimes leading to poor breeding practices to meet that demand.
Examples of Changes:
Bulldogs: Originally bred for bull-baiting, Bulldogs were muscular, agile, and had longer noses. Modern Bulldogs are often much heavier, with flatter faces, leading to respiratory issues.
German Shepherds: A century ago, German Shepherds had straighter backs and were bred for herding. Modern breeding has emphasized a more sloped back, which has been linked to hip dysplasia and other joint issues.
Dachshunds: Initially bred for hunting badgers, Dachshunds had a more balanced body. Modern breeding has resulted in longer backs and shorter legs, making them more prone to spinal problems.
Conclusion
The changes in dog breeds over the past 100 years are largely a result of human influence through selective breeding. While some changes have made dogs better suited to modern lifestyles, others have introduced significant health and welfare issues. Balancing aesthetics with the health and functionality of breeds is a continuing challenge for breeders and dog enthusiasts.