Breeding

The process of selective breeding or artificial breeding refers to human decision to control the propagation of a species by selecting those with particular traits or characteristics for reproduction. In the wild, dogs, for example would choose mates according to their natural instincts, not because of a docile nature, particular shade of fur or cute eyes. They would have spread the gene pool widely, retained independence and succumbed to the survival of the fittest rule of nature, ensuring health and an ability to evolve to adapt successfully to their environment.

Human intervention has changed all that. For both practical reasons and emotional, over the centuries we have carefully chosen the kind of dogs with the kind of characteristics that we want more of – sizes, natures, shapes, attractive looks, colours - and manipulated their breeding among these pools.

As it became apparent that continual interbreeding of a particular type of dog weakened the gene pool, also breeding inherent lines of disease, cross breeding has become popular.

When breeding was started by kennel clubs around 150 years ago, the classifications reflected how dogs were integrated into human society:

• Hounds, bred to hunt using scent or sight 
• Dogs used for herding Gundogs, trained to find or retrieve wounded game 
• Working dogs, bred to guard and protect 
• Terriers, bred to hunt for vermin 
• Toy dogs, bred for a convenient size without a particular function 
• Utilitarian dogs, a mix of many non-sporting breeds 

Though controversial, certain types of dog are still bred for fighting.

Every dog, cat and rabbit owner will tell you how much love and joy they feel from their relationship with their pet. The sense of companionship, loyalty, friendship and fun pets give us is undeniable. Our pets go further than this for us though:

Studies have shown time and again that a relationship with an animal is actually therapeutic, just like yoga, meditation or journaling.

• Playing with or stroking an animal has been scientifically proven to increase levels of the stress reducing hormone oxytocin and decrease production of the stress hormone cortisol, improving physical health. 
• Patients with high blood pressure have been found to reduce or avoid spikes in readings during times of mental stress when they have pets. Heart attack survivors with pets are likely to add one year more to their lives than those without. 
• Dogs have been found to have a marked beneficial effect on autistic children and to the disposition of elderly people and patients in nursing homes, hospitals and hospices. They relieve loneliness, ease grief and give a safe outlet for the expression of feelings. They create a friendly, warm and homely atmosphere which most humans respond to. 
• Pets help children to see outside of themselves and to develop responsibility and compassion. Animals have, on many occasions, relieved depression and suicidal tendencies by giving a sense of purpose and boosting self esteem.