Now dogs on the verge of extinction due to large scale cross breeding
You can either look at this, as a case of extinction of some breeds of dogs, in particularly bloodhounds or an obsession of celebrities for exotic crossbreeds such as the labradoodle and cockapoo. Whatever we might take it as; the truth is that some very traditional breeds of dogs are on the verge of extinction. The figures from the Kennel Club reveal a devastating situation of the declination in traditional breeds such as the bloodhound, field spaniel and Dandie Dinmont.
Last year itself, 24 pedigree breeds have gone below the line reckoned important for the continuity of a long term healthy population. According to the breeders, a birthrate of around 300 pups a year is required to confirm a big gene pool and continuation of the species. But figures say that last year there were only 64 field spaniels, 74 Sussex spaniels and 53 smooth collies born. The lowest birth rate accounts for the Glen of Imaal terriers, at 41. The Dandie Dinmont terrier had its worst birthrate records with just 78 puppies. Other species which are facing the problems are Otterhound, Sealyham, Skye terrier and Cardigan Welsh corgi.
Meanwhile, the crossbreeds are becoming popular and popular. The explanation accounts the celebrities love for crossbreeds mainly as one of the major reasons, sidelined with some other. Country Life magazine reported that 'vets to the stars' were treating labradoodles - a cross between a Labrador and a Poodle - than any other breed in Notting Hill, West London. Dogs, such as dollies (a cross of Dalmatian and Border collie), Cockapoos (Cocker spaniel and Poodle) and Weidie (West Highland terrier and bearded Collie) were also being bred on a good scale due to demands.
For crossbreeds being in fashion, people are choosing them, resulting in the peril of traditional breeds. The Dogs Trust sees crossbreeding as a source of potential genetic problems. Chris Laurence, the veterinary director said, 'At least with pedigree dogs you know what the problems are going to be, but if you crossbreed a dog you don't know what you might get'. However, we can't say that everyone opts for the crossbreeds just to be in vogue, there are many who choose them for honest and a lot different reasons.
