When we think of dogs, we often imagine specific breeds, such as a Golden Retriever, a Chihuahua, or a Bulldog. Yet, some experts argue that dog breeds are not actually real.

In this article, we will explore whether dog breeds truly exist, and what implications this may have for our understanding of dogs and their genetics.

What are dog breeds?

Before we can delve into the question of whether dog breeds exist, we must first define what we mean by the term “breed”.

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), a breed is “a group of dogs with similar ancestry” that “have distinguishable characteristics, such as appearance or function.” These characteristics are determined by breed standards, which are guidelines for how a breed should look and behave.

Breed standards include physical traits, such as weight, height, and coat color, as well as temperament and behavior.

For example, a Bulldog should be “kind and courageous,” while a German Shepherd should be “confident, courageous, and smart.”.

How are breeds created?

Most dog breeds were created through selective breeding, which involves choosing dogs with desirable traits and breeding them together to produce offspring with those same traits.

Over time, this process can result in a group of dogs with distinct characteristics that breed true to those traits.

For example, the Golden Retriever was developed in Scotland in the 19th century by crossing a Yellow Retriever with a Tweed Water Spaniel.

The resulting dogs were bred with other breeds, such as the Irish Setter and the Bloodhound, to create the Golden Retriever we know today.

Arguments against the existence of dog breeds

Despite the widespread belief in dog breeds, some experts argue that they are not actually real. One argument against the existence of breeds is that they are too arbitrary and subjective.

For example, the AKC recognizes over 190 different breeds, each with its own breed standard. However, these standards are often vague and open to interpretation.

For example, the breed standard for the Australian Shepherd states that the dog should have a “moderately thick” coat, but does not specify how thick is “moderate.” This can lead to inconsistencies and disagreements among breeders and judges.

Another argument against the existence of dog breeds is that they are not genetically distinct enough to be considered separate entities.

Related Article Are dog breeds a real thing?

While some breeds do have distinct genetic signatures, many others are genetically similar or even identical to other breeds. For example, a study in 2010 found that the genetic differences between breeds accounted for only about 5% of the total genetic variation among dogs, while individual variation within breeds accounted for 95%.

Furthermore, many dogs do not fit neatly into one breed category. Mixed breed dogs, for example, may have traits from several different breeds, making it difficult to define them by breed alone.

Arguments in favor of the existence of dog breeds

Despite these arguments, most experts agree that dog breeds do in fact exist. One reason for this is that breeds have been recognized and defined for centuries, and are widely accepted in the dog breeding and showing communities.

Breed standards may be subjective, but they provide a useful framework for evaluating and improving dogs based on their desired traits.

Furthermore, while some breeds may be genetically similar to each other, others are sufficiently distinct to warrant their own classification.

For example, the Chihuahua is genetically distinct from other breeds and has a unique set of physical and behavioral characteristics.

Finally, breeds are a useful shorthand for describing and understanding dogs. They provide a common language for discussing dogs, and can be helpful in predicting a dog’s traits and behavior based on its breed.

Implications for dog breeding

The debate over the existence of dog breeds has important implications for dog breeding. If breeds are not real, then the process of selective breeding may be called into question.

However, if breeds do exist, then breeders can continue to use breed standards as a guideline for producing dogs with desired traits.

Moreover, if breeds are not real, then the practice of breed-specific legislation (BSL) may be called into question. BSL is a type of law that restricts or bans certain breeds of dogs, such as Pit Bulls, based on their perceived danger.

However, if breeds are not genetically distinct enough to warrant separate treatment, then BSL may be unfair and ineffective.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question of whether dog breeds truly exist is a complex and contentious one.

While there are valid arguments both for and against their existence, most experts agree that breeds do exist and are a useful way of understanding and categorizing dogs. Whether or not this will change in the future remains to be seen, but for now, breeds continue to play an important role in the world of dogs and dog breeding.