Hybrid Vigour

That’s a title to be reckoned with, so what you ask is Hybrid Vigour?

Well, this is the scientific term that states that the likelihood is that a cross-bred animal or plant will have superior qualities than either parent. So, if that is the case, how does this affect us regarding the future of our dogs? Does this mean that we have to completely rethink how we choose our pets in the years to come? More importantly, should we be choosing a mongrel over a pedigree dog as maybe it is healthier, less likely to suffer from painful defects and live longer?

Essentially, there are four main types of dogs that enjoy life in a pet home.

Firstly, there is the pedigree dog. This is one that is the result of two dogs of the same breed mating and whose puppies are sold with a paper that states their antecedents for several generations. These dogs can change hands for very large sums of money.

Secondly, there is the crossbreed dog that is the result of an accidental mating of two pedigree dogs.

Thirdly, there is the designer dog, as two pedigree dogs are deliberately mated to create a specific type of canine, examples being Cockerpoo and Labradoodle.

Finally, we have a mixed breed, sometimes referred to as a mongrel, the result of three or more matings of various breeds.

So where does hybrid vigour fit into all this?

For centuries, we bred dogs for specific tasks such as guarding, herding, retrieving, hunting and companions. This was a time when practicality was the object of the exercise. The appearance of the animal was irrelevant as long it was able to do the job it was required to do. It wasn’t until 1873, when the UK Kennel Club was formed that people considered the confirmation of a dog to be something to interested in. As breed standards became the norm, we have unfortunately created problems for ourselves as the obsession with the physical appearance has overtaken the ability of a dog to perform the task that we require. This has created breeds of dogs with inbuilt hereditary defects, the extreme example being the British Bulldog. This poor creature is a parody of its original self. If ever an animal has suffered from the consequences of irresponsible breeding, the British Bulldog is a prime example.

A strange phenomenon is that people are prepared to spend thousands on a pedigree dog and boast that their pet has a “pedigree as long as your arm” but most don’t have the vaguest idea of what the paper means and just put it in a drawer and completely forget about it.

Surely, if we continue to breed dogs together that are born with abnormalities, then the defects that proliferate within the breed will be magnified. (See Hereditary Defects November 15^th  2020)

A glaring example of why we need to take notice of Hybrid Vigour when it comes to breeding dogs is the comparison between the following two breeds. One of the most popular breeds as a family pet is a Golden Retriever, and I have owned two of these in the past, so I have personal knowledge of this breed that has been selectively bred for decades and, like so many other breeds, is plagued by hereditary defects. These include hip dysplasia (HD), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts,  heart problems and, sadly, a deterioration in temperament in certain cases.

The Belgian Malinois is a similar size and is also prone to HD and PRA, but it is not so prevalent, and its lifespan, on average, is two years longer. Why? Because the Malinois has until recently been only bred for work and not been subjected to the whims of breeders. This dog is favoured above all others as a military dog, especially for special forces. Sadly, the Malinois will go the same way as the Golden Retriever and other large breeds as breeders take advantage of its recent military exploits so well publicised by social media.

Now I know what some of you are thinking. Surely, the advent of the first crosses, such as the cockerpoo and the Labradoodle, is a step in the right direction. Well, you would think so, but without a doubt, these dogs will suffer in the future the same problems as the two breeds have continued to carry their individual defects forward.

Something to consider

Whilst there is still much work to be done on Hybrid Vigour in dogs, the theory being that a mixed variety of a canine is healthier than a purebred one is gathering pace. Whilst I have major concerns regarding the suffering inflicted on one of our most popular pets, I am not advocating that everybody should boycott pedigree dogs, but I do suggest that before parting with thousands of your hard cash, you consider your options.