Pampered pets or poor bastards: lessons from village dogs

The bond between humans and dogs is one of the oldest and most cherished relationships in history. As companion animals, dogs enrich our lives in countless ways. However, the stark differences in welfare between modern companion dogs and their village counterparts warrant a closer examination. This exploration can not only highlight potential areas for improvement but also provoke thought about how we approach dog breeding and ownership. This article provides a summary of the 2022 discussion paper by Meyer and colleagues (1). 

The Social Needs of Dogs

Dogs are inherently social creatures, relying heavily on interaction with their conspecifics for mental and emotional well-being. Research has shown that interactions with other dogs are irreplaceable, even by human companionship (2). Village dogs, often surrounded by other dogs, exhibit a level of social freedom that many companion dogs lack. The absence of interaction with known conspecifics, whether due to behavioral issues or owner convenience, can lead to significant welfare concerns.

For instance, while dogs often engage in play with their human families, studies have indicated that the level of play with conspecifics remains independent of such human interaction (3). This raises questions about the welfare of companion dogs that are frequently isolated from other dogs. In contrast, village dogs typically enjoy a more natural social structure that allows for regular interaction, leading to healthier behavioral patterns and reduced stress levels.

Moreover, the expectations placed on companion dogs regarding their social interactions with humans can create risks for both dog welfare and human safety. The common belief that dogs should tolerate any kind of interaction, especially from children, can lead to dangerous situations. Many dogs feel uncomfortable with close contact—such as hugging or kissing—and if they perceive that walking away is not an option, they may resort to escalating their discomfort into aggressive behavior (4).

Ultimately, few dogs can comfortably meet the unrealistic expectations imposed by their human families. This misalignment can lead to significant issues, including behavioral problems that may result in relinquishment or euthanasia (5). In comparison, village dogs often have more autonomy, allowing them to navigate social relationships and avoid conflict.

The Role of Owner Expectations

To enhance the welfare of companion dogs, it is crucial to address owner expectations. Understanding a dog’s social needs can prevent separation anxiety and aggression-related problems. Many dogs are not suited for long hours alone, and owners should consider their lifestyles before acquiring a companion dog. Providing gradual habituation to time spent alone, avoiding sudden changes in routine, and ensuring adequate mental and physical stimulation are essential for a dog’s emotional health (6).

Regarding aggression-related issues, owners must recognize that not all dogs thrive on social interaction. Some dogs may need more space and time to adjust to human contact or interaction with other dogs. Allowing these dogs to approach slowly or withdraw from interactions can significantly reduce the likelihood of aggressive behavior. Moreover, it is essential to ensure that socialization experiences are positive, fostering a sense of comfort and safety for dogs during interactions with humans and other canines.

Selective Breeding and its Impact on Welfare

Selective breeding has been integral to the development of dog breeds for centuries, with a focus on achieving specific physical and behavioral traits. However, this practice has also led to significant welfare concerns, particularly among purebred dogs. With approximately 400 recognized breeds today, many dogs suffer from health and behavioral issues related to inbreeding and genetic bottlenecks (7).

Genetic studies reveal a concerning trend: a mean loss of heterozygosity of 13% in modern dog breeds (8). This reduction in genetic diversity can lead to a myriad of health issues, including those arising from exaggerated morphological traits such as brachycephaly. Brachycephalic breeds, like the Pug and French Bulldog, face serious respiratory problems due to the selection for flat faces, a condition known as Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). The health risks associated with such traits are not only prevalent but have reached alarming levels in certain breeds (9).

To combat these issues, it is essential to adopt new breeding strategies that prioritize genetic diversity and the overall welfare of dogs. Implementing Optimal Contribution Selection (OCS) can help balance genetic improvement with the preservation of genetic variation, fostering healthier populations (10). Additionally, encouraging the use of less popular bloodlines and limiting the number of puppies produced by popular sires can mitigate the risks associated with inbreeding.

Bridging the Gap in Dog Welfare

Despite the welfare challenges faced by many modern companion dogs, it is crucial to recognize the advantages they enjoy compared to village dogs. Companion dogs typically experience better security, access to nutrition, and veterinary care. With a median life expectancy greater than ten years (11), companion dogs often live longer, albeit with some suffering from obesity and other health concerns.

However, the well-being of modern companion dogs can be compromised by breeding-related diseases, social isolation, and unrealistic expectations from their owners. By drawing comparisons between companion and village dogs, we can identify potential initiatives to enhance the welfare of companion dogs and ensure they lead healthier, happier lives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the welfare of modern companion dogs presents a complex picture. While they may enjoy certain advantages over village dogs, there are significant challenges that must be addressed to ensure their well-being. By fostering a better understanding of dogs’ social needs, adjusting owner expectations, and implementing responsible breeding practices, we can create a more favorable environment for companion dogs. Ultimately, the welfare of these beloved animals should be at the forefront of our efforts, ensuring that they thrive in our care while maintaining the joy they bring to our lives.

References:

  1. Meyer et al., 2022. ‘Pampered pets or poor bastards? The welfare of dogs kept as companion animals’, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105640 
  2. Mariti et al., 2014. ‘Intraspecific attachment in adult domestic dogs (Canis familiaris): preliminary results’, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2013.12.002 
  3. Rooney et al., 2000. ‘A comparison of dog-dog and dog-human play behaviour’, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0168-1591(99)00078-7 
  4. Shepherd, 2009. ‘Behavioural medicine as an integral part of veterinary practice’, Available from: https://www.bsavalibrary.com/content/chapter/10.22233/9781905319879.chap2 
  5. Siracusa et al., 2017. ‘Dog- and owner-related risk factors for consideration of euthanasia or rehoming before a referral behavioral consultation and for euthanizing or rehoming the dog after the consultation’, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2017.09.007 
  6. Blackwell et al., 2016. ‘Efficacy of written behavioral advice for separation-related behavior problems in dogs newly adopted from a rehoming center’, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2016.01.001
  7. Cruz et al., 2008. ‘The legacy of domestication: accumulation of deleterious mutations in the dog genome’, Available from: https://academic.oup.com/mbe/article/25/11/2331/1086028?login=false  
  8. Wade, 2011. ‘Inbreeding and genetic diversity in dogs: results from DNA analysis’, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2011.06.017 
  9. Packer et al., 2015. ‘Impact of facial conformation on canine health: brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome’, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0137496
  10. Wellmann, 2019. ‘Optimum contribution selection for animal breeding and conservation: the R package optiSel’, available from: https://bmcbioinformatics.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12859-018-2450-5 
  11. Lewis et al., 2018. ‘Longevity and mortality in Kennel Club registered dog breeds in the UK in 2014’ DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40575-018-0066-8 

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