Ethics of extreme breeding

Use activity sheet 1 to identify common issues caused by extreme breeding cut across different species. These can include:
 

• Closed nostrils and shortened snouts, which cause breathing difficulties.
• Changes to tail and ear conformation, causing problems with temperature regulation and communication.
• Excessive skin folds, which can lead to painful skin infections.
• Changes to scales, hair, and fur, leading to difficulties with grooming, shedding, and protecting themselves from the weather.

Use activity sheet 2 to look at a selection of animal conformations.

For each image:
 

• Describe the physical features of the animal.
• Determine which health issues you think might arise.

As part of your research, reflect on the questions below. Then, interview three to five people and summarise their responses:
 

• What do you think a healthy pet looks like?
• Would you ever choose a pet with extreme features (e.g., flat-faced dogs)? Why or why not?
• What problems (health or financial) can arise when animals are bred for extreme physical features?
• Do you think it is OK to breed pets with extreme features that compromise their health?
• What changes do you think would encourage people to choose breeds based on health and welfare rather than extreme features?