Dog lovers?

Paola noted  that peculiarly these dogs have preserved great genetic variability, something not common in pure breeds due to human intervention. The main aim of her research was to characterise this genetic variability, and attempt to define the genetic diversity present in the dogs, determining which characteristic/s should be kept when breeding. “The selective breeding of dogs is a historical problem as it is conducted according to a breed standard trait, or a particular phenotype which goes against population diversity”.
Selection can be made in two ways: 1) crossing with a related animal, or 2) by using the same male who has desirable characteristics (according to the standard) to breed numerous times. In both cases the results lead to high inbreeding rates and low population diversity. “We know from scientific research, that there are breeds which have been under the management of breeders for 100 years and have high levels of inbreeding, causing an increase in the frequency of genetic diseases like cataracts or deafness. These diseases are present in almost every breed worldwide”. An example of this can be observed in the German Shepherd, one of the most common breeds in Chile. “These animals have been selected so their hips are lower in relation to their shoulders, because the standard describes it this way, but it is insane! As a result, the incidence of joint problems has increased, and hip dysplasia is observed regularly”, added Paola.
These diseases are often not visible immediately as the genes which code for them are associated with more than one characteristic, such as fur colour and hearing. This is the case of the Bull terrier. When the Bull terrier's standard was defined, it enhanced the existence of completely white dogs. However, the breeders didn’t know genetics would be more complex. The excess of white colouring is related to deafness in this breed. “Breeders who make these crosses tend not to know about genes that could be associated, inadvertently selecting other characteristics which could be negative for the population".
Although these practices have led to some animals developing chronic diseases, for many the selection of traits serves to embellish the breed or to retain the original characteristic of these animals. This is why the regulation of breeding must be strengthened, relying on scientific research like that conducted by Dr Mujica. “One asks, how did they get to this? Despite it being nonsensical for it to continue this way, (even more so when there are visible problems such as hip dysplasia) there are events/beauty shows which involve many people and a lot of money. The lack of a severe regulation will continue to encourage the inbreeding of dogs, leading to genetic diseases. Unfortunately, there are people involved in that world who aren't dog lovers”. Besides, Paola added "at International level,  regulation is scarce and it has been difficult to get these scientific findings to be taken into consideration". The World Canine Organization (FCI, the acronym of its name in French), who are the maximum authority abroad, judges the beauty contests and don’t always consider that rewarding certain characteristics  can be detrimental to a dog’s health. “If the judges began to prefer healthier characteristics, breeders would breed based on that. People wouldn't cross a dog that could lead to offspring with diseases. However, if this unhealthy dog continues winning contests, people will keep breeding them” she emphasised.   
Paola added that some years ago the FCI began work with veterinary groups and researchers, to discuss alterations which had developed due the intensive selection of dogs. “There is interest towards the generation of policies which aim to revert the undesirable phenotypes for health concerns, regardless of whether the standard demands it. That’s what we need to replicate in Chile”.
In terms of official records, the Chilean Terrier is a young breed with only 10 years of management. The Chilean terrier doesn't yet present described genetic diseases which could be associated with a certain phenotype or visible characteristic. Hence this research is even more important, as defining a consanguinity level could help to prevent such diseases. “This work represents an objective measure which we have to take into consideration so as to not reach that point”, Paola summarised.

The Importance of the 100% Chilean

Determining whether the Chilean Terrier is a Criollo breed is not only important for people who love these animals, but it also helps to preserve a representative history of Chile. “These animals were not artificially bred to fulfil certain roles, such that has happened to the English Bulldog. This breed formed by itself. The Chilean Terrier is super tough, well adapted to the territory, and therefore very healthy”.
This breed, known as the rat-hunter dog in the countryside or the Condorito’s Dog in popular culture, has shown high adaptability to Chile's diverse geography as it is located throughout the country. This feature Chile's idiosyncrasy and provides a great motive to help preserve the breed's genetic diversity.
Last year the KCC began taking measures to encourage the genetic protection of the crossbreeding of dogs. Its director commented, 'they have restrictions regarding the consanguinity, maximum and minimum reproductive age, and the colour associated with genetic diseases'. “In 2016 we conducted a Cynology course in which topics such as standards, genetics and animal health were discussed. This course was also given to breeders from provinces. In addition, we had a session about genetics with Dr. Roberto Santoianni, who explained to breeders the importance of genetics for healthy breeding”.
 

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