The Ethical and Practical Considerations of Crossbreeding Bulldogs and Shih Tzus

Introducing a new dog breed is a significant endeavor, and it's important to consider the ethical and practical implications. My friend is exploring the idea of breeding a bulldog with a Shih Tzu, but the process of creating a new dog breed isn't as straightforward as other creative endeavors. This article will discuss the challenges of crossbreeding, the need for responsible breeding practices, and the ethical implications of creating yet another dog breed.

Common Terms for Mixed Breeds

When referring to a mixed breed like a bulldog and Shih Tzu mix, there are various terms that have been used, often with a touch of humor. Some common terms include:

Frankendog: A playfully dark reference to the concept of combining different breeds to create a new one, similar to assembling parts in a Frankenstein-like manner. Mutt: A more straightforward term that refers to a dog of mixed or unknown heritage. This term is often used in a lighter, more affectionate way.

It's worth noting that creating a new dog breed should not be taken lightly. Dog breeding is a serious responsibility, involving the nurturing of live, sentient beings that require loving homes. Just as one would not combine different fruits and vegetables in a blender to create a smoothie, mixing two different dog breeds should be approached with careful thought and consideration.

The Challenges of Creating a New Breed

Mark's concern about mixing a bulldog and Shih Tzu is valid for several reasons. First, the resulting dog may not be consistently similar in appearance or temperament. Bulldogs and Shih Tzus are quite different in terms of size, conformation, and behavior. Producing a hybrid that has desirable traits from both breeds while also being healthy and manageable can be a significant challenge.

Second, the health of the offspring might not be ideal. As the story of Sammy, a Shih Tzu and Bulldog mix, illustrates, these dogs can develop a variety of health issues. Sammy faced problems with his hips, articulations, breathing, seborreic dermatitis, and digestive issues. Unfortunately, his life was cut short due to cancer on his eye. This painful and preventable scenario highlights the risks involved in creating new dog breeds.

Creating a 'New' Breed

Introducing a new dog breed goes beyond just naming a mix and promoting it as something unique. As stated in the phrase, 'Doing that would not be introducing a new breed. It would be creating just another litter of mongrel dogs. It has been done before.' This statement calls attention to the fact that many dogs with similar mixed heritage already exist, and the idea of promoting a mix as a 'new breed' is neither ethical nor practical.

Bringing a new breed to the market would require a significant commitment. It would involve creating a standardized lineage, addressing health concerns, and ensuring that the offspring are suitable for various roles, such as companionship or working dogs. Without this level of commitment and planning, creating a new breed can lead to the production of inconsistent results and health issues.

Additionally, the phrase 'adding a cute name does not make a new dog breed' serves as a reminder that the creation of a new breed should be more than just a marketing coup. It should be driven by the goal of improving the lives of dogs and ensuring they have a suitable place in their new homes.

Alternatives to Creating a New Breed

Instead of creating a new breed, there are several other options for my friend to consider. One effective approach is to focus on responsible breeding within existing breeds that are known for their compatibility and health. By breeding bulldogs or Shih Tzus who are already known to have favorable health profiles, my friend can produce dogs that are less likely to suffer from breed-specific health issues.

Another option is to consider adopting from reputable shelters or rescue organizations. There are already countless dogs in need of homes, and introducing a new breed to the market only adds to the number of dogs waiting for loving families.

Conclusion

The decision to introduce a new dog breed should be approached with caution and a deep understanding of the challenges involved. While the idea of creating a new breed can be exciting, the realities of responsible breeding, health concerns, and the well-being of the dogs must be taken into account. Instead of creating a new breed, my friend should explore existing breeds, responsible breeding practices, and the many dogs in need of homes.