How does dog inbreeding impact health, behavior, and genetic issues?

In-breeding over time can cause certain characteristic traits and genetic qualities (including defects) to be selected for that are undesirable. However it is unsure what exact characteristic traits will predominate in each individual puppy and to what degree. I think it is fair to ask if this line of pedigree has any genetic defects that you should be concerned about that could possibly pass on to Mabei, to make this breeder a bit more transparent in information and also hold them accountable for informing you as a concerned potential adoptee. Also another great tool is the DNA genetic testing (the blood test that is done through a vet, not the cheek swab one which is highly inaccurate) which will give you a list of genetic predispositions and abnormalities that Mabei currently has so that you are aware from the very beginning of any disease processes she will be vulnerable to developing later in life. In-breeding is not what we want to see done in any situation, because it creates all kinds of genetic nightmares in most situations and does not speak highly of this breeder in my professional opinion. I hope this helps and best wishes on your decision making when it comes to adopting this pet. Best wishes and take care.

Yes, unfortunately a lot of people do not get their pets fixed and pets go into their heat cycles before you know it and accidents happen. Dogs do not know the concept so they mate regardless. It can lead to developmental problems and medical problems along with undesirable characteristics in a breed

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! An overbite or underbite is genetic and can be passed to future offspring. It is usually not recommended to breed these pets since this is not a desired trait and does not improve the breeding lineage. That being said, most people will still use these pets as breeders despite the malocclusion. The bite can cause abnormal wear on the enamel of the teeth or chewing problems depending on how severe. Also, some genetic problems don’t show up until a pet is older (like hip dysplasia). The decision is still yours whether or not you want to use her for breeding. Kisses to Abby!

You don't mention whether your dog is a male or female, but I'll try to address both sexes. With any breeding, there is a risk of disease transmission. Brucellosis is the most commonly transmitted infectious disease between dogs in most areas but there is also a type of transmissible cancer that can be exchanged through breeding. You give your location as Canada, and I would say that TVT (Transmissible Venereal Tumor) is relatively rare there, but it is quite common in other parts of the world. If your dog is a male, there are likely few other risks to breeding. Most of the serious risks manifest during pregnancy and especially delivery, when the possibility of dystocia, or inability to give birth (a number of causes) may occur. In these cases the life of the female can be in serious danger without surgical intervention (C-section). Finally, in general, I'd ask that you really consider whether you feel that your dog and the proposed partner would produce puppies of sound genetics.Typically the only way to be confident in this is a full veterinary evaluation to include testing for known genetic problems in the breed. I'd also say that there are many unwanted dogs and puppies in the world, and breeding is not something to be lightly considered. .

Max will likely have a normal life unless he inherited any diseases. There are companies which can test for heritable diseases such as one called Wisdom Panel. I recommend to run this test on Max. It's hard to say if his father and mother's close relation will make him less intelligent or less trainable. Max may end up being normal. Time will tell. Continue to treat him like any other puppy. Make sure he gets all his vaccines, that he is neutered between 6-9 months of age and that he eats a high quality, large breed puppy food. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Yes, genetics can go awry when related animals (including humans) mate. It is not recommended that they breed, as you know, but what's done is done at this point. There is not going to be any way for you to know what their genetics are so all you can do is treat them as normally as possible and hope for the best. Sometimes they are just fine. If you see no outward abnormalities that doesn't mean there aren't some internal ones. Again, there is nothing you can do about it at this stage except be aware that some problems may arise and those problems don't always show up early. It may be years down the road before anything is noticed. Try not worry too much and just treat them like normal. Hope this helps. Best wishes!

Hi Lou! Yes, you are correct that there is a concern about getting a puppy from parents who are siblings, even half siblings. This increasing the risk of the dog having recessive genes expressed which can adversely affect their health. Siblings should never be bred to each other, and a responsible breeder would never allow that to happen. In my opinion, I would not get a puppy from this litter, and instead find a breeder who does not allow siblings to be bred to each other. Also make sure the breeder does health tests on the sire and dam to make sure that genetic diseases which are common in this breed of dog are not present, thus making the puppies as healthy as possible. Good luck, I hope this helps!