Abstract
In many countries where companion dogs are popular, owners are strongly encouraged to neuter their dogs. Consequently, millions of dogs are neutered each year. In recent times considerable attention has been paid to the possible effects of such procedures on canine health and welfare. Less scrutinized are the potential ramifications of widespread neutering on the breeding of dogs and their continued success as human companions. This paper summarizes research investigating factors influencing the breeding and rearing of dogs most suited to companionship roles in contemporary, typically high-density, communities, and briefly reviews current breeder practices. It then argues that a fundamental shift to promote inclusion of “proven” companion dogs in the gene pool, as opposed to dogs meeting conformation or working/sporting standards, is required to successfully meet the needs of modern urban dog owners. A new model is proposed, whereby responsible owners and breeders work together to produce dogs most suited for life as human companions.
Highlights
Dogs are popular companion animals and form relationships with owners that are often deeply important, with many owners perceiving their dogs as family members [1, 2]
Some places have mandatory neutering laws [5], schemes discounting the procedures [6], and/or campaigns encouraging owners to neuter their dogs [7]. These have culminated in neutering becoming a normative practice in countries such as the United States of America (USA), Australia, and New Zealand [8, 9]
Breeders in all groups routinely claim that they rear companion puppies in environments that set them up for success, and that they ensure breeding dogs possess traits desired by companion dog owners
Summary
Dogs are popular companion animals and form relationships with owners that are often deeply important, with many owners perceiving their dogs as family members [1, 2] Out of this high regard was borne the idea of “responsible dog ownership,” a set of behaviors that mark a person as a caring and accountable owner. Some places have mandatory neutering laws [5], schemes discounting the procedures [6], and/or campaigns encouraging owners to neuter their dogs [7]. These have culminated in neutering becoming a normative practice in countries such as the United States of America (USA), Australia, and New Zealand [8, 9].
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