With rising vet bills and desire for specific breeds, some dog owners consider breeding their own puppies. A common question that arises is – can you breed dogs that are cousins or closely related?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: While breeding cousin dogs is possible, it is not recommended as it increases the risk of genetic defects and health problems in the offspring due to inbreeding.
In this comprehensive guide, we will analyze if you can breed cousin dogs, look at the health impacts, ethical factors, and alternatives you should consider.
Is It Possible to Breed Cousin Dogs
Legality and Physical Ability to Mate
There are no laws prohibiting the breeding of cousin dogs, so it is legal in most places. Physically, cousin dogs are able to mate and produce offspring just like any other dogs. They go into heat, can get pregnant and give birth. Their reproductive systems work the same way.
So technically, it is completely possible for two cousin dogs to breed and have puppies together.
However, just because it is physically possible, does not mean it is a good idea. Breeding closely related dogs comes with some serious risks due to the resulting inbreeding depression. Reputable breeders and veterinarians strongly advise against mating closely related dogs.
There are very good reasons why breeding cousin dogs is highly discouraged.
Risk of Inbreeding Depression
When closely related dogs are bred, it leads to inbreeding depression which causes a number of health issues. According to the American Kennel Club, inbreeding depression increases puppy mortality rates and causes defects related to the heart, joints, eyesight, immune system, and more.
Studies have shown increased rates of disease and mortality in puppies from inbred litters.
Inbreeding results in homozygosity where the puppies inherit two copies of recessive alleles which can produce diseases. Outcrossing to unrelated dogs increases heterozygosity which provides hybrid vigor.
The less related the parents are, the lower the risk of inherited diseases and medical problems in the offspring. AKC and UFAW both strongly warn against breeding closely related dogs due to health risks.
Potential Issues with Breeding Related Dogs
When breeding dogs that are closely related, such as cousins, there are some significant potential drawbacks to consider. Genetic diversity is important for long-term health and hardiness, so reducing the gene pool can cause problems down the road.
Increased Health Problems
Inbreeding depression, resulting from breeding closely related dogs, has been shown in studies to potentially increase the offspring’s susceptibility to health problems. These include issues like hip dysplasia, certain cancers, heart defects, weakened immune systems, and respiratory illnesses among others.
One study comparing cancer rates between purebred dogs and mixed breeds saw at least a 5 times higher incidence of 10 different types of cancer in purebreds. The reduced genetic variation is likely a key factor as it limits the ability to weed out problematic recessive traits (source).
Higher Rates of Birth Defects
Closely related dog parents also run higher risks of birthing puppies with severe birth defects. Issues like missing eyes, deformed brains, cleft palates, spinal deformities, and defective hearts and lungs occur with higher frequency according to vets.
Stillborn and short-lived puppies are also more common.
One statistic saw almost 10 times as many birth defect related deaths among purebred dogs compared to mixed breeds in the first year. Conformation bias in breeding show dogs for certain visual traits is speculated to further concentrate bad genes (source).
Reduced Immunity and Life Expectancy
With their limited gene pool, purebred canines also tend to have reduced immunity functions and higher susceptibility to certain infectious diseases. They become sick more often from illnesses like parvo, rabies, and distemper according to vets.
Treatment is also complicated by higher rates of antibiotic resistance.
In one Swedish study, the average lifespan of mixed breed dogs was 1.2 years longer compared to purebreds – indicating weaker overall health and constitution (source). The reduced genetic diversity clearly takes its toll over a lifetime.
Ethical Considerations of Inbreeding Dogs
Is It Morally Right?
Inbreeding dogs is a controversial topic that raises ethical concerns for many. Those against it argue that intentionally mating closely related dogs, such as siblings or parents and offspring, increases the chances of genetic defects and health problems.
This can negatively impact the quality of life for the resulting puppies. Additionally, some view inbreeding as unnatural and irresponsible on the part of breeders or owners.
However, others argue that not all inbreeding is unethical. Responsible breeders may occasionally breed closely related dogs in an effort to preserve desirable traits within a breed. Extensive health testing prior to breeding can reduce the risks.
Some claim inbreeding simply mimics what could occasionally happen in nature anyway within isolated wild populations. Ultimately, the morality likely depends on factors like the dogs’ health, the breeder’s motivations, and the degree of closeness of the mating pair.
Reputational Damage for Breeders
Breeders who practice irresponsible inbreeding may face backlash and reputational damage. Intentionally mating first-degree relatives like siblings or parents and offspring is generally frowned upon by veterinary professionals and animal welfare groups.
The resulting puppies often have increased health and behavioral issues. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, this level of inbreeding has a 25% chance of birth defects in each litter.
When inbreeding is exposed, breeders may be accused of prioritizing profit over ethics and the well-being of their dogs. Their customer base and ability to sell puppies could take a hit. Some kennel clubs refuse registration for dogs from excessively inbred lines.
The overall reputation of the breed may also suffer if inhumane inbreeding practices come to light. Responsible breeders concerned about their image tend to avoid matings between close relatives.
Alternatives to Breeding Related Dogs
Breed with Unrelated Dogs
The best way to avoid potential health issues is to breed dogs that are not closely related. Experts recommend breeding dogs with a coefficient of inbreeding (COI) below 6.25% to reduce inheriting defective genes. When acquiring a dog for breeding purposes, research its pedigree history thoroughly.
Reputable breeders should provide documentation of their dogs’ lineage and genetic testing results to ensure healthy offspring.
Adopt Don’t Shop
With millions of wonderful dogs waiting in shelters for their forever homes, consider adoption first before going to a breeder or pet store. Mixed breed shelter dogs often have hybrid vigor from diverse gene pools and fewer hereditary conditions.
Rescuing also saves a life and lessens overpopulation issues stemming from irresponsible breeding practices. Adoption fees are usually much lower than purchasing from a breeder too.
Carefully Research Breeders
If dead set on buying a purebred pup, double down on due diligence when selecting ethical, responsible breeders. Reputable breeding programs health test their dogs, provide vet references, demonstrate knowledge of their breed’s genetic issues, allow home visits, take back dogs anytime, and prioritize animal welfare over profits.
Backyard breeders simply trying to make money often cut corners, leading to unhealthy puppies. Invest time finding breeders who share your values.
The bottom line is avoiding incestuous dog breeding whenever possible. Either widen the gene pool or provide a shelter dog a loving family instead. Every canine deserves a healthy, happy life.
Conclusion
While it is physically possible to breed cousin dogs, doing so can seriously impact the health and wellbeing of the offspring. Inbreeding dogs, even just once, increases the probability of genetic disorders and reduces heterosis that improves vitality.
The better alternative is to breed unrelated, health-tested dogs from different bloodlines. This maintains breed purity safely. Alternatively, adopt mixed breed dogs as they tend to be healthier. When buying purebreds, research the breeder carefully to avoid puppy mills focused solely on profits.
