The ethical purebred breeders use DNA genetic testing as well as x- rays to identify those animals that carry a lethal gene or one that causes deformities as well as tendencies for health issues. Then make breeding choices accordingly to eliminate those traits from the gene pool. Yea, I have done this with all of my purebred dogs as well as horses. I also bred thousands of rabbits, chickens and sheep. Mother Nature has NO PROBLEM in culling out the sick, weak and deformed from the gene pool with the use of predators as well as disease. So why the issues with the owner/ breeder ? So here lies the problem with the bleeding hearts, puppy mills,and wanna be breeders perpetuating a genetic problem in any species being animal or plant. They do not have the heart or will to cull so the problematic genes are passed on. This is where the shelters get their animals to palm off, with huge " adoption fees", on unsuspecting adopters who then endure huge Vet bills. Oh, by the way ... I bred purebred Arabian horses for 37 years who had a closed gene pool for over 2,000 years starting in the Arabian desert. I had 10-14 mares and 3 stallions at public stud, plus foals. My herd was between 20- 35 horses at any given time. I could trace back their pedigrees for over 30 generations all the way to the Arabian desert. They had anywhere from 5 close up to - 64 linages to each to eather Nazeer, Arax, Ibrahim, Messoud, Sahara, and Mommona. I had every one of my horses DNA tested for known genetic defects ... all tested negative. I never even once produced a foal with any deformities or inherited health issues. After I sold them to owners in many States and 2 Provinces in Canada . they went on to successful sport, racing , show, and/ or endurance carriers as well as breeding .
