The changing face of pure breeds: Astonishing photos show how selective breeding has altered the appearance of Britain's favourite dogs over the past century
Photos show the difference in appearance of pure breds over the past century
Over the weekend Birmingham's NEC was flooded with pure breeds competing for Best in Show at Crufts.
But while the dogs taking home rosettes may be considered prize winning now they may not have taken home Best in Breed a few decades back.
Astonishing photos show how some of the most popular dog breeds have changed over the past century thanks to selective breeding.
Not only does the process of selective breeding have an impact on a dog's appearance it can also be detrimental to their health.
Breeders have remained under the microscope since Jemima Harrison's 2008 documentary Pedigree Dogs led to the BBC dropping its coverage of Crufts after 42 years.
Harrison is now campaigning to stop the dog buying 'freakish breeds'. She told the Independent:'I am not seeking a ban, but the Kennel Club must rewrite its breed standards so that dogs with these unnatural flat faces just disappear.'
But despite concerns over flat faced brachycephalic breeds, they continue to prove popular as French Bulldogs are set to take over Labradors as the nation's favourite breed in 2018 with 21,470 registered by the Kennel Club last year.
Bill Lambert, the club’s health and breeder services manager, responded: 'Our standards are clear that dogs must be fit for function, walk, breathe and see normally.'
Here FEMAIL investigates just some of the breeds dramatically changing due to selective breeding.
POMERANIAN
A popular toy breed that has previously taken the crown of best in show, the Pomeranian is known for its fluffy tale and 'teddy' like ears.
However, these two photos show the startling difference between the dog in 1925 and today.
A photograph of a Pomeranian in 1925 shows the dog to have an elongated snout and its ears are much farther apart than those today
The breed appears noticeably different today with both a shorter muzzle and smaller ears
In the first photo the dog can be seen to have an elongated snout and its ears are much farther apart than those today.
The German breed is also prone to its own health problems of which include deafness, eye problems and Luxating patella, in which the kneecap pops out of place.
PUG
One of the most popular breeds of the moment, pugs are in high demand meaning breeders are in competition to produce aesthetically pleasing pups.
The process of selective breeding has clearly taken its toll on the dogs with a photograph of the breed taken in the 1900s not displaying the same signature wrinkles that the breed is famed for.
A photograph of a pug taken in the 1900s not displaying the same signature wrinkles that the breed is famed for
Those seen these days showcase a boxier body and far more wrinkles with experts warning that selective breeding can cause breathing difficulty
In addition the dog in the older photo does not showcase the same boxy body that is seen on the animals today.
The flat-faced dogs are known as brachycephalic breeds. These dogs often suffer from blocked airways.
In 2012 Dr Gerhard Oechtering, a veterinary professor at Germany’s Leipzig University, claimed it was unethical to breed the popular pets because they are often unable to breathe properly.
DASHUND
The Dachshund is known to be popular among city dwellers thanks to its small size and needing little exercise.
However, the breed has been criticised highly as selective breeding is know to leave them prone to back problems.
Years of selective breeding has left the animal's backs and necks to have stretched out and their legs have shrunk to a point that makes it difficult for them to maneuver over obstacles a few inches off of the ground.
The Daschund is often refered to as a 'sausage dog' thanks to its elongated body however, in this photo taken just 50 years ago, the breed is unrecognisable thanks to a stockier body
Years of selective breeding has left the animal's backs and necks have stretched out and their legs have shrunk
These dogs are known to have the highest risk of any breed for intervertebral disc disease which can result in paralysis.
They are also prone to achondroplastic related pathologies, PRA and problems with their legs.
These dogs have been found sketched into ancient Egyptian walls and in records from South American and China, but the one we recognize was developed in Germany some 400 years ago.
Initially used for hunting, hunters needed a stockier creature that could follow animals underground and in thick vegetation, which explains the lower abdomen.
FRENCH BULLDOG
The wrinkly dog breed has become popular in recent years following the surge in Pug owners and the breed's appearance on shows such as Made in Chelsea.
However, selective breeding has clearly altered the natural appearance of the 'Frenchies' as they have become higher in demand.
The French Bulldog has become popular in recent years putting pressure on breeders to keep up with the demand but these pictures from 1975 (left) and today (right) show how selective breeding has had an impact on appearance
Originating in the 1800s as a cross between bulldog breeds in London and Paris, the breed is now known for their distinctive wrinkles and 'bat-like ears'.
But in a photograph of the breed just 40 years ago the dog has noticeably less wrinkles and its ears droop more than those seen today.
The breed has faced criticism in the past as the dog is no longer able to give birth naturally and relies on c-sections to deliver puppies.
Mating is also highly challenging for the dogs due to their narrow hips and breeders rely on artificial insemination.
GREAT DANE
Scooby Doo fans will be familiar with this breed who are known for their enormous proportions
But while the breed is still as enormous today as it was over the past century its features have altered.
(The Mail, UK)
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