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Section II: Going to the Dogs
(Or Cats)

10. What do you think about breeding dogs to be better for things like being guide dogs?

Possibly if “skills” (i.e., a propensity to do certain things better than others) can be bred in . . . maybe this makes sense.

In so-called “First-World” countries, we overbreed dogs for certain characteristics—usually appearance or protectiveness—and create monsters. Sometimes these results are unintended; sometimes they’re just stupid. But frequently (maybe even invariably?) they create health and temperament problems that harm the animal and create risks and expenses for their humans.

Why not simply select puppies—regardless of breed—that exhibit temperament and characteristics suitable for service dog or seeing-eye work?