Petite Pups Trendy, but Problematic in Japan

by Nicole Weston (RSS feed)
Dec 29th 2006 at 4:01PM

The craze for miniature dogs isn't limited to American celebrities. The petite pets are popular in both Australia and Japan, although in Japan, the intensity of the interest in the trend is pushing breeders to try to meet Japanese desire for ever-smaller and ever-cuter puppies. And that is leading to some real problems for the animals. Inbreeding has led to crippled or deformed animals and puppy mills are producing more animals than the public can handle.

The most popular breeds at the moment are ones that are naturally small, such as chihuahuas. It is especially popular to get them in exotic colors, like the blue-grey puppy pictured. These unusual colors are recessive traits and repeatedly breeding for them, often using the same couple of dogs and their offspring because they are known to have the genes, is what causes the dogs to have unfortunate genetic defects. Many are killed at birth, but others lack limbs or are prone to deafness, eye problems and nervous disorders.

A prized puppy can go for as much as $10,000, making it worthwhile for some breeders to pursue these dogs in spite of the risks to the dogs themselves. Breeders are left to self-regulate, but as long as the demand is high, so will the temptation for unscrupulous breeders.

Tags: chihuahua, dog, dogs, inbreeding, japan, pet, pets, puppies, Pups, trend

Filed under: Pets

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The Pet Directory Dec 30th 2006 8:49AM

This is a most unfortunate turn of events which will lead to more dogs ending up in welfare shelters or abandoned. Ruthless breeding for tiny size and specific colours by inbreeding will result in unhealthy or deformed dogs that will ultimately lead to a lifetime of veterinary expenses and disappointment for the owners of these expensive dogs. Like all dogs they will be loyal little friends but will this loyalty be returned by owners who bought a dog on a fashion whim?