Quote Originally Posted by dragondawg
Allergies in dogs are probably something that those who had dogs with allergies might be focused on. And there's nothing wrong with trying to prevent genetically linked skin conditions from being passed on to future generations. But how serious are allergies to food in dogs? Sheldom does one hear of a life threatening case.

However if one is interested in improving the health of our dogs, then more needs to be done to track and retire from breeding stock those lines who have a high incidence of: Lymphoma, Hemangiosarcoma, Osteosarcoma, Melanoma (oral), and other cancers.

The next time someone on this forum is interested in buying a pure breed dog, ask the breeder if s/he can supply the health records of all siblings of the parents and their parents and all their siblings. Ask what the incidence of cancer was in these lines. Prediction: You'll get a blank stare, or a generic non-specific avoidance answer. Neither is it profitable for them to retire their breeding stock affected. After all who cares if a few of the parents siblings died of Lymphoma? Well, the owner of the one of the puppies might care- years from now.

Ad hoc breeding has created a cancer epidemic in our pets. It's affecting mix breeds, and occuring in even puppies - witness the recent Raven thread. Even if addressed today, it will still get worse for awhile. Sadly it's not being addressed. While not wanting to pass on skin disorders via breeding is noble, it is minor compared to the major problem of cancer.
extremely good point! thank you for making that evident! i think sometimes after a major accident or surgery ect. has happened and after all is well, we all seem to kinda forget, unless it's the person who it happened too!
I know we dont mean to forget but it's a part of life, and im glad you brought that to our attention! thank you!