Inbreeding and Artificial Selection

Modern show dog 'purebred' breeding could not exist without inbreeding, at least given current practices and judging norms. Repeated cycles of inbreeding and artificial selection lead to the depletion of canine breed genomes and loss of healthy genetic diversity. The Victorian pursuit of "excellence" has proven to be the enemy of canine genetic health. Why must there be so much inbreeding? Why should extreme selection be part of the dog game? Now it is becoming evident that screening programmes directed against genetic disease could result in a new "killer wave" of additional artificial selection. Is there any way out of this hopeless cycle?

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