Incorporating Morphological Evaluations into Breeding Soundness Examinations for Female Dogs
This article highlights the importance of evaluating the morphological characteristics of female dogs during breeding soundness examinations (BSEs) to assess their reproductive potential and ensure the health of future offspring. Key traits considered in this evaluation include body type, body condi...
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| Format: | Article |
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MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Animals |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/14/2045 |
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| author | Dane Wells Schwartz Jonah Kvernum Naomie Macias Muhammed Salman Waqas Michela Ciccarelli |
| author_facet | Dane Wells Schwartz Jonah Kvernum Naomie Macias Muhammed Salman Waqas Michela Ciccarelli |
| author_sort | Dane Wells Schwartz |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This article highlights the importance of evaluating the morphological characteristics of female dogs during breeding soundness examinations (BSEs) to assess their reproductive potential and ensure the health of future offspring. Key traits considered in this evaluation include body type, body condition score, skull size and shape, mammary gland conformation, and coat quality. Each of these factors plays a significant role in the health and fertility of breeding females. For example, deviations from breed standards in body size can lead to complications during pregnancy and whelping, while an inappropriate body condition score may disrupt hormonal balance and reproductive cycles. This review also addresses concerns related to brachycephalic breeds, whose conformation can contribute to respiratory and reproductive issues. Additionally, assessing vertebral and pelvic conformation is crucial to prevent dystocia and other complications during delivery. By systematically evaluating these morphological traits, veterinarians can promote ethical breeding practices that prioritize the welfare and genetic health of both breeding females and their puppies. Therefore, integrating comprehensive morphological evaluations into BSEs is essential for responsible dog breeding management, ultimately supporting better reproductive outcomes and healthier future generations. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-7fc219c307864f33abdac1c4ac8de715 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2076-2615 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Animals |
| spelling | doaj-art-7fc219c307864f33abdac1c4ac8de7152025-08-20T02:48:16ZengMDPI AGAnimals2076-26152025-07-011514204510.3390/ani15142045Incorporating Morphological Evaluations into Breeding Soundness Examinations for Female DogsDane Wells Schwartz0Jonah Kvernum1Naomie Macias2Muhammed Salman Waqas3Michela Ciccarelli4Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36832, USADepartment of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USADepartment of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USADepartment of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USADepartment of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USAThis article highlights the importance of evaluating the morphological characteristics of female dogs during breeding soundness examinations (BSEs) to assess their reproductive potential and ensure the health of future offspring. Key traits considered in this evaluation include body type, body condition score, skull size and shape, mammary gland conformation, and coat quality. Each of these factors plays a significant role in the health and fertility of breeding females. For example, deviations from breed standards in body size can lead to complications during pregnancy and whelping, while an inappropriate body condition score may disrupt hormonal balance and reproductive cycles. This review also addresses concerns related to brachycephalic breeds, whose conformation can contribute to respiratory and reproductive issues. Additionally, assessing vertebral and pelvic conformation is crucial to prevent dystocia and other complications during delivery. By systematically evaluating these morphological traits, veterinarians can promote ethical breeding practices that prioritize the welfare and genetic health of both breeding females and their puppies. Therefore, integrating comprehensive morphological evaluations into BSEs is essential for responsible dog breeding management, ultimately supporting better reproductive outcomes and healthier future generations.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/14/2045coat colorinfertilitybitchbreedgeneticsdiabetes mellitus |
| spellingShingle | Dane Wells Schwartz Jonah Kvernum Naomie Macias Muhammed Salman Waqas Michela Ciccarelli Incorporating Morphological Evaluations into Breeding Soundness Examinations for Female Dogs Animals coat color infertility bitch breed genetics diabetes mellitus |
| title | Incorporating Morphological Evaluations into Breeding Soundness Examinations for Female Dogs |
| title_full | Incorporating Morphological Evaluations into Breeding Soundness Examinations for Female Dogs |
| title_fullStr | Incorporating Morphological Evaluations into Breeding Soundness Examinations for Female Dogs |
| title_full_unstemmed | Incorporating Morphological Evaluations into Breeding Soundness Examinations for Female Dogs |
| title_short | Incorporating Morphological Evaluations into Breeding Soundness Examinations for Female Dogs |
| title_sort | incorporating morphological evaluations into breeding soundness examinations for female dogs |
| topic | coat color infertility bitch breed genetics diabetes mellitus |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/14/2045 |
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