#ethical breeding

Ashvale does yearly echocardiograms with specialist veterinary cardiologists on all breeding cats (and some spayed/neutered relatives of breeding cats, just in case), which, if you've ever had to get one of those in Canada, is about $600/cat these days. It's more locally ($895 for the echo, and $255 for the consult), but that's with one of the best veterinary cardiologists in Canada. Ashvale usually takes them to Maine Coon-specific cardiologists in Ohio, as many of the premiere MC breeders are Ohio-based and sponsor/run ECG clinics specifically for responsible breeders to bring their cats.

Extensive DNA testing from UC Davis to minimize the risk of perpetuating HCM, PKD, PKDef, PRA, SMA, as well as colour-typing and blood-typing is expensive. It won't completely rule out HCM as we haven't identified all the mutations that cause it, but it will minimize the risk. Blood typing is important because neonatal isoerythrolysis can lead to complete loss of litters after birth. Colour typing isn't as important for health, I'll admit, but it does make it easier to identify harder-to-ID colours like Gaia's little sister's blue-silver classic patched tabby (there was debate whether she was patched, whether she was smoke instead of silver, etc.), and therefore easier to plan litters for the people who're looking for a specific colour. (Requisite kitten tax: Gaia's little sister:

Long growth periods as well as long holds mean that kittens frequently go to their forever homes at 16-22 weeks, meaning they frequently have their third set of vaccines and will only need annual vaccines going ahead. This costs additional money.

The long growth period and long holds mean you get a more socialized cat who has had all the time to learn bite and claw inhibition, how to approach new cats/animals, and, if the cattery has a good socialization program, things like car rides, new people, brushing (coat AND teeth), and harness training, but it also means time, effort, and FOOD costs. Ashvale's socialization program is in its infancy, so I borrowed some of the stuff from Minoos-Okinaneko's program, but it's still time and effort and money.

An ethical, good breeder will also be sterilizing kitten rooms and maintaining a high level of cleanliness, and that means a LOT of litter changes (and kittens can't use clumping litter! So they're having to use multiple different litter types for the household!), pet-safe disinfectants, and the tools, time, and space to apply them safely.

Kittens are fragile. It's heartbreaking. Queens' milk can dry up overnight for no discernible reason. Kittens can just... die, even past the 'safe' 8 weeks, or 12 weeks, or 22. Litter sizes can't be predicted. And you're sinking love, time, and energy into each kitten and all your breeding cats.

and finally: Ashvale's cats are expensive because, despite the cattery being new, the owner has been showing Maine Coons since she was a teenager, and Gaia's littermate brother is the #1 all-breed cat nationally in CCA. Even Gaia, with how little she's shown in CCA (and she only started in September in CCA, when the show season starts in MAY and there's usually a show at minimum every two weeks within our region) is in the top 10 regionally for Maine Coons - when she shows, she shows WELL. In addition, 5/8 of the first litter have their Grand Champion/Premier, and the other three just have owners who wanted high-quality, healthy pets and didn't want to show. (high prices also dissuade casual interest and protect your outbound kittens)

Anyway, it was a very productive conversation. I want to stress that:

I was amused, not annoyed, because I know my vet is dog-and-rescue-focused; the cats she sees (and owns) are primarily domestic/village cats, and it was just a funny moment of, "Oh. Right. You don't have many fancy cat clients, LET ME OFFER RESOURCES ON BREED-SPECIFIC TRAITS AND ETHICAL BREEDING."

the hospital is not anti-breeder, far from it: they're the main support for a lot of ethical dog breeders because they do fertility work to ensure wider gene pools and healthy parents. They just don't have many (any?) catteries as clients, and my vet definitely doesn't.

Cat taxes:

SMGC IGC RW AW Ashvale Sweet Child O'Mine, CNW, aka "Fredrik", aka "Gaia's Dumbass Littermate Brother #1"

Sciroo's Peggy of Ashvale, EM, aka "Icy", Gaia, Fredrik, and Celeste's mom. She didn't show much before becoming a breeding queen, and neither Fredrik nor Gaia got her longer coat type, but she's honestly an amazing mom.

SMGC IC AM Pascal Bellamoondo of Ashvale, CBW, DCRW, CNW, aka "Pascal", Gaia, Fredrik, and Celeste's dad! Ashvale also has his full brother as an alter (Luxxxy, aka "Cage-Licker Supreme").

And finally...

DGP IGP Ashvale Gaia Loghrif, aka "Gaia", aka "Gremlin", aka "STOP EATING YOUR BROTHER'S FOOD"

*A quick disclaimer*

If by some miracle people other than my mutual actually read this:

This is also not an attack on any particular person or people. I’m not trying to offend anyone. Nor am I saying that we should kill all of these animals or anything. Please do not read this like that. I am a critter lover and honestly that’s why a lot of these things irk me.

While I bring up several facts please don’t forget I am a rando on the internet. And am very capable of being misinformed myself. If there has been a counter study or I do get something wrong, please tell me!

I am not telling you or trying to force my opinion on you. You are your own person and are entitled to your own opinion!

And the most important thing! Be polite! Open minded! And a decent person.

*taps mic* alright, let’s get this party started.

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Attractive vs. Unattractive

This whole thing started with me calling pugs an unattractive breed. In fact, I will say most breeds and animals I have on this list I consider unattractive. That’s our word for the day actually. I’m going to be saying it a lot, sorry. When I say something is unattractive in this particular ramble I’m not saying that they are ugly, bad companions, unappealing or anything of the sort.

Although I will still argue some are ugly (like pugs) but that’s personal preference.

But what makes something attractive or unattractive? Well, in my opinion the best way to explain this is to look at birds and all of their adaptations. They often have physical features, displays, and traits that help females determine how attractive a male is. Which is kinda shallow on the gal’s part but it’s whatever. The quality of these features are what give them this attractiveness. There is a large variety of methods and preferences birds have for these. But what is the one thing they all have in common?

These desirable and attractive attributes or traits are a physical representation of that individual's health and genetic material.

More extreme measures and traits are often referred to as "ornamental handicaps”. Which suggests exactly what you think it does. These are “handicaps” that the males have to deal with. However, in this case, that’s the whole point. If a male has the right genes, has the extra time, food, and resources to maintain or perform these traits, and is able to survive with the handicap it is a very clear signal to a female that the male is very capable and will produce good offspring.

Now I know you're all thinking, Quibble, we are here for a ramble about dogs and cats not birds. Where are you going with this? Hah, well I’m glad I forced you to ask me that.

Attractiveness, in my opinion, is a word used to describe physical attributes that signify good health and hygiene.

An animal can be cute, aesthetically pleasing, adorable, and dare I say, even beautiful at times—but by my standards it can still be unattractive. If the animal’s quality of life and lifestyle is poor and impaired then that is not an attractive animal.

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We are interrupting this broadcast for a brief message!!!

Quibble vs Imaginary critic!!!

(Aka, the I think I’m funny chronicles continues)

“Quibble, by this definition of attractive, you’re saying that people with disabilities, health issues, illness, or that are not conventionally hygienic are not attractive! That’s not very woke or open minded of you. And you talked about that in the disclaimer! Are you being a hypocrite?”

“Well, I’m so glad you asked. And you're right, some people might think that. However, to put it simply: I’m not talking about people. I am talking about animals.”

“Humans are animals!” “Pets are people too!” “Animals have feelings too, you know!”

“Humans are animals, correct. However we tend to hold ourselves to higher standards than fruit flies… which are also animals. And is your dog counted in the census? No. It’s not. Pets are legally considered property. Yes, some animals have emotions but they are extremely simple. Humans court differently. Most animals (like dogs and cats) do not consider personality when trying to pass on genes.”

That’s all folks, see you next time!

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“Snub” faced dogs and cats: breeds

I know, finally, I’ve gotten to what you're here for. There are some breeds that I will be going over separately because they have additional problems that make them unattractive. Generally speaking, while I’m not going to list every breed this applies to, here are some breeds that fall into the “snub” face category:

Dogs: Pugs, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs (Frenchies), Boston Terrier, Shih Tzu, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Boxer, Cane Corso, and Bullmastiff.

Cats: Persian, Himalayan, Exotic Shorthair, British Shorthair, American Burmese, and Scottish Fold. It’s a bit more tricky with cats because they don’t have as rigid breed standards as dogs. Aka, they have several categories within a breed. So… they come in “levels” of smushed. They actually have fancy terms for it.

There are so many more breeds that fall into the flat face categories. I just don’t want to bore you, but if you’re interested I encourage you to look up some of the others! Not all of these breeds are impacted to the same degree as well!

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Brachycephalic: what is it?

A vocab term?!? Yes, I will be quizzing you when this is over, don’t worry it’s open notes. “Brachycephalic” is the fancy term for animals with broad heads and short skulls. So, flat faced, or as you’ve probably picked up on by now, my favorite term for it: “snub” faced.

It’s important to always bring up your counter arguments when making an argumentative essay. Which I guess this qualifies as. Point is, I’m about to go ham on why flat faces are bad. So let’s go over the pros really quickly!

Historically: The English Bulldog—their smushed snout was bred to help support jaw muscles and improve grip. This benefitted their original purpose: Bullbaiting. A popular spot that was outlawed in 1835. Several larger breeds such as the Cane Corso and Bullmastiff—were bred with a shorter muzzle for increased jaw strength again. However, the purpose was mainly for hunting large game and personal protection. For cats… nothing. There is no reason for us to do this to them.

Aesthetics: This is the most common reason for most smaller breeds with a snub face. Many were bred as companion dogs. Small, low energy, and most importantly—cute. Very cute. Pugs and Frenchies (and pretty much any cat?) are the best examples of this. The large eyes, flat face, small nose, and large round head resemble human infants, which subconsciously most people find cute. I mean, let’s be honest, the population would be a lot smaller if our mothers didn’t think we were cute babies.

Vocab??? Again??? Why, of course. My friends, we must be educated. “Neoteny” is technically what it’s called when an animal continues to carry its “baby” features into sexual maturity.

Great, now we have our pros. Two of them. Cute. Strong jaw. Onto our cons.

The first and probably most well known issue with a flat faced animal is… drum roll please… Breathing issues! (This is where you act shocked.) Professionally called “Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome” or BOAS for short. Which is a bunch of fancy jargon to say “That dog's mouth is too small.” I’m a nerd and simply naming this does not satisfy me. You must understand what this means.

There are several factors that contribute to snub faced animals' difficulty breathing. The first is their soft palate (the roof of their mouth) is too long because like every other dog or cat, they are supposed to have a snout. But they don’t, so instead it gets shoved back and creates a flap over the animal's esophagus. This affects both cats and dogs! Which is ironic because I’ve heard dog discourse about it but never feline?

Best not to think about that too hard. Well, actually, you're going to see why. Because the rest of this mostly applies to dogs, specifically smaller breeds.

Some more specific reasons why dogs suffer with difficulty breathing is because of their noses. Something called “Stenotic Nares.” For most small dogs with a flat face they have a small nose in proportion to their head. Often with very small, narrow, or even slit shaped nostrils that allow very little airflow and will even collapse when the dog inhales. Meaning most of these dogs rely heavily on mouth breathing. Which, surprise, that also isn’t easy because their tongues are also too big for their mouth! Which adds another physical obstruction to their airway. And in some cases it’s been noted that some dogs have narrower windpipes.

And all of these not only impair breathing but eating and drinking as well! And something that I’ve noticed, outside of show dogs I honestly rarely see a pug that isn’t overweight. I did some searching and… because of the breathing difficulties pugs (along with many other toy breeds) are adverse to long periods of play or particularly harsh exercise. Which on one hand makes them great lap and companion dogs for apartments because they just sit there. But on the other hand this is causing actual medical problems. Obesity and being overweight is not good for anything. But the dog doesn’t want to exercise because of difficulty breathing.

But wait—what’s this??? There’s more! My cons list isn’t over yet. I told you I was going ham. Because of their small mouths, many toy breeds with a flat face have dental issues and have to get teeth pulled or have them fall out because they don’t fit. And since they are prone to letting their too-big tongue loll out it causes even more dental issues, which is grand.

And those big baby eyes they’ve got? The ones that make them so cute? Yeah, they cause problems as well. Brachycephalic Ocular Syndrome. This causes a long list of problems but for all our sakes I’ll just focus on some of them. Often in toy breeds their eye sockets are too shallow for their eyeballs. Which is why so often they have that bug eye look (that I generally think is ugly.) These bulging eyes means the dog is significantly more likely to injure and damage their eye, which can lead to blindness. It can also mean the dogs struggle to actually blink, which means the center of the cornea dries out.

And the most horrific of them, (get your pen and paper out we have another vocab word) Proptosis. A severe medical emergency where the eyeball shifts out of the socket. And in some cases they have to remove the eye.

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Brachycephalic: final thoughts.

(Heads up, I’ve been trying to keep this pretty relaxed and light but sometimes harsh language and attitude is needed. AND, I do not want these dog breeds wiped out, I just want the standard to change to support an attractive dog)

There is some hope, for both the Pug and French Bulldog there have been several breeders and movements towards breeding a “retro” dog that has much healthier proportions and not a flat face. And honestly, they look like dogs again, which is remarkable. Several influential kennel clubs have shifted their standards and are promoting these healthier dogs. And while it’s not world wide yet, a few regions have started shifting the breed standard.

In fact, in 2022, Norway banned the breeding of English bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels because the breed standard was considered a violation of animal welfare laws. Which is a lot of progress.

However, show standards have not budged and are still emphasizing and encouraging the flat face for their show animals. Which, keep in mind, set the standard and ultimately become the face of their breeds. Which, to put it bluntly, is vile and abusive. Genuinely repulsive that the people whose entire job revolves around working with dogs would allow this simply for looks.

Honestly, this whole thing is horrific and disgusting. And everyone say it with me: unattractive. These dogs are undeniably unattractive.

Going back to the birds, those ornamental handicaps we talked about? Remember them? How those handicaps inhibit the birds at most is making it easier for predators to find them, giving them a blind spot, reducing mobility (never too severe) and causing exhaustion from maintenance. In no way do these make it so the bird has a difficult time feeding, breathing, drinking, or exercising.

If an animal struggles to perform the basic necessities of survival without surgical intervention that is just… words fail me. Revolting does not capture the right energy. I cannot express my disdain towards this enough. It is genuinely disturbing to imagine yourself in this situation.

Let alone for a dog who has the cognitive maturity of a three year old to live like that.

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That’s the end for now, I’ve already rambled so much I’m sorry. The worst part is I could honestly go on. There are so many other dog breeds that are suffering because of the standard. As well as other animals suffering because of what humans have bred them into. Which…. I’ll save for another day.

Because I just threw a bunch of info at you and I’ve gotta let you process. And I don’t want to be that annoying.

And surprise!!!! There is no quiz!