'Designer dogs' like French bulldogs are increasingly popular in the U.S., but breeding them has led to many questions surrounding ethics.
According to one industry estimate, 70% of U.S. households own a pet, with another estimate saying nearly 70 million households own at least one dog.
Stephanie Howard-Smith is a cultural historian who's been studying pet culture across history, and is an expert on the history of pugs in particular. She points out that the idea of breeding dogs for practical purposes, like hunting, is centuries old, but something changed in the Victorian era specifically.
Over the 20th century, certain aesthetics and dog breeds went in and out of style, and these"fads" were often driven by pop culture. "When I'm out and I see these Labradoodles, I can't help myself," Conron said."I go over them in my mind ... I look at it thinking: Has it got hip displacement? Has it got elbow problems? Has it got any other problems I can't see?"
"That's particularly a thing with brachycephalic dogs because of the cuteness factor," said Alison Skipper, historian and vet."It's been well known for a long time that for all sorts of complicated reasons, people find flat faces, childlike baby-like faces, in children and toys and dogs and other animals appealing."
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘Tiny Beautiful Things’ Costume Designer Breaks Down Kathryn Hahn and Merritt Weaver’s Most Meaningful OutfitsIn preparation for her latest production, “Tiny Beautiful Things,” costume designer Alana Morshead “stalked every book [Cheryl Strayed] wrote and everything [she] ever said, and put it into th…
Read more »
How to think like an interior designer when you redecorate your homeAuthor Marni Jameson writes about a new book that can help you learn from designers.
Read more »
Why Cushions Are Every Interior Designer’s Secret WeaponWhen it comes to cushions, Vogue’s interiors columnist says the smaller the better.
Read more »
LG To Show Off New Designer OLED TVsMilan Design Week appearance “reaffirms commitment to embracing and enhancing consumer lifestyles”
Read more »
Why Jewelry Designer Elizabeth Hooper Thinks “‘Mom Style’ Is BS”'Women are multifaceted creatures; being a mother is just one part of our experience,' says jewelry designer Elizabeth Hooper.
Read more »
Meet Cynthia Merhej, the Designer Putting Beirut on the Fashion MapThe founder of Renaissance Renaissance hasn't had an easy journey, but with the help of her mother, she has defied the odds and broken barriers.
Read more »