The Evolution Of The Modern Dog: Dogs After Inbreeding
Bhoomi Kagra | Jan 20, 2026, 18:10 IST
Inbreeding & Transformation
Image credit : Unsplash
In this article we talk about dog inbreeding and how dog breeds have evolved due to it. It talks about the list of breeds from pugs, dachshunds, bull terriers, german shephards to basset hounds and bull dogs. This article also covers the breed's before inbreeding features to the afterwards transformation.
Just like all animals and humans, dogs too evolve over time but majorly they were inbred by humans specifically to achieve desirable traits such as specific looks, size and temperament. But this inbreeding also caused many serious health issues such as weakened immunity and genetic disorders, etc. Today we bring you a list of such dog breeds who changed drastically with inbreeding:
1. Pug :
The Modern Pug
Image credit : Freepik
Pugs were selectively bred intensively to achieve cute aesthetic flat faced, big eyes look but this look came with significant health issues and breathing problems. Before inbreeding they used to have long snouts, longer and proportionate legs, few wrinkles on face and a more athletic built than today.
2. Dachshund :
Evolution of the "Wiener Dog"
Image credit : Pixabay
Dachshunds are famous for their ‘weiner dog’ looks, long bodies with short legs and floppy ears. Before selective breeding dachshunds were bigger, heavier with proportionate bodies and straight legs unlike modern crooked type.
3. Bull Terrier:
Evolution of the egg shaped head
Image credit : Freepik
Bull Terriers have an exaggerated ‘egg shaped’ head with a shorter snout and stockier body caused by extreme selective breeding. Before this they had lean built with sleek and defined nose and a flatter skull. They were more functional with long legs and less bred specific health problems.
4. German Shephard :
German Shepherd’s evolution
Image credit : Freepik
Modern German Shepherds refers to the show line dogs that have exaggerated sloping back and a heavy frame. Before intense inbreeding they were considered work line dogs with straighter, more traditional back and balanced proportions.
5. Basset Hound :
Basset Hound we see today<br>
Image credit : Pixabay
Modern day basset hounds have exaggerated features for show like extreme skin folds resulting from loose skin, very short legs and big ears. Before intense breeding they had small head, straight nose, upright ears and leggier legs that were light boned.
6. Bull Dog:
Transformed Bulldog<br>
Image credit : Unsplash
Bull Dogs have a muscular body, wide shoulders with a massive head and flat face with wrinkles. Before intensive inbreeding they had well defined nose and skull with long and slim bodies. They also use to have athletic built bodies and longer legs.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- What did dogs originally look like?
Originally dogs used to look like wolves, their direct ancestors. They have features like them too, dogs possess strong jaws, long snouts, powerful bodies, hunting instincts and pack behavior. - How to tell if a dog was inbred?
You can tell a dog was inbred by looking for physical abnormalities like asymmetrical, small, big, deformed jaw or skull, a weakened immune system like frequent allergies and infections, reproductive problems like low fertility or delivery complications, behavioral issues like extreme aggression or shyness, etc. - Are all pedigree dogs inbred?
Yes, most pedigree dogs are inbred to some degree because distinct breeds are created by mating related dogs to achieve desired traits, features, looks, etc. This creates small, closed gene pools with many breeds having high coefficients of inbreeding resulting in serious health related issues.