If a female dog becomes pregnant by her son, the primary concern is the increased risk of genetic defects in the puppies.
Potential Risks of Inbreeding in Dogs
Inbreeding, such as a mother-son mating, significantly increases the likelihood of puppies inheriting two copies of a recessive gene that can cause genetic diseases or undesirable traits. While the mother and son may appear healthy, they can both carry hidden recessive genes.
- Increased Risk of Genetic Disorders: Puppies are more likely to inherit genetic conditions like hip dysplasia, heart defects, eye problems, and other health issues. The reference confirms that pups are at higher risk for genetic disease.
- Reduced Litter Size: Some fetuses with severe genetic defects may not survive to term, potentially resulting in a smaller litter size. As mentioned in the reference, a smaller than normal litter may occur if some fetuses don't make it to birth due to defects.
- Weakened Immune System: Inbred puppies may have compromised immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections and diseases.
- Increased Puppy Mortality: Due to genetic weaknesses and health problems, the mortality rate among inbred puppies is often higher.
Ethical Considerations
Most responsible dog breeders avoid such close inbreeding due to the inherent risks. Breeding for health and temperament should be prioritized. While such a breeding won't harm the mother, it places the potential offspring at significant risk.
Summary
A female dog becoming pregnant by her son primarily raises serious concerns about the health and well-being of the puppies. Inbreeding increases the probability of genetic disorders, reduced litter size, weakened immune systems, and higher puppy mortality. Responsible breeding practices discourage such close relations to minimize these risks.
