Function

• The function of animal breeding is to reinforce desirable traits in the animals concerned while removing the less desirable traits. Animal breeding also ensures that a certain number of animals are available to the breeder, and deliberate, careful breeding can play a role in preserving animals that may be on the brink of extinction.
  
  

Types

• Types of animal breeding vary depending on the goals of the breeder. For instance, people who breed dogs and horses breed these animals for conformity to their breed standard, while people who breed hogs do so for size and for the quality of their meat. Some animal breeding is simply done to ensure more livestock, as in the case of cows and chickens or to ensure the survival of the species.
  
  

History

• According to Bookrags.com, animal breeding began around 9000 B.C., and Dogtime.com reports that dogs have been helpers, hunting companions and protectors since around 13,000 B.C. Early breeding of dogs centered around keeping dogs that were useful as watchdogs and friendly with people and allowing them to mate.
  
  

Considerations

• Animal breeding allows for the selection of desirable traits, but it can also lead to a reinforcement of negative traits. While things like good coloration and good temperament can be strengthened through breeding, so can shortened lifespans, severe health issues and dispositions towards poor behavior.
  
  

Misconceptions

• According to Bulldoginformation.com, one common misconception about breeding animals is that two animals from totally different gene pools will always be healthier than an animal from a limited gene pool. While some animals resulting from that breeding are healthier and possess the positive traits of both parents, it is also equally likely that negative traits may be reinforced. The only way to ensure good offspring from a particular breeding is to be aware of the health and fitness of both parents before the breeding occurs.