Final answer:
According to the UKC code of ethics, breeders are responsible for avoiding any conditions or exaggerations that are detrimental to the health, welfare, soundness, and function of a breed, and must prevent inbreeding to maintain genetic diversity and avoid genetic disorders.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the UKC code of ethics, breeders are responsible for avoiding any conditions or exaggerations that are detrimental to the health, welfare, soundness, and function of a breed. This includes not selecting traits that might harm the animal or contribute to genetic disorders. For instance, some breeding practices have led to an increase in health problems such as hip dysplasia, deafness, and certain congenital diseases. Breeders need to maintain genetic diversity and avoid inbreeding to prevent these issues and ensure the sustainability and well-being of the species they are breeding.
Choosing not to allow close relatives to mate is one method breeders use to avoid inbreeding, which can increase the likelihood of harmful mutations and genetic diseases. For example, certain breeds of dogs have become so specialized through selective breeding that their gene pool is less diverse, making them prone to various inherited conditions. Similarly, inbreeding in domesticated animals is discouraged, despite their indiscriminate breeding habits, to maintain a healthier and more robust population.