Final answer:
In modern dog breeding programs, 'survival of the fittest' is replaced by 'survival of the preferred,' where traits desired by humans are selected, a process known as artificial selection. This selective breeding can sometimes lead to health issues due to a narrowed gene pool and extreme physical traits.
Step-by-step explanation:
In most modern selective dog breeding programs, which differ significantly from natural evolution, it is "survival of the cutest" or "survival of the preferred."
Unlike natural selection where survival and reproductive success are determined by the ability to cope with environmental pressures like predators or scarcity of resources, selective dog breeding is driven by human preferences. This process, known as artificial selection, involves humans selectively mating dogs with specific, desired traits, leading to the propagation of those traits in ensuing generations.
While the phrase "survival of the fittest" typically refers to those organisms best suited to survive in their environment, in the context of dog breeding, the "fittest" may refer to those that best conform to breed standards or human desires, which may include factors such as aesthetics, temperament, or size. This can lead to certain health issues if not managed responsibly, such as the case with English bulldogs where many litters require delivery via cesarean section due to traits selected over generations.
Therefore, the emphasis in dog breeding is not on survival and reproductive viability in the wild, but on the perpetuation of characteristics deemed attractive or valuable by humans, often irrespective of the potential negative health implications for the dog.