something else to consider is the breeders chasing certain characteristics - in this case, the very wrinkly skin, akin to the traits seen in Shar-pei and other wrinkly dogs. It rarely results in an animal that's overall healthy and often introduces new issues.

I have an adopted hound who's ears - I'm convinced - could never exist in a viable dog without intense supervision and cleaning, we've tried alternative diets, flushes, allergy meds, and at the end of the day... loads of ear flap mean a big ear canal and not enough discharge to keep them clean. Left to her own devices she'll scratch them up in a few days. I love the dog, but damn... breeding for these characteristics didn't do her any favors.

My adopted 'mostly'Staffy, conversely, is a paragon of excellent diverse genetics, and physically issue free. And thick headed enough that she can stagger the 20lb heavier hound with a well timed head butt.

We're lucky to have animals in our lives, I just hate to see so many examples of abusing our privilege.