Utilitarianism focuses on the results of actions, aiming for the greatest good for the largest number of people. Supporters of selective breeding would argue that it can be considered ethical if it leads to benefits like more food, better crop quality, and healthier animals. For example, if scientists breed plants to resist pests, it can help feed more people and reduce the need for harmful chemicals. However, utilitarians also care about the suffering of individual animals. If selective breeding causes pain or health problems—such as in some dog breeds that have serious medical issues—they would see this suffering as a significant problem. Therefore, utilitarians would likely conclude that selective breeding is ethical only if the benefits greatly outweigh the harms. If the overall good is greater, they would support it; if not, they would be against it.

Kantian ethics is based on duty, respect, and treating individuals as valuable in themselves, not just as tools for others. People who follow this philosophy would generally think that selective breeding is unethical if it exploits animals for human gain, ignoring their rights and dignity. For instance, if breeding practices focus on traits that lead to suffering, such as certain physical features that cause health issues, this would be viewed as wrong. Kantian ethicists believe that animals deserve moral consideration and should be treated with respect. If breeding causes suffering or neglects the animals' needs, it is considered immoral. Therefore, their conclusion is that ethical breeding must prioritize animal welfare, ensuring that practices do not harm or exploit living beings.

Natural Moral Law emphasizes the idea that everything in nature has a purpose. Supporters of this view might say that selective breeding is ethical if it helps enhance the natural qualities of animals and plants without causing harm. For example, if breeding results in crops that yield more food and are healthy, this would align with their purpose of providing nourishment. On the other hand, if selective breeding causes suffering or leads to unhealthy traits in animals, advocates of Natural Moral Law would argue that it is unethical. They believe that breeding should respect the natural characteristics of living beings, ensuring that practices promote health and well-being. They would believe that breeding must be done responsibly, in line with nature’s intentions.

Situation ethics focuses on making choices based on love and compassion in each specific case. Those who follow this approach would likely conclude that selective breeding can be ethical if done thoughtfully, with care for animal welfare and human needs. For instance, breeding to eliminate genetic diseases would be seen as a positive action. However, if breeding is primarily about profit and leads to suffering for animals, situation ethicists would find this unethical. They would argue that each case should be looked at individually, considering the effects on both animals and humans. This perspective encourages careful and loving decisions about breeding, leading to the conclusion that compassion must guide ethical choices.

From a Hindu perspective, the respect they have for all living beings play a crucial role. Many Hindus believe that all life is sacred, and every creature has a purpose in the cycle of life. Supporters of selective breeding might argue that it is ethical if it promotes the well-being of animals and plants, helping to provide food for people while minimizing harm. They might view responsible breeding as a way to support sustainability and enhance the quality of life. However, there are concerns among some Hindus about interfering too much with nature. If selective breeding results in suffering or alters animals in ways that go against their natural characteristics, it could be seen as unethical. The belief in the interconnectedness of all life suggests that harming one part of the ecosystem can affect the whole. Therefore, the Hindu perspective would advocate for careful and compassionate approaches to breeding, ensuring that practices respect the dignity of all living beings.