Breed standards upgraded
after programme shock

BBC1 recently produced a programme called Pedigree Dogs Exposed, which horrified many people. It documented uncontrolled inbreeding, genetic diseases and breed standards that contribute to the ill health of many specific breeds.

Apart from the inbreeding and genetic diseases, breed standards have led to over-accentuation of many characteristics in specific breeds such as the elongated body and short legs of the dachshund (causing massive back problems), the rounded rear shape of the German shepherd (again massive back and hip problems), the pointed head of the collie (causing the brain to be squashed or under pressure), the snub nose of the pug and bulldog (inability to give birth without help, and many have bad respiratory problems), the boxer (its undershot jaw causes feeding and digestion problems and often respiratory difficulties), and the list goes on and on!

Dog rescue centres are very aware of the problems such dogs encounter - they are dealing with pedigree dogs with genetic defects and other health and welfare problems on a daily basis. Dogs Trust is one such organisation and to assist responsible breeders it believes that existing legislation needs to be changed to prevent all inappropriate breeding practices such as those highlighted in the above programme.

It announced after the programme that it will be withdrawing from Crufts and Discover Dogs. It will also not be involved in the Westminster Dog of the Year Show. This follows consultation with the charity’s trustees and requests from its supporters. It believes that the removal of support is the strongest signal it can give to the Kennel Club and breeders to achieve immediate action to ensure that the health and wellbeing of pedigree dogs is ranked over appearance and artificial breed standards. Dogs Trust hopes that this will lead to rapid changes in the manner in which dogs are bred and is taking steps to help bring about the following much needed changes:

• The review of breed standards to ensure they are firmly focused on the health and wellbeing of the dog, not the supposed aesthetics of the breed. Breeders and show judges must be required to adhere to these revised breed standards.
• The introduction of secondary legislation, so as to prevent inappropriate breeding practices, especially the intentional inbreeding of closely related dogs or dogs with known debilitating genetic illnesses.
• The introduction of genetic screening of all breeding stock and the assured integrity of such a process.
• If people are considering buying a pedigree dog they need to understand the importance of determining and questioning its genetic heritage.

Dogs Trust has had a long history of working with The Kennel Club in order to promote rescue dogs at pedigree shows and hopes to be able to continue this relationship as soon as these vital animal welfare points have been put in place.

Clarissa Baldwin, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust said: “We believe an independent review is essential in co-ordinating the large body of research and evidence and to advise on workable, timely recommendations for ensuring the future good health and welfare of all dogs.”

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club secretary, said: “Work is already under way to improve the health of pedigree dogs. An independent review will assist us in meeting our objective, which is to improve the welfare, health and general well being of all dogs, throughout every stage of their lives. We hope the Government can support us”.

Pedigree has also ceased to sponsor Crufts, which is another good reason for the Kennel Club to put its standards review on a fast action track. Dogs Trust says that although it has withdrawn from Crufts and Discover Dogs, it is firmly committed to ensuring that changes are now made to safeguard the health and wellbeing of dogs. "This is why we have been in regular dialogue with the Kennel Club and have also called for Government support for a review into the breeding, registration and showing of all dogs.”

The Kennel Club has now issued new breed standards which are to be effective from January 1, 2009. However, it has asked for comments from breeders, organisations and interested parties and wants to know whether its changes have gone far enough. Comments must be received by June 30, 2009.