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A Controversial BBC Documentary Has Revealed The Lengths Show Dog Breeders Will Go To Win
A recent BBC investigation has
found that many pedigree dogs bred for showing are suffering from
genetic diseases following decades of inbreeding.
The Documentary, Pedigree Dogs Exposed, which was aired on 19 August on BBC1, illustrated that pedigree dogs bred specifically for showing are suffering health problems because certain physical characteristics have been exagerated.
"The welfare and quality of life of many pedigree dogs is seriously compromised by established breeding practices for appearance, driven primarily by the rules and requirements of competitive dog showing and pedigree dog registration," said the RSPCA's chief vet Mark Evans.
The programme showed how physical traits required by the Kennel Club's (KC) breed standards, such as short faces, screw-tails and dwarfism, have inherent health problems. Breeds that are worst affected included spaniels with syringomyelia, a brain condition that occurs when a dog's skull is too small for its brain, and boxers suffering from epilepsy. Companion Animal Welfare Council's James Kirkwood featured in the programme. He highlighted the dangers of deliberately mating showing dogs that are close relatives. He told ST that working dogs are bred comparatively better: "Genetic problems are perhaps generally less likely if breeding for work than for cosmetic reasons - a working animal has to be sufficiently functional and fit. However, there are risks in any selective breeding programmes."
However, the Kennel Club's Caroline Kisko refuted the claims, saying that many of the health problems have their roots in Victorian times. She said that the organisation runs a range of health tests and is funding the development of genetic tests. BASC's Christopher Graffius also defended the organisation: "We have always found the KC enormously helpful, not only in organising the gamekeepers' rings at Crufts, but also in advising with legal issues affecting gundogs."
Simon Tyres, of Hawcroft Gundogs, told ST that he was shocked by the documentary: As a result of this programme, I anticipate customers taking a more informed interest in puppy lines. I take the breeding of my working spaniels extremely seriously. In fact, last year I discovered that a dog I had put to my champion bitch had a genetic spinal disease. As a responsible breeder I then notified the owners, deregistered the puppies and ensured that they were all neutered."
Mr Tyres added; "If legislation was introduced that made genetic testing compulsory, I would happily embrace it. We created these breeds, so it is our responsibilty to ensure their welfare. About 20 years ago, a lot of cockers were born with seriously undershot jaws. Through careful selection, that trait has been bred out. However, if one of my bitches gave birth to a puppy that happened to have this defect, I would neuter it, not register it with the KC, and find it a suitable pet home."
Gundog breeder Chris Burns, of Breezeleaf Spaniels, said that working dog breeders see past a dog's looks: "We are fortunate that we breed for good temperament, game finding ability and drive irrespective of how ugly the dog is. As long as it is capable od doing a long day in the field, find game and retrieve we don't care what it looks like."
Jemima Harrison of Passionate Productions, herself a keen picker-up, made the documentary. She told ST: "Gundog breeders select their dogs on their ability to do the job they were bred to do - not on minor cosmetic points designed to catch a show judge's eye. There is a terrible conceit in the show world that you can assemble and judge a dog according to a written blueprint. But so much of what a working dog is about has nothing to do with what you can see. It's about drive, stamina and athleticism and the showring cannot judge this."
She added: "Two years ago, I inherited a working flatcoat. To see her work is a revelation. This is what dogs should be about, not trotting around a ring in pursuit of rosettes."
The Documentary, Pedigree Dogs Exposed, which was aired on 19 August on BBC1, illustrated that pedigree dogs bred specifically for showing are suffering health problems because certain physical characteristics have been exagerated.
"The welfare and quality of life of many pedigree dogs is seriously compromised by established breeding practices for appearance, driven primarily by the rules and requirements of competitive dog showing and pedigree dog registration," said the RSPCA's chief vet Mark Evans.
The programme showed how physical traits required by the Kennel Club's (KC) breed standards, such as short faces, screw-tails and dwarfism, have inherent health problems. Breeds that are worst affected included spaniels with syringomyelia, a brain condition that occurs when a dog's skull is too small for its brain, and boxers suffering from epilepsy. Companion Animal Welfare Council's James Kirkwood featured in the programme. He highlighted the dangers of deliberately mating showing dogs that are close relatives. He told ST that working dogs are bred comparatively better: "Genetic problems are perhaps generally less likely if breeding for work than for cosmetic reasons - a working animal has to be sufficiently functional and fit. However, there are risks in any selective breeding programmes."
However, the Kennel Club's Caroline Kisko refuted the claims, saying that many of the health problems have their roots in Victorian times. She said that the organisation runs a range of health tests and is funding the development of genetic tests. BASC's Christopher Graffius also defended the organisation: "We have always found the KC enormously helpful, not only in organising the gamekeepers' rings at Crufts, but also in advising with legal issues affecting gundogs."
Simon Tyres, of Hawcroft Gundogs, told ST that he was shocked by the documentary: As a result of this programme, I anticipate customers taking a more informed interest in puppy lines. I take the breeding of my working spaniels extremely seriously. In fact, last year I discovered that a dog I had put to my champion bitch had a genetic spinal disease. As a responsible breeder I then notified the owners, deregistered the puppies and ensured that they were all neutered."
Mr Tyres added; "If legislation was introduced that made genetic testing compulsory, I would happily embrace it. We created these breeds, so it is our responsibilty to ensure their welfare. About 20 years ago, a lot of cockers were born with seriously undershot jaws. Through careful selection, that trait has been bred out. However, if one of my bitches gave birth to a puppy that happened to have this defect, I would neuter it, not register it with the KC, and find it a suitable pet home."
Gundog breeder Chris Burns, of Breezeleaf Spaniels, said that working dog breeders see past a dog's looks: "We are fortunate that we breed for good temperament, game finding ability and drive irrespective of how ugly the dog is. As long as it is capable od doing a long day in the field, find game and retrieve we don't care what it looks like."
Jemima Harrison of Passionate Productions, herself a keen picker-up, made the documentary. She told ST: "Gundog breeders select their dogs on their ability to do the job they were bred to do - not on minor cosmetic points designed to catch a show judge's eye. There is a terrible conceit in the show world that you can assemble and judge a dog according to a written blueprint. But so much of what a working dog is about has nothing to do with what you can see. It's about drive, stamina and athleticism and the showring cannot judge this."
She added: "Two years ago, I inherited a working flatcoat. To see her work is a revelation. This is what dogs should be about, not trotting around a ring in pursuit of rosettes."
reprinted with kind permission from Alastair
Balmain
Deputy Editor:Shooting Times & Country Magazine
Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street SE1 0SU
Tel: 020 3148 4750
Deputy Editor:Shooting Times & Country Magazine
Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street SE1 0SU
Tel: 020 3148 4750