BREEDING STANDARD REVISIONS

Eric here everybloggie. Reporting from over the big pee.

Last year our BBC TV exposed the suffering of many of Britain's pedigree dogs ( I'm sure the same is true in your country too) They alleged life threatening genetic illnesses, deformities and disabilities as a result of breed standards being manipulated by some breeders to achieve their perceived "ideals". Caused a right old Hoo-Haa. And not the funny sort. BBC followed up by refusing to televise Crufts, Animal Charities withdrew their attendance and big brands withdrew their sponsorship. A BIG DEAL all round.

But this week....drum roll........PAWSOME NEWS!!!! The Kennel Club, who originally refuted the BBC's allegations, issued the following statement:-

"In recent months the Kennel Club has, with veterinary assistance, undertaken a detailed review of its Breed Standards to ensure that the descriptions given always promote the breeding and exhibition of dogs where health welfare and temperament are of paramount importance and where the dogs have the best chance of being fit, healthy and happy.

Breed Clubs and Breed Councils have been consulted throughout this initiative, and have been given the opportunity to submit feedback on proposed amendments. The Kennel Club wishes to have the revised wording in place prior to Crufts and so the changes have now been agreed by the General Committee and are effective immediately."

78 out of 209 species have revised standards. Wooohooo!!! Wagging wonderful eh? Especially for our friends with particular trouble breathing, seeing, even walking.

The Kennel Club went on to say;- “We want the New Year to begin well for pedigree dogs and the changes that have been announced today underline the Kennel Club’s deep commitment to ensuring that every pedigree dog has the best possible chance of leading a happy, healthy life.

“Our revised breed standards are underpinned by new regulations, which further support show judges in their right to remove from competition those dogs who stray from the breed standard in a way that is detrimental to their health. Dog shows attract a great deal of public support in this country and are designed to celebrate and reward only those dogs that are healthy representatives of their breed and are of good temperament. We are determined to make sure that this is, and remains, so"

If you want to read the revised breed standards visit this Kennel Club page to see the affected species revisions. Course, this review has seriously wagged off some breeders. Take our British Bulldog. Over the years, they've increasingly suffered from skin and coat problems, cleft palettes,serious breathing disorders and joint problems. Under the new rules they're now to be bred with a sunken face and longer legs.The chairman of the British Bulldog Breed Council was quoted as saying "What you'll get is a completely different dog, not a British Bulldog"

Thank dog for that, is what I'm yapping back at him. Aren't you everybloggie? Paws crossed this is just the start.