ICECDogs publishes position statement on dog body shapes
Facial and body skin folds are among the extreme conformations the paper highlights.
The International Collaborative on Extreme Conformations in Dogs (ICECDogs) has published a position paper on reducing the negative impacts of unhealthy canine body shapes.
The statement, which draws on the concept of ‘innate health’ developed by researchers at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), is intended to help animal caregivers and the general public assess whether the body shape of a dog could cause it health and welfare issues.
‘Innate health’ refers to the capacity of a dog to enjoy life free from limitations linked to extreme conformations.
Regarding what makes for a healthy body, the paper states: ’no aspect of a dog’s conformation should restrict the dog from engaging fully in activities that are evolutionarily and biologically normal for the species and are necessary for good mental and physical health of the species including interactions with people, other animals, and their environment.’
To promote dogs with healthy body shapes, ICECDogs is calling on everyone concerned about dog welfare not to promote, breed, sell, or acquire dogs with extreme conformations.
The paper identifies examples of extreme conformation that would-be dog owners should avoid, including: brachycephaly, large and protruding eyes, facial or body skin folds, shortened and twisted legs, and a disproportionately broad head and shoulders.
An international collaboration of animal welfare organisations, members of ICECDogs include the New Zealand Veterinary Association, Veterinary Ireland, the Danish Brachycephalic Working Group, and the UK Brachycephalic Working Group.
Dan O’Neill, associate professor for companion animal epidemiology at the RVC and co-founding ICECDogs member, said: “No owner ever wants an unhealthy dog, but the huge popularity of dogs with extreme conformations suggests that many owners have not fully grasped the link between body shape and quality of life for dogs.
“The new ICECDogs position on innate health helps owners understand that extreme conformations are not natural, normal, healthy or desirable for dogs. Innately healthy body shapes can now become a new normal for dogs that we can all celebrate.”
The position statement, “Reducing the Negative Impacts of Extreme Conformations on Dog Health and Welfare”, can be read in full on the ICECDogs website.
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