Crufts BOB veterinary checks stop six
Veterinary checks of Best of Breed winners at this year's Crufts have resulted in six BOB winners being barred from being represented in judging. The dogs in question were a Bassett Hound, a Bulldog, a Clumber Spaniel, a Mastiff, a Neopolian Mastiff and a Pekingese.
All six were on a watch list of fifteen breeds identified as being vulnerable to health problems due to having been bred for exaggerated characteristics. The Kennel Club put checks in place for these breeds to determine that they were not experiencing a threat to their welfare due to breathing problems, eye conditions or similar issues. The highlighted breeds were Basset Hounds, Bloodhounds, Bulldogs, Chinese Cresteds, Chow Chows, Clumber Spaniels, Dogue de Bordeaux, French Bulldogs, German Sherpherd Dogs, Mastiffs, Neapolitan Mastiffs, Pekingeses, Pugs, Shar Peis and St. Bernards.
Commenting, President of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) Carl Pagdett said “Breeding dogs with exaggerated features must be tackled robustly. The veterinary checks are sending out a strong message that dogs with health problems will not win in the show ring, and only visibly healthy dogs will be rewarded. Dog showing can be a force for good for dog breeding and education but the veterinary checks on the first two groups at Crufts have highlighted the health problems that all too often affect man’s best friend. We hope this strong action by the Kennel Club will be a wake-up call to those breeders and judges that still need to embrace the message that health should always be at the top of the agenda."
Image: www.dogbreedinfo.com
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
