Crufts Controversy

It's that time of year again, it's Crufts! 

But this year, more than ever it feels, there is an underlying murmur of changes to come and clashing opinions in the air...

What should be a great opportunity for dog lovers, breeders, showers, experts and general enthusiasts to gather and share their love of all things canine, has become a massive bone of discontentment amongst those in the know...

But who is really at fault here?

Most people with any interest in dogs (breeds aside), will know that due to extreme selective breeding, often employed by less scrupulous breeders trying to produce the 'perfect' breed example, there have been many physical (and behavioural) issues, that could have been so easily avoided or at least minimised, if the temprement and health of the resulting litters, had been the key focus.

However, a lot of blame has been put on the KC and Crufts organisers/showers alike for having strict 'Breed Standards', but few can or would deny a lot of the issue can be traced back to both ill educated/back yard breeders trying to meet these standards in an often cruel, uncaring and unhealthy way and of course, the general public, a case of supply and demand.
The blame that lies with the general public is mostly due to a lack of education and down to ignorance about the magnitude of the issue.
The problem is less about the standard, more about how the standard is met.

Now however the RSPCA has really taken a stand and is trying to make the issue clear and known to all, by it's very public refusal to attend this years Crufts.

Although some may say it's coming across as a little too harsh, needs must and hopefully it, coupled with efforts from other charities and the KC themselves, will draw enough attention to get this issue on it's way to being resolved, which is long overdue, despite previous attempts to rectify it.
(Last year was also particularly notable, several shows surrounded the airing of Crufts highlighting the issue. It was touched upon in a memorable show called 'Good dog, Bad dog'.)

For the RSPCA's statement regarding what and why, click here!

(Especially shocking for me was in the above statement, a study showed that only 26% of dog owners researched illnesses that affect their chosen breed, before purchasing a pup. I'm very proud to be firmly in the 26% who did do their research and I'm proud to constantly continue improving my knowledge of my breed!)

To learn more about what the Kennel Club are doing towards 'Breeding for the future', go here!

For fact sheets released by 'Get Puppy Smart' (RSPCA), regarding Exaggerated Features click here and Inherited Diseases click here.

To learn more about Inherited Diseases, please visit the following sites and learn more about the health of your breed;
Canine Inherited Disorders Database/CIDD // Hip Dysplasia Scores - breed list // Inherited Diseases in Dogs/IDID

I hope the information I've provided is helpful, many thanks to the KC, RSPCA and Get Puppy Smart for the links and figures.

Here's to a better future for our canine companions and also to enjoying Crufts, with happy, healthy, beautiful winners!

Crufts is being aired 7pm - 9pm Thursday - Sunday on More4.
There are live shows available at http://www.dfscrufts.tv/
Live commentaries and discussions on Crufts FM (87.7FM)