BBC film on problems of pedigree dogs - are dog shows freak shows?

Hi everyone, just to let you all know that I have been in touch with passionate productions who made pedigree dogs exposed and told them that i was upset that so many people thought that zak had "no quality of life" and jemima emailed me today and apologised for not making the point that zak only had his fits every month, but she did say that she will put this fact into the international version of the documentary in her voiceover. jo

Thank you to JoJoScorpio for taking the time and effort to come on here and put across the truth and reality about Zak´s condition,which the programme made out to be far worse and with no quality of life.........I´m glad that he is doing well and has such a dedicated family,who love him dearly and who help to keep his condition under control.....that is good to hear!.

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I´ve read the response Madelaine. The trouble with documentaries is that the Producer puts the angle on the programme that he wants. Few documentary makers are interested in hearing both sides of the story. All they want is good viewing figures and sometimes giving a balanced view isnt considered interesting, or controversial, enough.

It may interest some that the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Great Britian has written a response to the BBC Pedigree Dogs programme. Go to www.rhodesianridgebacks.org and find the text on the front page. My response is: I have done some research myself on the subject of Dermoid Sinus (called Spina Bifida in the programme) in relation to the Ridge on this breed. There is no direct link. There are indeed other dogs who suffer from this disease not just RR´s. The way the Club has described the disease on their website is correct. However, having said all of that, they do still recommend destruction of dogs born without a ridge. This is NOT a defect in the dogs, it is an aesthetic preference. The dogs can still do their job exactly the same with or without a ridge - unlike the ´bull baiting´ bulldog - most of whom couldnt lift their lef to pee let alone bait a bull. I am very tempted to find a couple of (completely unrelated) Ridgeless puppies and breed from them (that coming from a RR owner!) - wouldnt they be lovely?

Thanks for your comments, yes a few people have said that the programme should have explained that zak only had his fits once a month as i have read and heard comments that i should have zak put to sleep, and as a result an article has appeared in my local newspaper quoting my reaction to the programme and i explained that zak will not be put down and that i pay £200.00 a month for his keppra and meds from his vets to keep his condition under control.

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Point taken jojoscorpio re Zak & his fits. The way the programme came across, it looked as though he was fitting constantly not once a month.
Animals with health issues are a difficult subject because we, as their owners, have to assess the QUALITY of their lives. Obviously, Zak is a very happy dog and blissfully unaware of his condition.

Ah jojoscorpio, great to hear that fits are no longer as violent, I have a friend who´s Lab has fits, I have never seen it happen but from what she tells me its very draining for them both, and her dogs is very healthy appart from that, she is very fit and energetic, I wouldnt believe for a moment that you would have taken your Zak off his medication to make that fit worse for the programme, shame on them for suggesting that. Good luck with Zak.

Description Hi I am the owner of Zak, he appeared in the programme PEDIGREE DOGS EXPOSED, in answer to ROSIE R Zak has a very comfortable life, he is adored by myself and everyone who knows him, Zak has a fit every month, normally between 26 and 31 days, he has cluster fits so he can have anywhere between 3 and 7 fits in one go, sometimes more and sometimes less, for the rest of the month he is a very happy dog, so why should i put him to sleep? he does not know what ishappening to him when he has a fit, all he knows is that when he comes out of it, he is being loved and cared for, and yes he is a result of inbreeding ! when i checked his pedigree i noticed that his grandparents on both the sire and dam were the same, and the only reason i agreed to let people see Zak when he is having a fit is because people should know about inbreeding, i consulted clare rusbridge (consultant in the programme) because my vet could go no further with Zaks medication, so i needed a neurolagist to find out what he needed to help him. and he is now on keppra which is a human drug, and im pleased to say that his fits are no longer as violent as before, but still every month. oh and something of interest re the kennel club, the producer of the show gemima says that "someone from the kennel club reckons that "I took Zak off his medication to make his fits look worse than they actually were" my answer to that is my dog is worth more than that !! if i took Zak off his meds the footage would have been unimaginable! so much for the kennel club!

Mmm Vena I agree there the older Bulldog does look much better and definately healthy you can imagine that one doing its job. I have also sat an thought if the Bulldog could be changed eventually to the old original, certainly wouldnt be a bad thing, looking at them I cant understand why anyone would have wanted to change their look in the first place.

l think the OLD Bulldog looked much better than the present day ones, and obviously more healthy looked like he could do the job they were bred for,not sure but somehow to get back not only would it take years but i believe they would have to OUTCROSS to something, but it can be done.

I have too admit Liz....this has been kind of going through my mind too since I saw the programme....WHY can´t certain breeds be helped to reform back to their original features or at least as near to as possible ?????,as in the case of the British Bulldog for example ????.
I can imagine that it would cause an outcry amongst many..and would take a while to re-establish but surely isn´t that a step in the right direction ????????.

Im a bit ignorant about breeding dogs I only see the end result but can the damage that has been done be changed could a breed like a bulldog revert back to what it should be hope I explained this ok I know what i mean but quite difficult to explain Thanks Liz.

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Well said Emily. It´s good to get a young persons view on this story.

I was terrified that people put their dogs to stud when they new that their dog is in pain. like that lady who bred her dog so many times.I also feel sorry who bought a dog like a caliver k.c looking forward to a lovely new pup but then find out that they are ill.Thease people should be ashamed of themselfs putting dogs in danger.

This isnt an emergency so take your time and suggest some calm and constructive queries for Caroline.

I have so many things going round in my head I dont know what to ask, I have deleted my Qs umpteen times, now Im stuck for words.
I will come back later.

There are so many questions need answering, but id like to know what Immediate ACTION they will be taking. !!!

How did the KC view those dogs in the Show ring (on the BBC prog),that were either unhealthy or clearly conformationally unsound YET deemed by the judges as normal AND WORSE.....Acceptable ???????.
Isn´t that going against what the KC supposedly does not agree with or allow in the judges at such show´s ?????????.

And going on what Vena said below about the Accredited Breeder´s Scheme....it´s a farce and need´s a MAJOR overhaul,to be promoted as worthwhile and valid,I would say...what is their opinion on that ??????????????.

Caroline Kisko, Secretary of the Kennel Club, wants to do an interview for PetStreet. Please let me have any questions you´d like me to ask her.

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So potentially then, someone like ME could sign up to the ABS & I dont even have a dog let alone breed any.... What a total farce but what a very clever way for the KC to generate income......................

I´ve watched it. I think it was a disgrace, where wer all the questions they were going to be answering, I think the answers they gave dragged on so they wouldnt have to answer as many, probably cause they are in to deep.

Did you click on the Ed´s direct link below Karen ?????.......it´s working still OK for me as I´ve just tried it again just now!!.

I couldn´t get the page to load. Had it for a few minutes, and then it all shut down. Really wanted to watch that, so bloomin´ annoyed :-(

Apologies for duplicate wording....I´ve Sing sat on my lap or fidgeting more like and it´s almost impossible to type (LOL).

I think you´ve summed this up to the tee Vena,going by what i´ve just read in your very informative article below....and I think this also demonstrates what I meant in my last sentence sentence in my comment..about there are still so much that need´s answer´s too and how much still doesn´t add up.
It´s all very very worrying indeed and it´s fast becoming a total head spinner!!.

The Accredited Breeder Scheme (ABS) was set up to enable potential dog owners to ´buy with confidence´ from Kennel Club approved breeders. By being a Kennel Club approved breeder, one would naturally assume that you´d need to be experienced, have a proven track record for producing healthy dogs of good temperament and at the very least, to be responsible enough to perform all health tests relevant to your breed of choice.
The scheme´s good intentions are one thing, but dig deeper and we find there are some rather worrying issues when it comes to assessing the robustness of the standards required to be accepted onto the scheme.
To be a member of the Kennel Club Accredited Breeder Scheme (ABS), you don´t even need to have bred a dog at all. You just need to sign up to the scheme, which you can do via the Kennel Club´s website, pay your fee and hope that you´re never suspected of doing anything dodgy.
The ABS was set up in 2004 and has been steadily gathering momentum and members. The emphasis appears to be on recruiting new members, which the Kennel Club claims meets their aims of promoting responsible breeding to as many people as possible. The Kennel Club claims that since the inception of the ABS there is now a benchmark for new dog owners to judge good breeders. Whilst this appears to be a claim that only breeders of high repute are included in the scheme, that is not true.
It is remarkably easy to become an accredited breeder, and this is deliberate. The Kennel Club encourage and defend this ease of accessibility to ensure that nobody is excluded from benefiting from the scheme, but the reality is that the Kennel Club would simply benefit from more people joining the scheme.K9 magazine
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Example, the KC states in GSD that the hip scores should be no more than 19 TOTAL for BOTH hips,BUT you can breed with a score up to 30, (this comes under ´´A,B.S) also the K.C do not follow up the breeders who have to pay for this scheme.
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As for judges not placing unsound dogs ect: that went by the way many years ago, the show scene is very corrupt and political nowadays,´´ You scratch my back Ill scratch yours,´´You place my dog ill see you get a judging appoinyment etc: ect:gone are the days when it was fun and fair.

I´ve just watched it too......and I have to be honest that I don´t really know what to say...the KC seemed to have a sensible answer to everything asked on the Show....but there were so MANY more unanswered questions and there are still so many loose ends.

Why can´t the KC insis that all puppy registrations are allowed ONLY if the breeder is part of their Accredited Breeder´s Scheme and WHY can´t the KC insist,that ALL exhibited dogs must have veterinary proof that they are both healthy and conformationally sound BEFORE being allowed to be shown let alone bred from ?????.

I would have liked to have known what they..both Caroline and Jeff,thought of the two dogs (the Cavelier and the GSD) winning in the Show rings,that were clearly NOT healthy nor conformationally sound and featured in the programme...do they see that as acceptable ??? and is it any wonder that people´s perceptions of what they watched and how they regard the KC,are so muddled and outraged.

They mentioned the Animal Welfare Act..BUT where is that applied to many breeders using the KC as a registry for their pups BUT not on the Accredited Breeders Scheme and clearly against what the KC do not allow ????...also what about the Judge´s ??.....they are not supposed to place dogs if they consider them unhealthy or conformationally unsound,but that is also another loophole that need´s addressing.

It was an interesting interview to say the least...but there is still so much that need´s answer´s too and doesn´t quite add up.

i couldn´t even get the page to load

Just watched the footage on the Petcare Site, follow the link the Ed gave.
What a wash-over by the KC im disgusted.

that thought did cross my mind. would definately like to see the webchat though.

Dear Maurice

Unfortunately so many people tried to watch the webchat that the system was overloaded. As we were using an external site to host the chat, this was sadly out of our control. Even here in the office we had to gather around one or two computers to watch it.

Fortunately we will be putting the whole thing on our own website shortly so please check back there in a day or so.

Regards
The Kennel Club Press Office

I´m intrigued to find out and will wait with eager anticipation as to the reason why,no one could get involved ???.

I have asked the Webchat company and the Kennel Club press office what happened - hopefully i will get a reply.

I put in a couple of questions earlier, they seem to have been ignored too, but very annoying, not being able to get on there at 12.

I couldnt get on either - what a disappointment! And I put in two questions!

Most bizarre.........I can get it back now,but nothing come´s up on the subject matter itself ????.
How frustrating !!!!.

According to my GSD site, half of them couldn´t get on either, some that did, there questions were ignored.!!!

I got on it at 11.30 (I was making sure I knew what I was doing before 12) then spot on 12 I went back on and for a good half hour got a blank page, until now I have just tried again, and the page has come on. rather puzzling.

Aggghhhhh..........we (Vena and I) couldn´t get in,despite also trying through the KC´s own website !!!...it kept coming up as web page couldn´t be found!.....it was there when I checked before 12.30..what´s happened to the Live Chat thingy ??????.

I got that e-mail and I have asked Caroline Kisko a question. Its about my idea (mentioned above) that breeders who knowingly sell puppies that will develop diseases in later life (like those mentioned in the film), are committing an illegal act under the Sale of Goods act and can be sued. If this idea was viable, breeders might be a lot more careful. The programme mentioned by Karen and Debbie is at Noon today (Wednesday). http://www.webchats.tv/chats/Petcare/wwwthekennelcluborguk/

I got one, and pressed on a link, and this came up
http://www.webchats.tv/chats/Petcare/wwwthekennelcluborguk/

Just curios as to wether anyone else has had an email asking them to Join Caroline Kisko and Dr Jeff Sampson from the Kennel Club as they answer your questions and dispel concerns over pedigree dog breeding in a LIVE web chat tomorrow at 12 noon, its come about over the programme shown, I havent a clue how to get on the live chat but will certainly give it a go.


Chat date: 27th August
Chat time: 12.00pm

Hi Karen I didnt think you were being funny Im talking from personal experience like you I thought they would help the animals in distress but they let them down not everyone feels the same as me there are some good stories as well.Best wishes Liz.

Hi Lliz & Vena,

I do hope you didn´t think I was being ´funny´, asking about the RSPCA, as I was just curious as to why. I now know why. Totally understand where you are coming from. Didn´t know that was going on. I am disgusted at this, as I thought they were there to help.

Thank you to you both for replying to my question, and opening my eyes.

Karen

Hi Karen I fogot to mention spca did once do something for me I got my lovely wee Tammy from them 10 years ago.

Hi Karen I live in Edinburgh not in the best area and animal abuse is pretty rife here I am very aware of people around me with pets and have several times called on the spca as it is now to help animals who are abused and neglected.I coulld mention several cases when I called for there help and was fobbed off but Ill mention just two one house I lived in overlooking the forth estuary I watched the seals daily one day a seal was lying on the pontoon I could see he was badly injured he was all ripped like he got caught in a boats propeller he was obviously distressed I called spca and asked them to come and help they gave me a lot of reasons why they couldnt do anything including it would be to difficult to get a boat and blah blah they wouldnt even come to my house to take a look I was fuming anyway nothing was done for the seal and there was a few witnesses to this so the poor beast must have died a horrible death when he could have been dealt with humanely.One of the witnesses held a high position with friends of the earth and he was going to complain strongly to spca.Another case was over the way from me two racing greyhounds locked up all day in a small garden shed they howled constantly and everyone was fed up with it more for the dogs welfare than the noise wee eventually got a visit and the result was by law as long as a dog has water and shelter theres nothing they can do what a lot of tosh Ive reported abandoned dogs in empty houses also an abused german shepherd left outside all day in all weather I could go on forever so I hope this answers your question Karen.

Hi Karen, to answer your question i suggest you go to the Politics ect: and Rspca Forum, go through it all, perhaps you will find your answer !!!

It is TOTALLY ACCEPTABLE for the general public to be alarmed and disgusted at the practice used by some pedigree dog breeders to use brother/sister, father/daughter or even grandfather/daughter for matings and to try and register the resulting puppies. It is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE for the KC to accept any such registrations and indeed, I feel certain that the general public would back a move for the KC to take some action against the breeder if such a registration was attempted. The BBC film gives us the impression that the KC is ´under the thumb´ of breeders and is not being strong enough to stand against cruel, and dangerous practices. Culling healthy Rhodesian Ridgebacks at birth because they don´t have a ridge and are viewed as having a (aesthetic) ´fault´ is barbaric. Culling a puppy RR because it has Dermoid Sinus is different. However, sometimes this extremely painful condition can be treated, a difficult operation and not always successful, but it can be done. If the successfully operated dog survives, and, because they carry this gene - they MUST be neutered. A complete and comprehensive health screening system should be put into place by the KC BEFORE any dog/bitch is registered, whether that animal is for breeding, showing or working. In this way tragic diseases like Syringomyelia, Hip Displaysia and Dermoid Sinus would be found before it can spread and hopefully be eradicated from the dog world.
Interestingly, in the world of the Wolf, inbreeding rarely takes place and then only in extreme circumstances, ie. loss of habitat where the gene pool has become stagnated and the pack reduced in numbers, an isolated pack where there are no incoming wolves from nearby packs or, captivity, where there are´nt enough breeding pairs. In each case, the wolf packs are reduced in number, the wolf itself becomes smaller in size, weaker, and susceptible to disease. The wolf packs main aim is to be able to survive as a pack, breed, hunt and live without illness or injury. What have we done to our dogs that compares with their extremely efficient and successful way of life? Not much it would seem.

Hi Lliz,

I do hope you don´t mind my asking, but have to ask, why you don´t have much time for the RSPCA?

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Hi missed the first episode but was so upset by the second one Its animal abuse at its worse I couldnt beleive that poor little spaniel writhing in pain and the arrogance of the breeders saying its ok to cull healthy pups because they dont have a ridgeback the snobbery and total single mindedness of some of these people surprised me and made me really angry I hope something is done soon about it.Also I dont have a lot of time for the rspca but I think the vet was very good at putting his case forward on their behalf.

Sorry my blog address seems to have got mixed in with my sign off
http://coldwetnose.blogspot.com/

Sorry to be slow commenting here, I was interviewed for this moving and disturbing documentary and like many of you here have been unable to get the imagery out of my head. I write a regular blog and quite a number of people have been brain storming as to the way forward. Please if you get a chance have a look at the blog as some of the suggestions coming out of it are excellent. Plus, the latest blog gives an amazing insight into the figures the Kennel Club used to try to discredit the documentary and its foundations in proper scientific research. Do pop by and leave your feedback. http://coldwetnose.blogspot.com/
Best wishes
Beverley Cuddy, Editor, Dogs Today

Thankyou Vena for your comments. I thought it was unusual at the time to receive the pedigree but there it was and the reason for rejection was on a form that the previous owners had signed , too big for breed and they had had him for 9 months, how sad is that!!! Unfortunately he died but not from a brain disease but a hip problem and kidney failure. Very sad!! Things are coming out now that people never dared voice about certain organisations, we just trusted what we were told in the past. paula a,h, has a point about not letting our hearts rule our heads. Looked at Karens long comment, yes we have to have trust in someone is the KC up to the job???? Vena´s Ryan Omeara IS definitely on the ball!!

I feel that many of the issues surrounding pedigree dogs could also apply to pedigree cats. I lost a 12 year old Burmese to diabetes 6 years ago and was told at the time that Burmese have become 3 times more likely to develop diabetes than all other cats. Meanwhile I know people who own other pedigrees who have been told that their breeds have genetic predisposition to heart disease (Russian Blues), lymphosarcoma (Orientals) and Persian cats suffer a variety of eye problems including progressive retinal atrophy.

This is what the Kennel Club had to say about the programme.


Kennel Club hits back at BBC Dog Documentary
The Kennel Club feels that the programme, Pedigree Dogs Exposed (BBC1 19 August) missed a real opportunity to progress the cause of dog health. It appeared to have a very specific agenda repeating prejudices, providing no context for the debate, and failing to put forward any constructive proposals. It left viewers with the mistaken impression that all pedigree dogs are riddled with a wide range of health problems and that the dog community is doing little or nothing to improve the situation. This is patently not true.

Whilst the Kennel Club was shocked by the dramatic imagery used in the programme, and accepts some of the important issues raised. What it does not accept is that these problems apply widely across the 200 plus breeds in the UK. Pedigree Dogs Exposed also failed to show the real progress being made by both the Kennel Club and responsible breeders in improving dog health or to recognise that 90 percent of dogs will not suffer from health problems that have a detrimental impact on the quality of life.

More than that, the programme drew upon a new study on dog genetics by Imperial College to underline its criticisms of dog breeding, without acknowledging the fact this study was entirely enabled by the Kennel Club as part of its commitment to health research. This research will now provide the Kennel Club with a valuable scientific platform to enlist the support of breeders in tackling key health problems where they occur.

Commenting, Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club spokesperson, said: “in reality the gap between some of the views expressed on the programme and those held by both the Kennel Club and most responsible breeders is very small. Over the last 20 years we have been working to develop tests and health screening schemes to identify and eradicate problems, many of which are historic. One example of this is the elimination of canine leucocyte adhesion deficiency (CLAD) in Irish Setters, that caused early death in puppies which was eradicated through the concerted efforts of both the Kennel Club and Irish Setter breeders.

“However, it is important to put this into context. The Kennel Club has no legal standing, unlike some similar bodies in other countries. We have to work on these issues through partnership and persuasion – not coercion. The danger of introducing draconian measures is that some breeders could choose to operate outside the Kennel Club’s jurisdiction; with absolutely no controls. That cannot be the best way forward.

“The programme also made some sweeping, and far from accurate assertions. The Kennel Club refutes that it would put ‘looks’ above the health of pedigree dogs, in fact we actively discourage the exaggeration of features in any breed. The standards have been, and will continue to be amended when necessary to ensure the breeding of healthy, well conformed dogs. Dog show judges are also educated to judge to those standards ensuring that dogs with obvious problems that could affect their quality of life do not win, and that the rewards go to fit, healthy dogs. All of this of course is dependent on the responsibility of breeders and owners – and this is where our efforts must be concentrated.”

“We can state categorically that the majority of pedigree dogs in the UK are healthy. We increasingly have in place checks to monitor health issues going forward. In those few breeds where there are problems, including those highlighted in the programme, we have been and will continue to work with breeders to improve long term health through the development of tests and screening programmes.”

Kennel Club health initiatives include: funding research to identify problems and develop efficient screening for health, such as eye testing and hip scoring; the introduction of the Accredited Breeder Scheme, to act as a ‘kite mark’ for responsible breeders; and most recently the launch of a major campaign which seeks further to promote health improvements across breeds - ‘Fit for function – fit for life’. This, in conjunction with breed clubs, focuses on tackling unnecessary exaggeration in some breeds, whether that is of coat, weight, skin, angulation, eye formation or shortness of muzzle. All dogs should be fit for function, even if that function is to be a pet - all dogs should be able to see, breath and walk freely.

“By their lack of context, programmes such as Pedigree Dogs Exposed, far from helping the situation run the risk of damaging the work already being done. This work will not be carried out by TV production companies – but by the hard work of the Kennel Club and the country’s responsible breeders.” said Caroline Kisko.

In summary, health issues are of primary concern to the Kennel Club but changes cannot be made overnight. We are working proactively with breeders to make these changes – but we are dealing with the legacy of 100 years. What we need is the support of experts such as those featured in the programme, not their condemnation – support which we have indeed received from a number of respected bodies such as The Animal Health Trust, The Blue Cross and the British Veterinary Association.

Ends

Editors notes:

The Kennel Club’s efforts concentrate primarily on heritable diseases because these are the ones that pass from generation to generation and have the potential to impact on a breed’s disease burden, generally. Non-heritable conditions affect the individual dog, but have little, if any, impact on the breed moving forward.

The KC has deliberately chosen to work with dog breeders and encourages and educates them on their responsibilities to screen their potential breeding stock with all available health screening programmes for heritable conditions that affect their breed, rather than to mandate that such tests should be undertaken. The KC is also very involved in sponsoring new research that will increase the number of screening programmes for heritable conditions.

The reason that this approach has been adopted is because registration of dogs with the Kennel Club is a voluntary activity, but, at the moment, we actually register the vast majority of the pure bred dogs in the UK. This means that we know how to contact most people that are breeding pure bred dogs and inform them of their responsibilities. We are cautious of becoming overly prescriptive in what we expect so we do not drive people away from the KC registration system. It would be naïve to expect that this would stop breeders from breeding, but it could significantly reduce the impact of the KC’s message, by drastically reducing the numbers of breeders with which we have contact, which would be of little benefit to breeds generally.

This is only a small part of the work the Kennel Club does in improving the health and welfare of pedigree dogs. It is a sad fact that there will always be dogs in need of further care and attention and we hope that through continued work and research, and contributions from the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, we can continue to make a real difference to the health of these dogs.

very intersting ||

What an excellent and informative article....I shall certainly look further into what Ryan O´Meara suggest´s below at the end of his article..GREAT POST Vena!!!.

Pedigree Dogs Exposed
Posted By Ryan O´Meara Date: 21/08 Posted Under: Animal Welfare, Canine Columns, Dog Health, Pet Health
We Need a Change, We Need it Now and YOU Can Make it Happen
Following the broadcast of the documentary Pedigree Dogs Exposed, the distressing footage of dogs writhing in agony as a result of bad breeding, congenital disease and outdated ideals of what dogs are supposed to look like the nation collectively recoiled in horror.
We absolutely can not and must not stand back and allow it to continue.Man’s best friend has been and is continuing to be exploited, mutilated and routinely abused in the name of breed standards and aesthetic trivialities.True dog lovers have been appalled at the content of Pedigree Dogs Exposed but even more upsetting, many of us who have been in or around the organised canine world for any length time were not in the slightest bit surprised by what we witnessed in this programme.Abnormal is now accepted as normal. For some dogs the ability to breathe, cool down, hear, walk properly and function as normal, happy, healthy dogs is impossible. The previously held notion that ‘KC Registered’ was a stamp of quality has been exposed as a complete fallacy. When corruption and health defects have made their way all the way to the pinnacle of the dog show world, Crufts, we have to accept that KC registration is simply a slip of paper, the credibility of which has been undermined irreparably. Many dog breeds are in a perilous position, from which they will never recover if existing practices are allowed to continue. And continue they most certainly will be if the reaction of the Kennel Club is anything to go by. There is an obvious vacuum at the top within the organisation. Kennel Club chairman Ronnie Irvine insisted on Pedigree Dogs Exposed that the Kennel Club could outlaw first generation inbreeding only for the Kennel Club’s secretary to claim via the media that they could not effect this change. If the chairman and secretary are on a different wavelength over such a fundamental and controversial Kennel Club rule, what hope for the future?
The Kennel Club has officiated over the world of pedigree dogs for more than a century. They are not a new organisation. The state of Kennel Club registered pedigree dogs is not an issue they can wash their hands of by passing the buck to the uncaring breeders who are actively operating outside the parameters of what normal people would consider to be good breeding practice, yet they still manage to get their registration certificates stamped, approved and therefore endorsed by the Kennel Club.
The Kennel Club’s reasoning for not ‘getting tougher’ on these rogue breeders is ‘because it will drive them away’. This would be highly amusing, were it not so abjectly pathetic. Why would the Kennel Club seek to keep these sub-par breeders under its wing when any right minded person knows full well that the Kennel Club has singularly failed to exert ANY influence over them in the first place? It is a laughable excuse and reasoning which beggars belief.
On the issue of first generation inbreeding (father to daughter / brother to sister) many other countries have banned this yet and for good reason however, the UK - a nation of animal lovers, hasn’t. Why not?
The mess that dogs are in is not entirely the fault of the Kennel Club, they are but a mere breed registry, they are not the people producing the dogs. however the Kennel Club have ratified the breed standards, agreed the breed club charters and they have taken the money for the registrations. When the KC puts its famous logo on a registration document they simply cannot walk away from their responsibility to that animal or the fact that the public does (or at least did) place its trust in the system of KC registrations. Bad breeding practices have been tacitly endorsed by the Kennel Club for more than 100 years.
So what are we to do? What is the alternative?Thankfully, there IS an alternative. The European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals has been signed and ratified by the following countries:Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Sweden and Switzerland.The United Kingdom is conspicuous by its absence from this agreement. Why is that?
The Kennel Club holds the strong view that UK dogs are better off under ’self regulation’. What they actually mean by ’self regulation’ is to keep the status quo, i.e Kennel Club regulation. The Kennel Club believes that it is best placed to ‘fix’ the problems affecting dogs today. The fact that they have presided over more than 100 years of pedigree dog regulation and we have reached the mess we are in today, seems to be lost on them.
The Kennel Club does not want the UK to sign the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals.
I, as a passionate dog owner, a dog lover over and above dog magazine editor, pet publisher, dog trainer or any other professional connection with canines, I desperately want the UK to sign and ratify the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals without delay.I’m not alone.The European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals is supported by many people who have spoken out about horrendous breeding practices in the pedigree dog world. The UK is doing a massive disservice to its dogs by not being a part of this.
The Kennel Club cites its Accredited Breeder Scheme as an alternative to the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals. If you are in any doubt as to how toothless and equally open to abuse the Accredited Breeder Scheme is, please take the time to read this.
So if you, like me and many others like me genuinely want a change to take place, genuinely want the governance of dogs to be given teeth, genuinely want to be a catalyst for change in relation to canine health and standards of dog breeding, please support the Pet Owners Parliament motion for the UK to sign and ratify the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals.
Dogs will thank you for it now and for centuries to come.
To have your voice heard click here.
Go to K9 magazine.

Hi Rosie, the dog showing scene is now very much money/ego orientated, You don´t get much money in for prizes, but if you have a TOP winning male (stud fees can go up to £1,000 or more, a top winning bitch, puppy prices are the same.
the majority of breeders sole aim is to Qualify for CRUFTS, the ultimate aim to win it, it can cost thousands travelling the breadth of the country to qualify,(fuel-entry fees and a Professional Handler if required,dogs are also imported from all over the world, so price of this has to be met.
Some years ago we showed our Ferrets for fun, as we mainly went to help the rescue, and have a fun day out, but that also has become a bit tainted, people trying to breed for diff colors ect: no money involved but egos and win at all cost took over, shame really

Like i said i was appauled at how some breeders and the KC seem to coluded to the detriment of their breeds.
However i do know some excellent breeders , those that do test ALL the dogs , and put more than money can cover into them, so it´s not fair to tar all with the same brush.
But that said, we as owners , future breeders can make a stand if we all contact the KC, and our breed clubs. they can´t ignore everyone.
I sincerely hope that albeit a violent shove , something will be done to start the ball rolling for the better.

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This programme has certainly stirred up some strong feelings.
I did watch it all the way through hoping to see some positive resolutions but was disappointed.

Certain parts of the programme made me feel very uneasy indeed:-
1) the opening sequence with the CKCS and its obvious pain and distress.. WHY is that poor little dog still alive? His condition was described as excruciatingly painful so what is the owner playing at keeping him alive??

2) it was said that 3/4 of the 7million dogs in the UK are pedigree. Really?!! That leaves only 1,750,000 that are pooches (not necessarily mongrels). If you then take off the number in re-homing centres, it would leave comparatively few ´ordinary´ dogs being kept as pets up & down the land. I find this extraordinary as, with this figure, I would expect to see the majority of dogs out & about as pedigree where in fact it´s the other way around.

3) I didnt really get my head around the ´breed standard´ bit as I´m sure the KC doesnt advocate breeding GSD´s with deformed & weak back legs. The dogs in the ring looked weird with their ´rolling elbows´. Is this how some breeders ´interpret´ the standards rather than what is actually written?

4) Breeding certain dogs with faces so squashed that they can barely breathe is beyond sanity? And the boxers with epilepsy? What quality of life is there for these animals??

I shall now throw another angle into this debate:-
The KC & KC Shows & Pedigree Dogs generate £millions. Some pedigree dogs sell for more than my car is worth....
Soooo, does this all come down to money at the end of the day? An obsession with winning at all costs??

The hamster world, yes hamsters(!) has a governing body - the National Hamster Council and all affiliated clubs are obliged to follow its Constitution and all breeders/exhibitors its Code of Practice.
The welfare of the hamsters is the most important part of breeding/exhibiting at all times. There are judging & breed standards too. It is all very organised and very professionally done but there is one major difference - no money is involved.
The NHC has no paid employees, there is no prize money (only trophies) and all shows are organised & manned by members (unpaid). We dont see ´deformed´ hamsters on the show bench or ones with such genetic abnormalities that their life span is shortened. We see good, healthy, happy animals.
Some commercial breeders (who supply pet shops) have imported Dwarf hamsters from abroad & crossbred 2 species - Winter Whites & Campbells to produce new colours. This causes no end of physical & neurological problems.
The National Hamster Council does not recognise the new colours and they are not allowed to be shown because we feel that the species should be kept separate & pure, not hybridised.


So my question; IS money the root of all evil? Is this what drives some of the dog breeders to such extraordinary lengths to achieve ´perfection´ and win at all costs? Are their egos so inflated that losing isnt an option??

It would be interesting to see whether this apparent ruthlessness extends to other animals/organisations/breeding & showing where large sums of money are involved.

Sorry posted a blank. I realised that some dogs were bred for their looks and that they were inbred for ´perfection´, I just never realised how bad the situation was. I´ve always owned ´mongrels´ till we got Tiny. The KC really needs to look at what it is doing, especially as they are promoting this by accepting them into the KC. How many breeds are left that are still ´pure breed´, not many if any at all.
I find it disgusting that humans have so little regard for the health and wellbeing of the animals. As a race, would we consider it - the perfect human - no. We´d think it an abomination.

I could not watch it after 10 minutes of trying
yet again human stupidity reigns supreme
if for a moment anyone is under the ilusion that humans can more than MOTHER NATURE
think again.... when you grow up by the sea you know how insignificant you are to nature and how respectfull you should be ....
for those who lost their hearts and allow this patethic stuff to go on without coming to the aid of our fellow creatures well
......
my condolences ...

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CAWC - Companion Animal Welfare Council is the organisation to lobby. The Chairman is Lord Soulsby of Swaffham Prior.
from their website:-

<<< future. If you have any comments regarding companion animal welfare issues we would be delighted to hear from you. >>>
Website is http://www.cawc.org.uk/

I found the little CKCS writhing in agony on the floor absolutely appalling. To knowingly use a dog at stud that carries/or has this complaint is nothing short of scandalous. I always hoped one day to own a CKCS but how could I now knowing what I do about the breed. It is so sad.
I don´t think it is fair to tarnish all breeders the same. There are breeders who do genuinely care about what they are doing. I feel it was good to see it highlighted on national TV that healthy baby animals are culled/killed because they are the wrong colour. I own Boxers and have done for nearly 30 years. My eldest came from rescue. Our youngest two are white and came from a caring breeder who believes that the "white puppies have as much right to life as their coloured brothers and sisters". He offers lifelong advice and support and if for some reason the owner can no longer keep the dog, no matter the age, he will take them back and that includes the Whites.
How often have I had the comment made to me "Oh, I didn’t know you could get white Boxers" or "I´d rather have a proper Boxer, you know, a coloured one". How ironic when you go back to the first beginnings of the Boxer in Germany when the first Boxer was white. It is ethically and morally wrong to cull/kill puppies that are healthy. If people want to breed dogs they should take responsibility for those puppies that do not "conform" to standards, not take the easy way out and get rid of them as easily as they would cast away an old handbag. At the end of the day up until now once these poor puppies are sold with their hereditary/genetic faults, these not so good breeders take no further responsibility. All the heartbreak and financial costs fall on the owner.
How ironic that the Ridgeback puppies that they let live are puppies with what is akin to a medical condition known as spina bifida. Where is the soundness in that?
I thought the programme was factual and that if it shocked people, it was meant to and that these issues which have been kept behind closed doors are finally out in the open. Surely that is no bad thing? I believe if it makes anyone change their attitude or standards then it was well worth showing.
My own feeling is that the breed clubs need to get together with the KC to discuss how the standards could be improved to make things better for future generations of pure bred dogs.

not all KC accredited breeders are good - any breeder can sign up for the scheme the KC dont even do any checks i know a breeder who invited the KC to inspect her dogs and their living environment only to be told they dont do that ?!? breeding on genetic defects is terrible whether it be show breeders or byb´s - i have a non kc reg dog and she has a very bad inherited condition most probably knowingly bred on by her byb because they just wanted to make money out of her parents - unfortunatly there is good and bad in all pet and show breeders :(

Hi Carole,accredited/caring breeders have the papers of the Dam and sires health checks, which all prospective buyers should ask to see, if the breeder dosent have these walk away, i realise your mum´s is from a rescue center so it might be difficult to find out as most RC don´t normally give out pedigrees.

Can you tell by asking to see and looking at the dogs parents how healthy the pup will be. My mum had a Cavalier King Charles that she got from the dogs home. he had been taken there because he had grown too big for his breed.He was a pedigree complete with certificates. He was a lovely good natured dog . A big softie!! Do hope the KC reply to ED.

We have had pedegree dogs in the family since my mum was a small child. All german shepards/alsations and all but one has had to be put to sleep because their back legs have given out. The one that hasn´t is still pretty young but we already know he will have to be pts rather than die naturally because of his back legs. And they´ve all been the working dog types. Those show GSDs almost broke my heart! Can they actually live past the age of ten?

And showing and breeding dogs with known genetic diseases is just dispicable! I am so glad that I never ever went to an actual breeder, I never knew the reason for GSDs legs giving out, but now that I know it´s done on purpose I swear I would actually kill those inhumane sons of bitches. How anyone can do stuff like that to animals is beyond me!

This show had me in tears of anger, fustration and sorrow. I doubt anyone will ever be able to change the way pedegrees are. I don´t think there´s a single one who doesn´t carry the poor genes. And that´s the really sad part.

But does anyone else thing the breeds were much nicer in the 1800s? I know I do.

Crossposted
Write to Lord Rooker, Minister for Sustainable Food and Farming and Animal Health at Defra requesting the following:
- Changes in legislation to prevent inappropriate breeding practices
- Insistence on genetic screening of all breeding stock
- Review of breed standards with revisions where necessary to focus on health and well-being not appearance.

3. If you know a friend who wants a pedigree dog or you want one yourself, ensure you go to a Kennel Club accredited breeder but also ask questions about the genetic screening and condition of the breeding stock.

Contact information for Defra can be found here: http://www.defra.gov.uk/ask-defra/contacts/index.htm
Dogs Trust.

I´d like to see what the rep from the KC has to say if they reply to the ED.

I too have lost all respect for them.
A few american sites i looked at today seem to not give a crap about the programme and the show breeders on those forums had a many ridiculous arguments as to why pups are culled.

Guess them and us are quite different in our love of dogs.(well not all of them obviously)

Good Idea, why don´t we all write a letter each to the KC, or sign a huge petition . I know I´ve lost respect for the KC now and after that program so will most people

I think that it goes without saying,that we are not all suggesting that this affect´s ALL breeders of pedigree dogs,because it does not...they are very many excellent breeders out there,who wish to maintain high breed standards at all times for their specialised breed and who do everything for the love,health and benefit of their dogs and their dogs future generations......I wouldn´t hesitate to recommend some very good breeders of various breeds and know that everything they do is for their dogs and the right reasons.

But last night´s show demonstrated how some breed´s are sadly so unnatural and how they have been chiselled to suit people´s idea´s of a perfect specimen/standard for that breed,with such awful consequences and yet..many see nothing wrong with this,so long as they win and get a name for themselves.

My dogs are pedigree´s and always have been....I wouldn´t change them for the world for anything else but it´s essential that in the future,we all do intensive research and homework into our selected breeders,to try and make sure,that there are no hidden secrets or nasties behind the veil.

It is clear that the programme has touched many hearts and upset many people..and quite right too..it showed an absolute scandal that has been allowed to continue for far to long.....the KC have now a rather large bitter pill to swallow and this story isn´t going to die a death quickly...people will expect and demand changes and changes for the better,as quickly as possible...and I for one,welcome these much needed improvements.

Hi everyone I watched last night programme in pure horror! I feel so strongly now that the KC should be disbanded, these pure breeds are suffering and are so misshapen! The German Shepherd in particular was so noticeable at the show event how can anyone say these dogs are not suffering!
The little spaniel at the start of the programme who went through the operation, was scratching and in pain! I am and always have been a dog lover, my dad was a breeder in his younger days (Wheaten Terriers)
I have had dogs all my live my fav breed being the Labrador.
But I would not keep alive a dog that was in so much pain its quality of life was so poor, and I love my dog to bits!
The last few dogs I’ve had have been cross breeds and I have to say they’re much hardy an animal! My Amber is a cross between a lab an a damnation she is the most beautiful dog in the world.
Everyone should email or write to the KC and complain! Would it do any good do you think???

Sandra Thomas
No-one is suggesting that ALL breeders are like that ,least of all me but come on... we´ve all known about the damage caused in many Puppy Farms around the country for many years . This is just another reason to take a long hard look at the way all animals are treated and put welfare first ... But if you see animals at KC dog shows in that state there is something very rotton to the core within the KC and has to be addressed Now !!!!!!

I watched this show last night... how could people do this to dogs just to fit their "breed standard"?
The most sickening thing to me was that people get perfectly healthy pups PTS because they dont have ridges (a deformity in the first place), and because their colours are wrong. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels nearly made me cry, why would they knowingly pass on that terrible condition to their pups?
All I know is that I will probably never buy from a breeder, and if I ever do, I want to ask to see the pups that arent up to standard and make sure at least one isnt put to sleep for no reason whatsoever.

Completely agree Sandra,when i was showing, the dogs i had were from Hobby Breeders, who cared deeply for there animals welfare, usually at a loss of money, as they had All the health checks ect:done you got the parents hip scores ect: with your puppy.People really need to look very carefully at what and where they buy.

lm afraid the KC response is NOT good enough,Quote) we will continue to work With breeders to continue long term health) Mmmm! not quite sure how they presume to do so, from what i saw of the breeders last night they DONT want help as far as they were concerned they were doing Nothing Wrong.!!! so where do we go from here ???
Kennel club registered puppies means absolutely NOTHING nowadays, and as far as im concerned will remain so until not only this problem is sorted, but also until they STOP registering Puppy Farm bred puppies, which are also full of health problems, and subjected to horrific living conditions.

Although I agree with most of the comments on this page, I must say that not all breeders are heartless money makers. I know alot of lovely small hobby breeders, who don´t make a lot of money, but it all goes to help the upkeep of their dogs, or horses. Lets keep things in perspective here, what some of those people do is sickening, but you can´ tar everyone with the same brush. I almost felt guilty for owning Pugs and thats daft. My pugs are healthy, and surely if (when they get older), I wanted them to have a litter each, would i be such a bad person. Of course not. The program shocked me as much as anyone, and I couldn´t condone breeding a dog with such a painful disease as the Cavaliers had, but please don´ judge everyone like that

As you can see by my previous comment ...I am lossed for words! Dog lovers ????....I think not ...how can these breeders carry on putting their dogs to stud when they are fully aware that their dog has this awful condition. It is not fair to bring forth anymore poor little dogs to suffer and what about the new unsuspecting proud new owners that go to reputable breeders to get a really ´good ´ puppy ....what about the heartache that awaits them. All genuine Dog lovers buy a puppy for life but dear oh dear what a poor life...its absolutely disgusting. How some of those people in last nights programme can show their faces I do not know, it was a truly heartbreaking programme but certainly needed showing.

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I was gobsmaked by this program, what can that woman have been thinking allowing her dog to sire and then leaving the new owners to the heartbrake of there dogs becomming ill? What can the judges be thinking of giving prizes to sick dogs? If the KC want there name to mean anything they have to hold back on letting breeders register with them unless the dogs is healthy and have no defects to pass on.

I just bumped into my vet who was very upset as he recommended a friend to get a King Charles spaniel and told her "if the breeder is Kennel Club registered you´ll be OK". He is shocked that KC registered dogs that are know to carry the disease are not IMMEDIATELY neutered to stop them passing on their diseases. But its all about money and prestige. I have written to Caroline Kisko at the KC (she is a very nice person and a genuine dog-lover) to ask her to clarify two things about the film. If she replies I will print her response.

Why not tell it exactly how it is.... At the end of the programme the silicone enhanced Barby doll knew her dog had a congenital problem and still let the amimal sire over thirty times ...So allowing this to happen is completely a money making operation for her and has probably generated a couple of hundred puppies with possible problems and suffering, caused some of these unwitting owners unbelievable heartache not to mention expense and a further weakening of the bread. How bloody selfish is that !!!!

i watched this last night and just couldnt believe it!...... theese people who breed theese dogs obviously are not dog lovers, how can they be? they just do it to line there pockets and have no feelings for what theese breeds are going through!..... i think everyone should own crossbreeds because its a known fact that the x breed dogs live a longer life and have less health issues!

A very shocking programme, these people aren´t animal lovers. They are money minded snobs, either that or very ignorant
It was heartbreaking and could not watch til the end!!

I, like all of you were shocked at the revelations made in last nights programme. While I found it disturbing and very upsetting I really cannot believe actually seeing the German Shepherds being paraded around at a dog show in that state. what are these Judges on !!!! With a deformity as visually debilitating to the animal as this It must be stopped... NOW !!!!
I also saw the Interview on Richard and Judy Last eveng prior to the documentary and it struck me that the Kennel Club representative made herself look a complete pratt given the evidence shown.
God I hope something is done immediately.

I read with great interest Caroline Kisko´s statement to the Ed,(below) but there are still issue´s that for the like´s of me,I just cannot get my head around.

[Quote]“However, it is important to put this into context. The Kennel Club has no legal standing, unlike some similar bodies in other countries. We have to work on these issues through partnership and persuasion – not coercion. The danger of introducing draconian measures is that some breeders could choose to operate outside the Kennel Club’s jurisdiction; with absolutely no controls. That cannot be the best way forward.

BUT IF the KC didn´t support such breeders in the FIRST place...they wouldn´t be encouraged to breed in this way surely AND people will ALWAYS continue to defy,wether rules are draconian or not and be it from behind closed doors or in the open.....IF they are allowed to get away with it.

[Quote]“The programme also made some sweeping, and far from accurate assertions. The Kennel Club refutes that it would put ‘looks’ above the health of pedigree dogs, in fact we actively discourage the exaggeration of features in any breed. The standards have been, and will continue to be amended when necessary to ensure the breeding of healthy, well conformed dogs. Dog show judges are also educated to judge to those standards ensuring that dogs with obvious problems that could affect their quality of life do not win, and that the rewards go to fit, healthy dogs. All of this of course is dependent on the responsibility of breeders and owners – and this is where our efforts must be concentrated.”

Of course it goes without saying that the KC are depending on people to be responsible and reputable breeders and to ensure their dogs are healthy,conformationally sound,etc...BUT they cannot watch over each and everyone of them 24/7 and CANNOT practically ensure that things are being done right...therefore by allowing certain breed´s with known and common disabalities to be the seen and recognized ´breed standard´ ...they are in affect encouraging breeders to continue in the way that they are doing now.

They claim NOT to actively encourage exaggerated featured breeds...............so why do we have so many snubbed nosed Peke´s,Pugs,Bulldogs,etc proving popular in the Show rings ????.

[Quote]Kennel Club health initiatives include: funding research to identify problems and develop efficient screening for health, such as eye testing and hip scoring; the introduction of the Accredited Breeder Scheme, to act as a ‘kite mark’ for responsible breeders; and most recently the launch of a major campaign which seeks further to promote health improvements across breeds - ‘Fit for function – fit for life’. This, in conjunction with breed clubs, focuses on tackling unnecessary exaggeration in some breeds, whether that is of coat, weight, skin, angulation, eye formation or shortness of muzzle. All dogs should be fit for function, even if that function is to be a pet - all dogs should be able to see, breath and walk freely.

EXCELLENT.....by all means promote and aim for further stricter health checks and tests,etc.....BUT these should be enforced upon all breeders who register themselves with the KC and enter dog show´s at a professional level.
ANY dog that doesn´t meet with the health requirements SHOULD NOT be bred from and NOT be allowed to be shown.
Those GSD´s are no way true examples of what their breed standard should be......GSD´s were bred to work NOT show....those poor deformed dogs with weak hocks,wobbly hips and hunched spines,would never be able to work and do not match the description as stated by the KC.."all dogs should be able to see, breath and walk freely."

Basically,whilst I agree and many other´s will I am sure..that such changes cannot be made overnight....I think there now has to be a major overhaul regarding the breeding and showing of certain pedigree breeds and the Show circuit will have to become resolute to the fact they now live under a very dim spotlight,if they are showing known breeds with manmade features and confirmation and/or health problems.