Brown Dog Blog

There has long been controversy regarding Breed Standards. In this country there were protests by PETA and other animal rights organizations outside of Madison Square Garden during the Westminster Kennel Club Show. The protesters claim that certain “breed standards” actually cause dangerous health concerns for dogs. I, for one have long been aware that the flattened snouts of dogs such as the Pekingese or Pug can often cause breathing or overheating problems in these breeds, I was not aware of how severe these problems have become.

Back in January the BBC aired an expose on the cruelty that can be involved in breeding that “best in breed” show dog. I must say I am startled at the accusations.

For instance did you know that 1/3 of all  Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (a truly beautiful breed that I have always admired) suffers  from a condition called Syringomyelia? This is a condition caused by the brain being too large for the skull cavity. Apparently these dogs are bred to have a certain size head to qualify for competition!

Did you know that the ridge on the back of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is actuallya mild form of spina bifida? Puppies that are not born with this ridge (in other words healthy puppies) are “culled”.  When I read the word “culled” I was shocked. As a gardener I know culling to mean thinning out seedlings by pulling and discarding them so that the stronger seedlings can grow. I shudder to think what that means to these breeders.

I have long enjoyed watching dog shows and admiring the different breeds, but after hearing about some of these breeding practices, I am not so sure that I will participate anymore.

If you want to read more about the BBC special and the resulting changes that will take place within the British Kennel Club here is the link to the full article.

Here are some highlights of the proposed changes in breed standards:

Bulldog- less of a jowl, no upturn on the nose and the front legs would no longer be wider than the rear legs. (The upturned nose is thought to case severe breathing problems and the wide front legs cause mobility problems and painful conditions as the dog ages.)

Shar Pei- will loose many thick folds of skin on the head, chest and legs. (The folds of skin cause severe skin reactions and fungal infection.)

Pekingese- longer muzzles. (I was revealed that the 2003 Champion Pekingese had to be sat on an ice pillow during the photo shoot. The muzzle is so flattened that the dog is unable to breathe well enough to control its body temperature properly. Despite this fact the dog has sired 18 litters, after all this is champion show stock!)

As an owner of an AKC registered dog, I am really disturbed. I would like to hear from other dog owners and responsible breeders to hear what they have to say.