Animal Welfare - Setting Breeding Standards
All of the major canine welfare organisations, both in the UK and the United States, are trying to get tighter dog breeding standards brought in and enforced. Higher standards are necessary to stop breeders from inbreeding to make a dog's appearance more desirable in competitions. People are concerned that some breeds are being plagued with health problems that have been caused by decades of inbreeding, including epilepsy, cancer, and heart disease. Some of the physical traits required by some breed standards can cause inherent health problems, such as screw tails, wrinkling and short faces. The Kennel Club is going to review and revise its breeding standards.
The first breed chosen to benefit from a new set of breeding standards is the Pekingese. This breed suffers from breathing problems associated with breeding to give the appearance of a perfectly flat nose. Under the new standard they would be required to have a more defined mouth and nose instead of a perfectly flat face.
The RSPCA is happy that the Kennel Club is reviewing their breeding standards. They are hoping it will make a huge difference in improving the health and welfare of pedigree dogs. The RSPCA applauds the decision of the Kennel Club to refuse registration of puppies that are bred from father-daughter, mother-son, or sister-brother pairings. They also think that the restrictions should also include breeding between half-siblings and grandparents. This should also hopefully help banish illegal breeding.
The RSPCA is trying to prevent the selling of pedigree dogs from puppy farms, a practice which has come under close media scrutiny of late. They have asked people to make sure they only contact legitimate breeders, advising people to only purchase dogs from breeders who are registered with the Kennel Club. These breeders should also have their paperwork in order to prove it. ‘Don't take the chance of buying from an unregistered breeder’, is the message the scheme is communicating, ‘or you might end up getting an unhealthy pet’.
The change in Kennel Club breeding standards will hopefully help to ensure a better quality of life for pedigree dogs that are bred for their appearance only. This is only the first step in trying to help pedigree breeds live longer, healthier lives. Everyone needs to do their part in helping make sure that breeders are held accountable for their breeding policies. This includes such things as not buying from pet shops - if you want a new pet to add to your family, it's best to visit a rescue shelter such as The Mayhew Animal Home in London. a good rescue shelter will also be able to advise you on the type of pet which will best suit the needs of you and your family.
