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Originally Posted by NewYorky  Did anyone see this documentary from the BBC on pedigree dogs suffering health problems because looks are more important than health when it comes to standards of the breed and winning dog shows? If you did what do you think? There is a lively discussion in the General Forum board over it. I thought is would be interesting to see what breeders thought of it and the question is raises - should inbreeding be phased out of dog breeding? The documentary contents that one reason pedigree dogs are suffering from genetic diseases because of years of inbreeding. Some examples in the film are spaniels with brains too big for their heads, pugs with breathing problems, bulldogs that can't mate or whelp pups unassisted.
Anyway here is a link to the BBC news site that has a snippet online of the film. BBC NEWS | UK | Pedigree dogs plagued by disease |
Hi, yes this was shown on UK TV along time ago and the reason why Crufts had such a bad time some years ago, with sponsorship. There is a report about it on this link:
http://breedinginquiry.files.wordpre...iry-120110.pdf
There was an independant Inquiry requested by Sir Patrick Bateson, the UK it is hoped are now working with the UKKC (United Kingdom Kennel Club) and other organisations like AHT (Animal Health Trust) to advise breeders and change breeding practices that were once thought to be acceptable.
Link here for Sir Patrick Bateson prof at Cambridge Uni:
Zoology: Bateson
The laws on breeding are changing in the UK, Puppy Mill Farmers will be monitored and closed down! and not a day too soon.........................
