Bulldog Gets a Make Over
16 Jan 2009
Bulldogs can now breathe a sigh of relief after the revision of standards regarding dog breeding issued in Britain. Bulldog will get a make over based on the new guidelines declaring that the classic over-nose wrinkle of bulldog “must-never adversely affect or obscure eyes or nose” and heavy over-nose wrinkle is “unacceptable and should be heavily penalized.”
The Kennel Club charged into action and seeks to change existing breeding rules to put a stop to animal cruelty. The UK-based club is currently reviewing breeding standards for each pedigree dog species in Britain in an effort to introduce gentler rearing for pets especially show dogs. The action to promote safer standards of dog breeding followed a recent BBC documentary. It highlighted how breeding turns unhealthy as breeders endanger dog’s health to covet prize worthy features. There were responses to the airing of the BBC documentary including leading animal welfare charities such as RSPCA and the Dogs’ Trust, have severed their links with the show.
Caroline Kiosko, a spokeswoman for the Kennel Club played down fears over dog breeding in the future. Ms. Kiosko stated that “the character of the bulldog certainly isn’t going to change,” and “they will still be the steadfast, strong-willed and gay-tempered dog that they are now.”
The bulldogs‘ large jowly face, stubbly legs and broad shoulders have long been exaggerated by dog breeders according to reports. The modifications in effect lead to difficulty in breathing, walking and breeding.
Old rules said a bulldog’s legs should not be so short that they “cripple him” are modified to say short legs should not detract from his activity. Another previous standard is a bulldog’s gait should be “peculiarly heavy and constrained” now says he should walk with “short, quick steps” on the tips of his toes.
The revised standards of Kennel Club will not only benefit bulldogs. A total of 78 breeds will be protected to ensure all dogs are in good health, good temperament and fit to their original function. UK’s Kennel Club hopes revisions to the bulldog standards will make dogs healthier without the need to drastically change their looks.
The new rules covering 209 breeds are in place end of last year 2008 and will be used as one of the criteria in this year’s biggest dog show in the world, Crufts, organized by the Kennel Club.
The upturned muzzle of English bulldogs poses harm in their breathing resulting to respiratory problems. Their narrow hips and large heads make natural birth seemingly impossible. Their breeding demands artificial insemination.
Kennel Clubs outside Britain such as American Kennel Club are not affected. They govern and make their own rules for breeding and shows.
For English bulldog owners, it would be a shame to see classic features modified or totally disappear but ends up as a good cause. Though some bulldog breeders insist the breed is in perfect health and these changes are not called for. Kevin Davis, one bulldog breeder in King’s Lynn, England, shared that “reports they get are only from vets, and vets only see sick bulldogs.” Davis adds that “loads of bulldogs walking around without any health problems at all.”
Watch a clip of the BBC documentary of pedigree dogs plagued by problems. Click here to watch it.
Leave a reply