The Crufts Debate

In the last couple of years there has been a huge debate about the kennel Club and its prime show Crufts in the dog world. It all started with a BBC programme which documented how the Breed standard for pedigree dogs was leading to many health problems. As there was a lot of inbreeding and unhealthy dogs being bred to get the so called pure breed to get the right body, leg and head shape to win a show. Examples of health problems caused by breeding pedigree dogs are such as the brain being too large in Cavalier King Charles, Spinal problems in Rhodesian Ridgebacks, cancer in Retrievers, skin problems in West Highland Terriers and the list goes on. The RSPCA vet on the programme called pedigree dogs mutants. Other major issues was also raised in the programme such as how the dogs welfare seemed second too how much money the kennel club were getting and so called expert judges were not actually basing their best in breed or show on the supposed breed standard but was just a personnel choice.

Since this programme came out a couple of years ago the Kennel club have said they are changing their ideas but I went to Crufts in 2011 and still the RSPCA, BBC and Pedigree Chum are boycotting the event which must mean they are not yet totally happy. From what I saw the dog shows looked the same as they ever did and one of the events, the Terrier racing was very out of control and was not for the benefit of the dogs.

On the other side of the coin Crufts is a great place to learn, raise awareness about dog issues and to promote dog charities. I watched in the main arena the charity Pets as Therapy where volunteers go and visit people in hospitals and other places with their dog and awards were given to the most committed volunteers and dogs. This was a great spectacle and was very well done.

I think the jury is still out on the Kennel Club and Crufts. Lets hope that everyone can work together to make dogs healthier in the future.

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