Crufts breed standards impinge on dogs' health and welfare

Crufts dog show is underway. 

The event will host thousands of dogs representing myriad breeds, some of which are defined by breed standards that impinge on animals’ health and welfare.

The litany of ailments — poor hips making it difficult to walk, an inability to give birth naturally, respiratory difficulties, and debilitating pain because dogs’ skulls are too small to house their brains — are well known and the Kennel Club has worked to breed healthier dogs.

However, much more needs to be done.

It is unfortunate but some people regard dogs as fashion items.

This can lead to puppy farming and sometimes poor standards of care.

The show is also a shop window for commercial breeders.

If Crufts moves you to consider a specific breed, then at least ensure that it can be healthy and that its well-being has not been compromised by generations of Frankensteinian breeding to exaggerate one characteristic or another.

Not only are some pedigree dogs doomed to a life of poor health, they also incur ruinously expensive vets’ bills — problems you will not have with a backyard mutt.