French bulldog loses out at Crufts as Viking wins by a nose
A FLAT-FACED breed that faces a clampdown at Crufts next year failed to win 2024’s Best in Show crown.
The accolade at the world’s biggest dog show went instead to a three-yearold Australian shepherd from Birmingham called Viking.
French bulldog Elton, full name Chelmbull Rocket Man, aged three and handled by Abbie Cund, was last night handed the prize for best canine in the Utility Group and named best of breed, despite claims made by some experts that it had no discernible nostrils.
Some flat-faced dogs may have competed at Crufts for the last time as organisers prepare to introduce a new breathing test that may prevent them entering the show. Three breeds – pugs, bulldogs and French bulldogs – will have to pass the assessment from next year amid concerns over health issues that affect them.
Fears of overbreeding and ill-health have long dogged flat-faced breeds, whose shorter noses and compressed skulls mean they cannot breathe as easily as long-snouted hounds.
Elton’s win will prove controversial and earlier this week its victory in the Utility category prompted a backlash from animal charities.
Dr Samantha Gaines, an RSPCA dog welfare expert, said extreme traits should not be celebrated or normalised.
“We are hugely disappointed that a French bulldog with an extremely short muzzle and pinched nostrils [was] awarded best in breed at Crufts on Thursday. “The breed standard states these dogs should have a well-defined muzzle and wide open nostrils, so awarding best of breed and group as well as allowing this dog to compete for best in show sends completely the wrong message,” she added.
“We must prioritise health over looks and we’re urging people to join our Born to Suffer campaign, pledging online to say no to extreme breeding, and yes to health and wellbeing.
“The public needs to know the serious health issues faced by flat-faced dogs – which … include skin, dental, spinal, brain and eye problems – and to encourage people not to fuel the demand by buying one.”
Crufts said Elton does not have respiratory problems and was “clinically unaffected by brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome”.