What’s driving the rise in “mutant” dogs?
As Crufts hits our screens, Closer investigates the devastating consequences of selective breeding…
❛ PUPPY FARMS AND UNSCRUPULOUS BREEDERS ARE STILL A HUGE RISK ❜
With his big ears, bright eyes and wagging tail, Frankie the French bulldog may look like a perfectly happy puppy. However, just one week ago, two-year-old Frankie was on an operating table at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home undergoing lifechanging surgery, simply so he could breathe.
Frankie was born with an overly long soft palate and narrow airways as a result of his breeding, causing him to snore and grunt. He also struggled to pant, which made it hard for him to exercise and keep cool in warm weather.
EUTHANASIA
Since the surgery – which involves cutting the nostrils and airways to make them wider – Frankie is recovering well. But sadly, the treatment isn’t a miracle cure and even after the procedure, Frankie may still only be able to run or play for a short amount of time before struggling to breathe. And he isn’t the only dog suffering these heartbreaking health problems.
Last week, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home revealed to Closer that they are now performing Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Sydrome (BOAS) surgery more than ever before. In 2015, Battersea performed just seven BOAS surgeries. Yet three years later, in 2018, the shelter had to operate a staggering 62 times – with each procedure costing around £3,000.
Veterinary surgeon Ella Kelsey-foreman said, “While breeds like Pugs and French bulldogs are undoubtedly cute, they are also a classic example of irresponsible, selective breeding.
“Over the years, breeders have chosen the flattestfaced dogs in the litter to breed from – as they want the animals to have big round eyes and extreme snub noses, like Disney characters. But, as a result, many now have such narrow airways, it would be the equivalent of us trying to breathe through a drinking straw. They are also more likely to suffer from eye, skin and spinal problems. The corrective surgery massively improves their quality of life, but can be risky, invasive and recovery can be very complicated. So when the condition is extreme, euthanasia is often the kindest option.”
Yet breeders are still prioritising the animals’ looks over their welfare. This was brought into the spotlight in 2017, when flat- faced dogs sparked animal cruelty claims directed at Crufts dog show – which returns to the Birmingham NEC this week – with experts describing the line-up of Pugs and French bulldogs as “a parade of mutants”, thanks to their drastic eye and breathing problems. Some campaigners even called for the breeds to be banned from the competition in a bid to stop dangerous breeding.
Last year, Crufts clamped down on flat-faced dogs, after the Kennel Club issued a reminder not to award animals with exaggerated features. Yet vets still fear that the rules have been brought in too late. Ella says, “French bulldogs are now the UK’S most popular dog. However, many of them suffer dramatic health problems and a large proportion are unable to breathe properly. Flat-faced breeds are often glamorised by celebrities on social media, making them seem desirable.
PUPPY FARMS
“But many people don’t realise how much they suffer because of their looks. As a result, more owners are leaving their dogs at Battersea because they can’t afford their pet’s medical bills.”
In 2018, Battersea took in more Pugs than ever before, with 47 coming to the rescue centre – compared with 38 in the previous year and 36 in 2014. The shelter also rescued 40 French Bulldogs last year, which was a huge leap from the eight that came through its gates in 2014.
Ella explains, “While the Kennel Club may be working hard on improving the genetic health of flat-faced dogs, puppy farms and unscrupulous breeders are still a huge risk. These breeders have little to no regard for the welfare of the dogs they produce. They are
simply out to make quick and easy money from unsuspecting buyers. It’s crucial that we raise awareness about breeding dogs responsibly – so people can make more informed decisions about which dogs to buy.”
Other animals have also suffered. German Shepherds are bred to have sloping backs – which is often exaggerated by breeders for shows like Crufts and makes it painful for them to walk. Great Danes are bred to have long necks and large heads – causing compressed neck vertebrae and a disorder known as wobbler syndrome, which can make them topple over.
However, Crufts still attracts up to 150,000 dog lovers every year. The show runs over four days, and alongside being a trade show for dogrelated goods and services, also hosts competitions in agility, obedience, flyball and heelwork to music.
WELFARE
Although the BBC discontinued its coverage of the show in 2008 – due to animal welfare issues – it is still being broadcast on Channel 4 and More4 and has a huge following. Responding to claims of cruelty, Crufts maintains that it plays a vital role in caring for dogs and educating their owners.
Kennel Club Secretary Caroline Kisko told Closer, “Dogs with exaggerated features remain one of the Kennel Club’s biggest concerns and we want to ensure that any dogs being bred are done so with their health and welfare as the absolute priority.
“With the explosion in popularity of breeds likefrench Bulldogs and Pugs, it has never been more important for people to see the healthiest examples of the breeds being rewarded at Crufts, so they can recognise what a sound version of these breeds should look like. We have significant safeguards in place, including robust education and training for judges and vet checks at shows, before any Best of Breed awards are confirmed. The breed standards are also clear that any physical exaggerations which would be detrimental to the health and welfare of the dog should be avoided.”