RSPCA: Seen a dog you like at Crufts?

Wednesday, 9 March 2011 12:00 AM

Sixty per cent of dogs bought in the last two years were pure-breeds, an RSPCA-commissioned survey shows1. The RSPCA is concerned that if dog owners aren't doing their research, they may be buying puppies that are prone to health and welfare problems.

Many pedigree dogs are vulnerable to unnecessary disease, disability, pain or behavioural problems. This is because they're bred primarily for how they look rather than with health, welfare or temperament in mind.

Dog shows like Crufts use breed standards to describe how a 'perfect' example of each breed of dog should look as the main judging criteria.

We believe these standards encourage the breeding of disabled dogs with exaggerated features. They also encourage breeding from closely related animals, which can result in puppies that have a higher chance of inheriting diseases.

RSPCA senior scientist Claire Calder said: "Anyone thinking of getting a dog needs to be aware of the serious health and welfare problems affecting pedigree dogs and should understand that this is one of the biggest challenges facing dog welfare in the UK today.

"It's now more than two years since the BBC One documentary Pedigree Dogs Exposed was broadcast. Some progress has been made by the dog world, but it's not nearly enough.

"The RSPCA is making big steps forward by funding a three-year research project to develop a new system to collect, analyse and interpret data on inherited disorders in both dogs and cats. We are also working with the British Veterinary Association Animal Welfare Foundation to develop a puppy sales contract, to help the public to make properly informed decisions when buying a puppy.

"But these measures alone aren't sufficient to solve the problem. We will continue to urge everyone involved in dog breeding to take urgent action. If this progress isn't made, it's pedigree dogs and their owners who will end up paying a high price."2

An RSPCA animation, launched as part of our Get Puppy Smart campaign, helps puppy buyers find out how best to go about getting a dog and explains the problems exaggerated features and inherited diseases can cause. You can watch the animation at: www.getpuppysmart.com.

Claire Calder said: "Sadly far too many people are living with the consequences of buying a puppy on impulse. A cute-looking puppy or dog can be hard to resist, but the result of not looking beyond this can be hundreds of pounds spent on vet bills and a pet with long lasting health and welfare problems - in some cases for a large proportion or even all of its life.

"The RSPCA's Get Puppy Smart campaign aims to help prospective puppy buyers make the right decision by thinking about what type of dog best suits their lifestyle, how to find a good breeder and how to select a happy and healthy puppy that's less likely to have to exaggerated features and inherited disorders.

"We hope that More 4's coverage of Crufts will also help inform the public in a responsible way and reflect deep concern about the health and welfare of pedigree dogs. It is vital the coverage is open and honest about the serious health and welfare issues that continue to affect many pedigree dogs, without glossing over the issues."

The survey also shows that 46 per cent of dogs (both crossbreeds and pure breeds) bought in the last two years have suffered health problems, so it is especially important that prospective puppy buyers do their research before choosing the right type of dog for them.

Just 26 per cent of people said they researched the diseases common in the breed of dog they were thinking of getting, and only 17 per cent of dog owners saw the disease screening test results for their puppy's parents.

-ends-

Notes to editors:

1. The research was conducted by TNS via OnlineBus, an internet survey. A sample of 7,272 GB adults aged 16-64 were interviewed. Of these, 848 people had acquired a puppy in the past two years. Interviewing was conducted by online self-completion from 23 November 2010 to 20 January 2011.

2. The RSPCA urges the dog breeding world to take forward the recommendations made by the RSPCA-commissioned report. Here is a small selection of the recommendations yet to be actioned:

- changes to current Kennel Club registration rules to prevent the registration of puppies born from the matings of close relatives. The RSPCA welcomes the fact that the Kennel Club will no longer register puppies from matings between mother and son, father and daughter or brother and sister. However, this does not go far enough and the authors of the RSPCA-commissioned report called for this to be extended to include matings between grandparents and offspring and half siblings.

- changes to current registration rules to allow new genetic material to be introduced into breeds

- the development of detailed management plans for each dog breed

- only registering puppies from parents which have both undergone compulsory health screening tests for prioritised disorders and are considered suitable for breeding.

Please note the puppy contract project is underway but incomplete so we are not releasing further information at this time.

3. The RSPCA decided not to attend Crufts 2009 to send a clear message that urgent action must be taken to improve the health and welfare of pedigree dogs. Several other leading animal welfare charities and show sponsors followed suit, and the BBC decided not to broadcast the show. The RSPCA did not attend Crufts 2010 and will not have a presence at Crufts 2011.

RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS
Press office direct lines: 0300 123 0244/0288 Fax: 0303 123 0099
Duty press officer (evenings and weekends) Tel 08448 222888 and ask for pager number 828825
Email: www.rspca.org.uk">

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