Crufts defends breed disqualifications
The Kennel Club has revealed that eye related problems were mainly to blame after six breeds failed their vet checks at Crufts.
Vet check
The winners of the Bulldog, Pekingese, Clumber Spaniel, Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff and Basset Hound classes were not allowed to progress to the Group stages of judging, and were not given their Best of Breed awards.
Vets were asked to look for conditions related to eye disease, lameness, skin disorders and breathing difficulty. These included inflammation related to poor eyelid conformation, signs of chronic damage to the corneal surface of the eye, dermatitis associated with skin folds and long or heavily coated ears, signs of respiratory difficulty or any lameness or hind limb weakness.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “We want to ensure that only healthy dogs are rewarded in the show ring and also use the show ring to help move those breeds forward that are the most inclined to suffer from health conditions that affect their health and welfare.”
Attention to breeding
Kennel Club Chairman, Prof Steve Dean, did point out that most of the high-profile breeds passed the vet checks. “It is very encouraging to see nine of the high profile breeds pass their health checks,” he said. “I am aware some exhibitors were disappointed about those breeds that did not pass but this should not detract from the very real progress several of these breeds have made in improving breed health.
“The trend noted with eye problems is perhaps a signal that across all breeds we need to pay particular attention, when breeding, to the health of the canine eye to ensure dogs have the best chance of living life with good vision, free of discomfort.”
END OF ARTICLE…
I have always been mortified that Emma’s sister, Diva, (Ch. BoBac Duluxe of Switchstand, ROM) was recently awarded the top producing bitch of 2009 as reported by the Tally Ho.
Diva was only 5 when she crossed over the rainbow bridge with stomach cancer and glaucoma. Howl many pups did she have aka “top produce”? Howl many were sick? Howl many went on to breed themselves? When I heard that the BHCA had awarded Diva this title I was furious and I still am.
Diva would have never made past the vet check at Crufts. Someone has to step in for the dogs. It appears that the folks of Crufts are doing just that. Bravo…Bravo!
More standing up for dogs later….Cat, Chaps and Emma

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