From the BVA and the KC

From the British Veterinary Association comes this press release:

Six of the fifteen high profile BOBs failed their veterinary checks and were not represented in the group judging – bulldog (utility group), Pekingese (toy), Clumber spaniel (gundog) mastiff (working), Neapolitan mastiff (working) and Basset hound (hound).

Commenting, Harvey Locke, Past President of the BVA, said:

“This initiative by the Kennel Club is to be applauded. It is a huge step forward in tackling the health problems in pedigree dogs as a result of their exaggerated conformation. The KC deserves the support of the veterinary profession and dog welfare organisations at this time.

“We also pay tribute to the two BVA members who were chosen to carry out the veterinary checks after responding to our open letter in Veterinary Record asking for volunteers.

“They have performed their duties in a highly professional manner and have certainly set an example to the show vets who will be carrying out these checks at future championship shows.

“What has happened at Crufts this year should act as a catalyst for all vets in practice. Firstly, to be more proactive in educating their breeder and owner clients on the health consequences of breeding dogs for extreme conformation. And secondly, to ensure that any caesarean sections and surgical procedures to correct conformation problems performed on KC-registered dogs are reported to the KC.”

From the Kennel Club comes this press release:

Nine of the fifteen high profile breeds that required veterinary checks at this year’s Crufts were passed by independent vets and went on to compete in their respective Best in Group competitions.

The six breeds that did not pass their vet checks at Crufts and which therefore were not given their Best of Breed awards were the Bulldog, Pekingese, Clumber Spaniel, Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff and the Basset Hound.

Although the Kennel Club believes that the reason each individual dog failed the check is a private matter, understandably the observations behind the vets’ decisions are of interest in order to help the breeds move forward. The majority of the dogs did not pass the veterinary check due to eye related symptoms....

Kennel Club Chairman, Prof Steve Dean, said ‘ It is very encouraging to see nine of the high profile breeds pass their health checks. 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.”