Pedigree Dogs

[jambutty]

A programme tonight at 9:00pm on BBC1 exposes the sorry saga of pedigree dog breeding.

Breeding dogs for a specific task like a sheep dog, sniffer dog, rescue dog, sleigh pulling dog, a seeing or hearing dog is OK by me. But to breed a dog just to show and win prizes is totally wrong, especially, as has been revealed, that in doing so genetic weaknesses are being bred into the animals to their detriment.

[Polly_45]

Parliament is on summer holidays so the BBC turns to dog breeding to fill in
air time.


I just heard a word about this on the box this morning and
Boxers and Cavies were singled out as having grate hereditary heart problems
and that breeders were not taking care !!!!! makes my blood boil
Most reputable boxer breeders/show people all breed from sound heart tested boxers all are found on the UK heart testing site A heart score of between O&2 Are what should be bred from anything higher than a H2 shouldnt be and that is the dame and the sire.If people who buy a pedigree dog keep it as a family pet and not see it as a money making machine from breeding it,most health problems wouldnt arise

I also see they have interviewed RSPCA chief vet Mark Evans
will be interesting to see what he has to say

[West Ender]

I have no problem with dogs being bred for the "best" points of their breed as long as the breed hasn't become something barely natural. The poor bulldog springs to mind; bred, over many generations, for a flat muzzle and severe underbite (and breathing problems) and narrow hind quarters (and whelping problems). This is "fancying" that's gone too far. There are plenty of other examples but I'm sure you don't need me to tell you.

I also don't like tail docking and I'm pleased to see one of my favourite breeds, the Cocker Spaniel, is now often seen with a natural tail, though I don't know if the Kennel Club has accepted it yet. The reason for docking the spaniel's tail - so as not to get it entangled in undergrowth when retrieving game - never did sit easy with me, bearing in mind the spaniel's long, easily tangled, ears, And, yes, I've had spaniels - and with docked tails.

[emamum]

Originally Posted by West Ender

I also don't like tail docking and I'm pleased to see one of my favourite breeds, the Cocker Spaniel, is now often seen with a natural tail, though I don't know if the Kennel Club has accepted it yet.

Defra, UK - Animal Health and Welfare - Animal Welfare - Draft Animal Welfare Bill - Circus Welfare Working Group

Tail Docking

This information applies to England only.
The docking of dogs’ tails has been banned in England since 6 April 2007.
There are exemptions from the ban for certain types of working dog, or where docking is performed for medical treatment.
There is also a ban on the showing of dogs docked after this date at events where members of the public have paid an entrance fee. This ban does not apply where a dog is shown only for the purpose of demonstrating its working ability.
The exemption allows certain types of working dog to have their tails docked by a veterinary surgeon. The dog has to be no more than 5 days old and the veterinary surgeon must certify that he or she has seen evidence that the dog is likely to work in one of the specified areas.
Owners and keepers wishing to have a working dog’s tail docked must ensure that this is undertaken in accordance with the law.
To access the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and The Docking of Working Dogs’ Tails (England) Regulations 2007 visit the Office of Public Sector Information.

[West Ender]

That's interesting, thanks, Emamum. I wonder how many spaniel owners, who use the dogs as gun-dogs, still have the tails docked for working purposes. I still think it's unnecessary.

[emamum]

tbh i thought it had been illegal for a while. I remember my grandma docking her pups herself in secret....

[Polly_45]

Tail docking came into force on 3rd April 2007
This ban affected every docked breed very sad day it was for all breeders exhibiters and owners of any working dog.
The powers that be now want to ban the removal of dew claws.
i would like to see these people who back these laws in a vets office when a tail needs either to be stitched or removed through injury.
I adore my breed for what they are and what characters they are,all mine are docked and ive had no litters since the docking ban came into force

[Tealeaf]

...and people on here call themselves animal lovers!

[West Ender]

Polly, I've had many a dog with an undocked tail. The police and the forces often use German Shepherds whose tails are never docked and have you ever seen a de-tailed sheep dog? Tails don't seem to get injured any more than other parts of the dog and having a natural tail doesn't alter a dog's character.

[emamum]

i doubt its illegal if it needs doing because of injury.. Dogs were born with tails, they dont hurt them or affect their lives so they should keep them.

[MargaretR]

Breeding for specific visual traits is genetic engineering at a basic level.
It goes against the principles of natural selection which has been the basis of evolution of all life forms on this planet.

The penalties paid for this tinkering are health problems.
I do not approve of the dog shows which have perpetuated this fashion for certain visual traits.
It is legalised animal cruelty.

[garinda]

'Who you callin' a freak?'

[panther]

Originally Posted by garinda

'Who you callin' a freak?'

LMAO....that face reminds me of someone i know....*cough, cough*

[West Ender]

Originally Posted by garinda

'Who you callin' a freak?'

That is just so sad. Who ever was responsible for the intensive breeding, that resulted in that poor animal, wants locking up. God knows what the breed is, it looks a bit like a Mexican Hairless, but that sort of freakishness comes out of inbreeding. All for "fashion" too.

[panther]

Sphynx cat are just as bad!....now who came up with that!