Pedigree Dogs Exposed: BBC's Impact on Breed Standards

In August 2008, the BBC broadcasted Pedigree Dogs Exposed, a revealing documentary investigating The Kennel Club's breed standards and their impact on the health, welfare, and wellbeing of the pedigree dog population in the UK. This powerful film ignited significant debate among dog owners, breeders, and animal welfare advocates worldwide, exposing how breed standards encouraged by The Kennel Club at that time could inadvertently promote harmful traits and practices.

What Are 'Breed Standards?' Find puppies

The Kennel Club, established over 240 years ago, is the world's oldest recognised kennel club and widely regarded as the authoritative body governing pedigree dog registration, breeding protocols, and breed standards in the UK. Breed standards are detailed guidelines defining the desirable characteristics of each pedigree dog breed, including size, coat colour, physical conformation, gait, and other breed-specific traits.

These standards shape judging at dog shows and guide breeders in selecting dogs for breeding to produce puppies that closely match the ideal breed characteristics. While designed to promote breed integrity, strict adherence to these standards has sometimes resulted in breeding choices that adversely affect health and welfare.

Key Revelations of Pedigree Dogs Exposed

The documentary critically examined the breed standards promoted by The Kennel Club and highlighted several core issues where these standards conflicted with canine health, leading to genetic disorders, painful conditions, and reduced quality of life.

Breed Standards at Odds with Dog Health

One of the most striking examples disclosed was with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies, bred with deliberately small skulls to fit breed standards, which caused syringomyelia – a debilitating neurological disease where the brain is too large for the skull. This leads to chronic pain and suffering, akin to intense headaches in humans, raising ethical concerns about breeding practices prioritising appearance over health.

Drastic Departure from Natural Breed Norms

The film also traced the historical lineage and appearance of various pedigree breeds, revealing that many modern dogs differ markedly from their ancestors. The selective breeding for exaggerated traits has led to physical forms that would struggle to thrive outside of show environments, raising questions about the purpose and welfare implications of such breeding.

Canine Eugenics and Reproductive Control

Historically, dogs not conforming to breed standards were sometimes culled. Although this practice is now unacceptable, modern breeders often neuter non-standard dogs to prevent their breeding. The documentary criticised the Kennel Club's continued endorsement of such practices, considering them a form of eugenics that limits genetic diversity and poses welfare concerns.

Deliberate Inbreeding and Genetic Risks

Another concern was the deliberate inbreeding among closely related dogs to preserve breed purity. The case of the Pug breed was noted, where the entire UK gene pool traces back to only 50 unrelated individuals. This limited gene pool heightens the risk of inherited defects, underlining the necessity of responsible breeding to maintain genetic health.

Unhealthy Champion Dogs and Problematic Judging

The documentary revealed examples where champion dogs at prestigious shows such as Crufts were awarded titles despite suffering from severe health problems caused by conforming to harmful breed standards. For example, a Pekingese dog that won Best in Show in 2003 had undergone surgery for breathing difficulties due to an excessively flattened muzzle, highlighting the disconnect between judging criteria and animal welfare.

Public Response and The Kennel Club's Reaction

Public reaction was immediate and intense, with many sponsors withdrawing support from The Kennel Club and the BBC ceasing to broadcast the Crufts dog show after decades. The RSPCA also publicly criticised the club's breeding policies. Initially denying the allegations, The Kennel Club has since initiated breed standard reforms aimed at prioritising health and welfare, although some argue these changes are just beginning and require ongoing scrutiny and development.

To understand how these reforms have progressed and their impact on pedigree dog breeding, please refer to our follow-up article Pedigree Dogs Exposed - Three Years On.

Why does the Kennel Club still matter to prospective dog owners?

If you are considering getting a pedigree dog, it is essential to be aware of the complexities surrounding breed standards and the history addressed in Pedigree Dogs Exposed. Selecting a puppy from a reputable breeder who prioritises health and welfare over purely aesthetic standards will help ensure your new pet lives a happy, healthy life. Responsible ownership also involves ongoing education about breed-specific health issues and support for ethical breeding practices.