Bulldog owners say they are being ‘unfairly targeted’ by the RSPCA after one of their own won a top prize at Crufts.
The RSPCA were ‘disappointed to learn’ a French bulldog called Elton was awarded Best in Breed at the prestigious dog competition on Thursday.
They insisted the three-year-old dog had an extremely short muzzle and pinched nostrils, making it harder for the pooch to breathe.
The group even accused owners of participating in ‘extreme breeding’, with the aesthetic look of dogs being prioritised over their health.
But breeders attending the competition insist they are not the ones who need to be lectured.
Lorraine Watkins, who is the secretary of the Bulldog Breeding Council, told Metro: ‘We need to work together to help promote healthy dogs, but instead they are pushing us away.
‘There is no point lecturing breeders who come to Crufts, they need to be targeting breeders who are unlicensed and will not stop producing unhealthy dogs no matter what.’
All dogs approved to attend Crufts must be registered by The Kennel Club, which monitors the respiratory health of the breeds at risk of obstructive airways.
‘The lifespan of the breed has increased from six to 10-years old in recent years, but I have owned some who have lived to 15,’ Lorraine said.
‘RSPCA’s actions are only hurting families who look after and love their dogs. The breed has such a good temperament and it would be devastating to see people be put off choosing them for their households.’
Following the RSPCA’s comments, The Kennel Club announced from next year breathing assessments will be mandatory for all bulldogs and pugs.
Charlotte McNamara, the Kennel Club’s head of health, said: ‘The health and welfare of dogs at the show is our priority, and the winning French bulldog, Elton, has passed all relevant vet health assessments that it has undertaken within and outside the show ring.
‘He has a grade 0 score on the Kennel Club/University of Cambridge breathing assessment that was done prior to the show, and which – from Crufts 2025 – will be mandatory for all French bulldogs, pugs and bulldogs before they compete, meaning he is clinically unaffected by brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)
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