The RSPCA has weighed in on the Crufts breeding controversy after a French bulldog with ‘no discernable nostrils’ won a prize.
The controversy over breeding comes as dogs of all shapes and sizes continue to flock to Birmingham as this year’s Crufts enters day three.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has said it was ‘so disappointed’ when the dog was awarded Best in Breed yesterday.
It said the short muzzle and pinched nostrils were traits which can cause suffering and has shared its petition to stop extreme breeding.
The controversial bulldog Elton scooped the prize for the best canine in the Utility Group and Best of Breed but animal welfare campaigners criticised the judges’ decision.
The controversy over breeding comes as 19,000 dogs have flocked to Birmingham for this years Crufts which has now entered day three
Campaigners were concerned that Elton (pictured) had ‘no discernable nostrils’ and would therefore struggle to breathe but Crufts officials said he had passed all the health checks
A Siberian Husky looks out from it’s pen as it appears in the Working and Pastoral class
Handlers with their Samoyed on day three of the Crufts dog show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham
However The Kennel Club, which organises Crufts, said the winning dog had passed all its vet checks and was not suffering from any health issues.
Mandatory breathing tests for pugs, bulldogs and French bulldogs are being introduced next year in an effort to restrict the number of flat-faced dogs competing in the dog show.
Meanwhile, the father and daughter duo who saw their controversial French bulldog to victory said they were so delighted they were ‘lost for words’.
Dean and Abbie Cund from Birmingham said: ‘It’s just a dream beyond a dream come true.’
The controversy around extreme breeding comes as over 19,000 dogs from around the world flocked to Birmingham’s NEC for the competition which is taking place over the weekend.
As the competition enters day three pooches of all shapes and sizes continue to arrive to compete in several categories, with the world-class Best In Show title to be awarded on Sunday.
The competition, which has been running since 1981, is currently organised by The Kennel Club and attracts over 160,000 spectators yearly.
The winning dog Elton (pictured with owners Dean and Abbie Cund from Birmingham) scooped the prize for the best canine in the Utility Group and Best of Breed but animal welfare campaigners criticised the judges’ decision
Crufts, which has been running since 1981, is currently organised by The Kennel Club and attracts over 160,000 spectators yearly
Dogs in bright patterned coats arrive on a chilly day three
Dog lovers from all over the world have came for the competition. Pictured: A tattoo of a dog is displayed on the leg of an owner
An owner grooms her Samoyed ahead of judging
A Great Dane competes in the Working and Pastoral class on the third day of the Crufts dog show
Bernese Mountain Dog is groomed before being judged
A Great Dane is judged in the Working and Pastoral class
A Great Dane gets a kiss after competing
A Samoyed is groomed as it appears in the Working and Pastoral class competition
Mastiffs appear in the Working and Pastoral class
Old English Sheepdog in the show ring during day three
A Hungarian Puli is pictured with a colourful ribbon in its hair
A Hungarian Puli is almost completely covered in its unique coat
Handlers with their Old English Sheepdogs as they enter the showring to be judged
However while the competition continues in Birmingham, dozens of animal rights supporters took to social media to agree with the RSPCA that extreme breeding should be banned.
Some pet enthusiasts threatened to boycott Crufts over an incident as they made their voices heard, while others slammed Channel 4 for broadcasting the competition on More4.
The RSPCA, which is one of the largest charities in the UK, said on its online petition: ‘Short-nosed and flat-faced animals such as French bulldogs, pugs and English bulldogs are seen everywhere, and are celebrated across social media and at annual dog shows like Crufts.
‘While these breeds are suffering, they’re also being rewarded for their extreme looks and are being normalised to the public. Worse still, irresponsible breeders are profiting from their pain.
‘Brachycephalic dog breeds include French bulldogs, pugs and English bulldogs and have shorter snouts and flat faces – sadly, this can lead to a lifetime of suffering.
‘Their extreme conformation means that many dogs have airways that are obstructed and abnormally narrow nostrils and windpipes. This means that every breath can be a struggle.’
The RSPCA is campaigning to stop extreme breeding
In response to the controversy around extreme breeding, Charlotte McNamara, head of health at The Kennel Club, said in a statement to MailOnline: ‘The health and welfare of dogs at Crufts is our priority, and the winning French Bulldog, Elton, has passed all relevant vet health assessments both within and outside the show ring.
‘He has a grade 0 score on The Kennel Club/University of Cambridge breathing assessment that was carried out 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).
‘Elton has also passed the show vet check, which is given to all dogs before group judging, and to some breed winners to ensure there are no visible signs of health concerns.
‘We continue to work collaboratively with breed clubs, vets and welfare organisations to educate breeders, puppy buyers and show judges about how health issues can affect brachycephalic dogs and urge puppy buyers to look for responsible breeders, who are using tools such as The Kennel Club / University of Cambridge Respiratory Function Grading scheme assessment.’