Feature:
Get Puppy Smart
The RSPCA is concerned about the way dogs are bred for their looks which can encourage the breeding of disabled dogs with exaggerated features. We urge anyone looking to buy a puppy to do their research first.
March 2011
Thinking of buying a puppy?
One of the biggest concerns the RSPCA has about dog welfare is the way they're bred for their looks. Many pedigree dogs are vulnerable to unnecessary disease, disability, pain or behavioural problems. This is because they're bred primarily for how they look rather than wiith health, welfare or temperament in mind.
According to some recent research carried out by the RSPCA, 60 percent of dogs bought in the last two years were pure-breeds. We're concerned that if people don't do their research properly, they may be buying puppies that are prone to health and welfare problems.
Dog shows like Crufts use breed standards to describe how a 'perfect' example of each breed should look as the main judging criteria.
We believe these standards encourage the breeding of disabled dogs with exaggerated features. They also encourage breeding from closely related animals, which can result in puppies that have a higher chance of inheriting diseases.
The RSPCA has expressed its concerns about the coverage of this year’s Crufts, which we believe was misleading to the public as it repeatedly gave the message that pedigree dogs, including those shown at Crufts, are happy and healthy.
Read our open letter to the Kennel Club.
Find out more about some of the health and welfare problems experienced by pedigree dogs.
More needs to be done
This issue was first brought to the public's attention in 2008, when the BBC documentary Pedigree Dogs Exposed was broadcast. Some progress has been made by the dog world but we believe that not nearly enough is being done to resolve the issue and everyone involved in dog breeding needs to work urgently together to make the changes that are so desperately needed. Otherwise, it's the dogs and their owners that end up paying the price.
Help spread the word
If If you know anyone who is thinking of get a puppy, please urge them to visit http://www.getpuppysmart.com/ to find out more about this issue and to get lots of great advice on getting a puppy.
Take Action
Follow us on Twitter and Like us on Facebook!
Twitter
Facebook
Show your support to the campaign by sharing this article using the buttons below. Thank you.
