Listen: how healthy is your pedigree pup?

The UK has long been called a nation of dog lovers, with the population of pet dogs sharply increasing by 3 million to 12.5 million in 2020/2021. However, these credentials urgently need to be examined to ensure that we have genuinely got our canine friend’s best interests at heart.

The puppy boom has seen a rise in many of the dog breeds most affected by genetic health problems, with certain breeds destined to suffer due to the written breed standard endorsed by the Kennel Club and celebrated at events like Crufts which kicks off again on 10th March.

In the UK, we need to stop normalising these breed standards which can have a hugely negative effect on welfare. There are a whole host of pedigree breeds predisposed to serious illnesses including the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Hugely affected by heart disease, they are nearly ten times more likely to suffer than other breeds². 86% of English Bulldogs and 81% of the popular French Bulldog have to be born by caesarian section⁴ in the UK due to their size of head and shoulders.

Ros spoke to head vet at tails.com Sean McCormack.

Photo by Berkay Gumustekin on Unsplash