What is the kennel club's stance regarding the recent articles in the telegraph?

Question

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/03/07/ncrufts07.xml

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/main.jhtml?xml=/health/2007/03/07/ftcrufts107.xml

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/03/08/ndogs08.xml

For the record, I personally feel that the articles are very harsh and one-sided, and I'd prefer an article alongside that highlighted the good that is done by the kennel club. That said, they do raise some interesting points. (and inspired me to ask a few questions).

I was wondering what the kennel club, and other people who know about dogs thought of this.

Since posting this question, I have thought about it and came to the conclusion that although I still feel that it is a valid question, it was probably very unfairly worded by me, particularly in singling out a particular YA user - and for that I apologise.

However, to their great credit, someone from the kennel club has answered this question very well and very quickly. It is very much appreciated.

Thank you.

Answer 1

The Kennel Club is the governing body of dogs and among our primary objectives is the dog’s health and welfare. We were therefore very disappointed to read the article in the Daily Telegraph today as it was outdated, inaccurate and poorly researched.

It would take too long time to correct every inaccuracy included in the copy but to give some examples:

The author states that ‘there are more than 30,000 genetic defects identified in pedigree dogs with a new one being discovered every month’. To clarify the dog has only 20,000 genes and 500 diseases! This compares rather favourably with man with over 3000 diseases.

The author also states that ‘It has not taken long for 100,000 years of breeding for function to be undone.’ Recent studies have proved that the wolf, from which the domestic dog has evolved, was only domesticated some 20,000 years ago and the majority of dog breeds are less than 200 years old.

It is also stated that mongrels live two or three times longer than pedigree dogs. It is a fact that some breeds live far longer than mongrels and the Kennel Club has genetic health screens in place for pedigree dogs that we don’t yet have for mongrels.

The Kennel Club Charitable Trust has dispersed large sums of money since its inception in the late 80’s in the areas of support, sentiment and science. In the latter area we have invested in genetic research, DNA, hereditary disease and specialist studies. Much has been achieved in these areas there is still much to do.

Answer 2

AKC and British Kennel Club need to follow the Swedish Kennel Club's lead and make health tests mandatory and reexamining wording in breed standards. Breeding for extremely brachycephalic dogs, which causes chronic respiratory problems, didn't happen because breeders were trying to make a better working dog, English Bulldogs who must have c-sections didn't happen for that reason either, as with many health problems. Breeders look to what wins in the conformation ring. Preforming a breed's intended function has been all but pushed to the wayside. If this wasn't the case conformation shows would be much less of a spectacle than they are and we would see a greater focus on the function rather than the form. I am more than well aware of what these shows were INTENDED to be, but I am not so blind that I can't admit to what they have become. What these organizations suffer from is the inability to see the forest from the trees.

Answer 3

You know that in Brittan you all have a history of being a bit obsessive about your dogs. Not just now but going a long ways back. I don't know much about Cruff's but if the breeders in your country are any bit as competitive as they are here then I think some changes should be made.
What you don't seem to understand that even at the highest levels it is about prestige abut it's also bragging rights, stud fees and then last be not least the all mighty dollar.
Personally I think there should be some house cleaning every now and then makes for better dogs and weeds out the ones who just don't have the right stuff. I really dont care what the kennels have to say or the so called high profile breeders, I know what I've done in the past has always been for the betterment of my chosen breed, and I am damn proud of all my dogs and pups!

Answer 4

I have no idea what the UK's Kennel Club's stance is on that article, but the opinion is nothing new. It is from Animal Rights activists who are seeking to get rid of breeds. The Animal Rights movement would like to see all dogs look the same and actually eventually like wolves because Animal Rights Activists are actually headed by a Vegan Hierarchy that seeks NO interaction with animals. These people think that man should not have any dogs, but enjoy them from a distance. They also know that if the fancy breeds disappear people will be less interested in dogs and they will be one step closer to achieving a pet free domestic dog free world.

This isn't about the animals at all. But about segregating man from all domestic animals especially carnivorous pets.

Once you understand that the people who's philosophy's are being followed are Vegans that eat no meat and can't stand the keeping of pets that do eat meat it all starts to make sense.

Answer 5

it is extremely one sided with a person that knows nothing about breeding pure bred dogs and competition. Any show is not merely a 'beauty contest' as this writer seems to believe but a rigorous selection of the best conformed dogs. Conformation is ESSENTIAL when you talk about actually working with your dog. From herding to agility (yes, those dogs are actually working), the conformation is essential to the dog performing his job and not being injured or causing him to have to retire early. Granted, there are some breeds of dog who were intended only to be lap dogs, but for most, they were intended for a purpose. it's the breeder's job to breed dogs who conform to a physical standard of perfection so that the dog is physically better able to perform his job whether or not the dog is ever actually used for that purpose (or for some other purpose).
As an avid herder and agility enthusiast, i've become more involved in learning about how conformation impacts these dogs and how the wrong conformation can mean soft tissue injuries, pain, limping and early retirement. it sounds to me that this reporter needs to spend more time learning about how important breeding for proper conformation is.

Answer 6

I don't know what the KC stance is but I have to agree with you and say that it is onesided.