The welfare of pedigree dogs has been a concern to many organisations for some time. Last August it was been highlighted by the documentary entitled ‘Pedigree Dogs Exposed’ which claimed to explore the true extent of health and welfare problems in pedigree dogs.

The documentary gave an insight into what it saw as the serious problems arising from genetic disease owing to decades of inbreeding which has been further emphasised by the show-ring requirement for looks over and above function and health. Whilst the RSPCA and Dog’s Trust feel this is significant and detrimental to welfare standards and are asking for changes and improvements in welfare, the Kennel Club believe that welfare is higher than the documentary portrayed it to be and that it was biased in showing it not to be.

It was argued that there are devastating consequences of genetic disease for the seven million pedigree dogs in the UK causing great distress to their owners with a cost of over ₤10 million in vet fees every year. It is recognised that there are more than 450 inherited diseases suffered by pedigree dogs.

The Kennel Club is adamant that welfare is of utmost importance and has pointed out the initiatives it has taken to improve pedigree dog health including their accredited breeder scheme which sets a code of conduct for breeders and asks them to make use of health screening schemes. However, Mark Evans, RSPCA Chief Vet, argues that the gene pool is becoming increasingly concentrated which makes abnormalities even more likely to be passed and that welfare is seriously compromised by this.