A review of breeding standards for every pedigree dog species in Britain is under way by the Kennel Club in an attempt to introduce kinder rearing for pets and showdogs.

The tough approach was signalled when breeders of pekinese were told yesterday that the dogs’ flat faces were no longer acceptable because they cause breathing problems. The problem has arisen because the muzzle has become obsolete through breeding and the flesh that would have naturally covered the dog’s muzzle is instead in its throat. Other breeds to face scrutiny will include the Clumber spaniel, bloodhound, bulldog, mastiff, German shepherd, basset hound and St Bernard.

Incestuous inbreeding of dogs – sons with their mothers and half siblings with each other – is also to be tackled.

The governing body has been stung into action after controversy that breeding rules to qualify for Crufts encouraged deformities and disease in the animals. New rules, covering 209 breeds, are to be in place by the end of the year and will be used to judge dogs competing in next year’s Crufts, the biggest dog show in the world, which is organised by the Kennel Club.

Breed judges are to be trained to choose only the healthiest dogs as prizewinners and champions at the show and its qualifying heats.

Hilary Benn, the Rural Affairs Secretary, has also been asked by the club to rush new regulations through Parliament to give it powers to take action against breeders who fail to make canine health a top priority. These would also ban breeders who failed to comply with club health standards from selling puppies.

A recent BBC documentary highlighted the genetic side-effects of unhealthy breeding programmes. There was a furore when the programme revealed that a flat-faced pekinese, winner of Best in Show in 2003, had undergone surgery – a soft palate resection – to enable it to breathe. Future TV coverage of Crufts is under threat and some leading animal welfare charities, including the RSPCA and the Dogs’ Trust, have severed their links with the show.

The new rules on pekingese, which come into force immediately, have put the club on a collision course with breeding societies. Barry Offiler, chairman of the 104-year-old Pekingese Club, accused the club of a panic reaction. “If it’s got a muzzle it won’t be a pekingese, and if we have to breed dogs with a muzzle which breed do we cross with them?” he said. “We are talking about a breed that is popular worldwide. This will prevent us showing dogs abroad and will stop overseas competitors entering Crufts. We all support improved health, but we don’t know what damage the muzzle might give to the breed.”

It may take three to five years before the new generation of pekinese will show the pronounced muzzles that were common in the 19th century, when the dogs were favourite companions of the aristocracy.

Caroline Kisko, secretary of the Kennel Club, played down fears over future breeding.

She admitted the shake-up in breeding rules was in response to public opinion that more needed to be done.

Ms Kisko said: “Our new breed health plans will enable us to ensure that the health of every dog is a number one priority and we are taking a tougher line with breed clubs by adjusting those breed standards that fail to promote good health.”

Nicky Paul, president of the British Veterinary Association, said that she supported the Kennel Club’s action. “What is particularly important is that the judges have clear instructions now that only the healthiest dogs can be rewarded.”

Beverley Cuddy, editor of Dogs Today magazine and a longstanding critic of the Kennel Club, said: “At last this is a sign that things are moving. But I don’t want this to be just a bit of lipstick to make Crufts look acceptable. If it were me, my first change would be to tackle inbreeding and let people know the family history of dogs before they are bought as pets.”

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said that it would meet the Kennel Club soon to discuss breeding standards.

Peke performance

Old rules head large, skull broad. Nose short and broad. Wrinkle, continuous or broken, should extend from the cheeks to the bridge of the nose. Muzzle wide with firm underjaw. Profile flat with nose well up between eyes. Eyes large. Short body heavier in front than rear. Coat long, with profuse mane extending beyond shoulders

New rules head fairly large. Skull moderately broad. Nose not too short. Slight wrinkle may extend from the cheeks to the bridge of the nose. Muzzle must be evident, but may be relatively short and wide. Eyes not too large. Relatively short body. Coat moderately long, with mane not extending beyond shoulders.

Source: The Kennel Club

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