Home / Lifestyle / UK May Ban Beloved Dog Breeds Over Health Fears
UK May Ban Beloved Dog Breeds Over Health Fears
5 Mar
Summary
- Sixty-seven popular dog breeds could face a ban in Britain.
- New guidelines assess dogs on extreme physical characteristics.
- Campaigners warn the rules could lead to beloved breeds disappearing.
New breeding guidelines being considered by parliament could result in a ban of up to 67 popular dog breeds in Britain. An all-party parliamentary group for animal welfare has developed a 10-point checklist to identify dogs with extreme physical traits that may cause suffering. These characteristics include bulging eyes, excessive skin folds, and muzzles that interrupt breathing.
Critics warn that this assessment, currently voluntary but expected to become law within five years, could automatically deem many adored breeds unhealthy. This includes popular types such as dachshunds, shih tzus, Scottish terriers, and even Welsh corgis. The guidelines aim to drive out breeds with exaggerated attributes, which studies have shown can lead to pain and discomfort from birth.
The checklist assesses dogs with short legs if the gap between their chest and the ground is less than one-third of their shoulder height, citing risks of spinal deformities and joint pain. While endorsed by organizations like the Royal Veterinary College, the Kennel Club has expressed concerns, stating the checklist is not nuanced enough and could have unintended consequences for certain breeds.
