Dec15
BBC Drops Dog Show Coverage
Posted at 01:14 PM | Permalink
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Comments (16)
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BBC officials have learned that "purebreds" entered into dog shows are genetically predisposed to debilitating diseases caused by generations of inbreeding. And it's all in an attempt to make sure that the dogs who are bred for money are the best "specimens" in town. Kudos to the BBC for taking a stand for dogs!
Apparently USA Network (which broadcasts Westminster Dog Show every February here in the states) hasn't yet gotten the memo that "breedism" is a thing of the past. Remember last year's winner, Uno? As a beagle, Uno has a significantly higher risk of hypothyroidism, demodectic mange, umbilical hernia, epilepsy, eye and eyelid problems, cryptorchidism, hip dysplasia, intervertebral disk disease, and luxating patella. Now what ribbon does that deserve?
Posted by Liz Graffeo
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Great news! I have always hated that show, it's far from entertainment to me.
Posted by: Aneliese | December 15, 2008 02:07 PM
Good for them! Poor puppies being trotted around stages like that.
And it's even worse for the millions of homeless animals that have to be put down every year in shelters because of breeders.
Posted by: Lianne | December 15, 2008 02:23 PM
Just because the BBC decided not to air the Cruft's dog show doesn't mean they won't still be having it. And it seems you only prefer mixed breeds since most pure breeds have medical problems but mixed breeds don't? I love all dogs whether pure bred or not but I will NEVER buy a dog from a pet shop or even a reputable breeder and will only adopt my next dog from a shelter like I did my current dog, a mixed breed with allergies. And even if the USA network stopped airing the Westminster Dog Show, that also doesn't mean they will stop having it. So the dogs will still suffer even if we don't see it.
Posted by: Rex's Mom | December 15, 2008 02:53 PM
I have always enjoyed watching the annual Cruft's dog show and seeing all the dogs 'basking in all their glory' along with their proud owners and handlers.. now that we are aware of the more unsavoury side behind all the glam and gloss.. I guess |I'll have to go without the yearly dog show that I'm sure many other dog lovers have enjoyed watching in the past for many many years.. still if it will help discourage excessive inbreeding all for the sake of 'showing dogs' then so be it.. it will be for the better.. at least for the dogs and hopefully discourage the breeders' relentless quests to breed the 'perfect' specimen or look.. not to mention all the inherent bad health dog's may or will suffer that goes this excessive inbreeding or whatever they choose to call it.. I read that the present 'black out' will be or for as long as until they feel the excessive practices are no longer the case .. we shall see.. bad habits are hard to break..
Posted by: yvonne | December 15, 2008 03:42 PM
It bothers me that these stations, including Animal Planet, show AKC dog shows
AKC is in the puppy mill business. They lobby for puppy mills, they oppose anti-cruelty laws, they have people like this http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Patti_Strand who work for them
AKC stands for animal abuse in the name of making money
Posted by: kelly | December 15, 2008 04:30 PM
Does anyone actually still watch the dog show on USA?
I am more puzzled by Animal Planet's broadcasting choices. Sure, they have "Whale Wars," and "Animal Cops," but they also broadcast a dog show every year and they have that freaky animal attack show on.
What's up with that? Why don't they truly commit to making a difference for animals--they should just "nail their flag to the mast" and broadcast PETA and HSUS PSAs, while they are at it.
Posted by: Kelley | December 15, 2008 06:53 PM
A pity ribbon.
Posted by: Aneliese | December 15, 2008 08:19 PM
Brillaint! About time too.
Posted by: Amanda Bills | December 16, 2008 06:44 AM
I assume the dog show isn't being cancelled, so is it being picked up by another network to air? If so, the dog show organizers might not actually feel the pinch very much. Please update us on this.
Posted by: Abby | December 16, 2008 02:12 PM
they should just cancel the whole show. they treat those dogs like crap.dogs are supposed to be loving animals, not living things put on diets!
Posted by: kim | December 17, 2008 08:00 AM
I remember the documentary that led to the decision by the BBC. The Kennel Club is unrepentant. Some of it's members can be quite arrogant and patronising in the face of overwhelming evidence that many of their breeding practices are quite repugnant and immoral. I can't find words strong enough to describe some of these loathsome people and their high and mighty attitude to objectors.
Posted by: Gerry | December 19, 2008 09:16 AM
It's about time! Although pure breeds are very beautiful the behind the scenes breeding and inbreeding of these dogs is a nightmare! These breeders are elitists and say they do it for the love of the breed,If they really loved the breed they would rescue those breeds from death row in shelters instead of breeding more where ultimately a lot of them will end up. There needs to be stricter laws on breeding and even though the halting of the show on BBC won't stop the show from going on it is a small step for animal lovers and more importantly the dogs!
Posted by: april | December 19, 2008 04:38 PM
What? I love the Westminister Dog show! You people have your facts wrong.
Posted by: hope | December 28, 2008 02:54 PM
Ok, in a nutshell you need to get the facts straight. I am a breeder. I have been involved in breeding dogs since I was born, and I also show my own dogs. These dogs live in my house as pets. And I have to say that when I leave for a dog show they are all wanting to come with. They love to show. They love being groomed. For them, when they walk in that Best in Show ring, they know all those people are clapping for them and it is just like a person modeling in a runway show or preforming in their school talent show. They LOVE it! And I don't show them if they do not love it.
As far as breeding goes. When you get a dog from a good breeder you do know exactly what you are getting into as far as health issues go. Every one of my dogs have their hips, patellas and elbows certified by OFA, their Thyroid certified, their heart certified, their eyes certified, and we do a DNA test to check if they are clear, carriers or genetically affected with PRA, this is all before they are even considered for breeding, and then they still have to have an impeccable temperament (aka be a good pet for anyone, friendly and loving). And then IF they are bred, we check the hearts, eye and do the DNA test for PRA before they are even placed with a good family. So, you see, by getting a dog from a breeder, you will know what you are getting into. I can tell you if the dog will have hip or elbow dysplasia, if it has the potential to be afflicted with PRA, if it has a heart problem, I can give you the history 6 generations back and I know what type of temperament you are getting. So if by breeding purebred dogs I am no better than the KKK, well that is fine, but at least my dogs have better health care than I do, they live in my house and in my bed, they eat a more expensive food than I do and I spend more time taking care of them than I do on myself. So you know what...I think I can live with myself. And before you continue to judge us AKC and dog show people, maybe you should come live in one of our houses first and see what it is actually like, see how these "poor" dogs live and how much they love what they do.
Posted by: Erica | February 28, 2009 01:12 AM
SOME people who breed and show dogs are greedy and unethical SOME are caring and fighting for a happy healthy future for pedigree dogs Please PETA do not be so judgemental as to tar them all with the same brush
Posted by: Lesley | March 5, 2009 03:01 PM
Well done BBC. Although I loved watching, id rather not at the expense of our four legged friends.
Posted by: Dee Beadle | March 8, 2009 05:26 AM