Purebred dogs are being ‘bred to death’ for desirable
traits required for showing dogs
"People are carrying out breeding which would be, first of all, entirely illegal in humans, and secondly
is absolutely insane from the point of view of the health of the animals," said University College
London professor of genetics Steven Jones
is absolutely insane from the point of view of the health of the animals," said University College
London professor of genetics Steven Jones
Consequences of breeding to meet show breed
specific physical feature standards
For almost 4,000 years people have been breeding dogs for certain traits—whether it be a physique
ideal for hunting pests like badgers or a temperament suitable for companionship.
Over time the American Kennel Club (AKC) and other such organizations have set
standards defining what each breed should look like.
RSPCA chief vet Mark Evans was interviewed and he said : "The welfare and quality of life of many
pedigree dogs is seriously compromised by established breeding practices for appearance, driven
primarily by the rules and requirements of competitive dog showing and pedigree dog registration."
But the vast number of modern breeds—and the roots of their genetically caused problems--
came about over the past two centuries, as dog shows became popular and people began
selectively inbreeding the animals to have specific physical features.
ideal for hunting pests like badgers or a temperament suitable for companionship.
Over time the American Kennel Club (AKC) and other such organizations have set
standards defining what each breed should look like.
RSPCA chief vet Mark Evans was interviewed and he said : "The welfare and quality of life of many
pedigree dogs is seriously compromised by established breeding practices for appearance, driven
primarily by the rules and requirements of competitive dog showing and pedigree dog registration."
But the vast number of modern breeds—and the roots of their genetically caused problems--
came about over the past two centuries, as dog shows became popular and people began
selectively inbreeding the animals to have specific physical features.
CKC and AKC Breed Stand Requirements
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General Appearance
An active, graceful, well-balanced dog, very gay, and free in action. Temperament Fearless and sporting in character yet at the same time gentle and affectionate. Size Height 30-33 cm (12-13 inches). Weight proportionate to height 5 – 8 kg (12-18 lbs.). |
Slight variations permissible. A small, well-balanced dog well between these heights and weights is desirable.
Overall type and quality should not be sacrificed for size alone. A weedy
specimen is to be penalized as severely as a coarse one.
Overall type and quality should not be sacrificed for size alone. A weedy
specimen is to be penalized as severely as a coarse one.
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Coat
Long, silky and free from curl, though a slight wave is permissible. Feathering on ears, legs and tail should be long, and the feathering on the feet is a feature of the breed. It is common and permissible for bitches to carry less coat than dogs. No trimming, scissoring, clipping or artificial colouring is allowed and this should be severely penalized. Colour Blenheim Bright chestnut red markings well broken up on a pearly white ground. The red on the head must extend around the eyes as well as down over the ears. |
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A pure white muzzle is preferred.
There must be a distinct white blaze between the eyes. Between the ears may be the lozenge or spot
unique to the Blenheim, which is a highly desirable, but not essential, characteristic.
There must be a distinct white blaze between the eyes. Between the ears may be the lozenge or spot
unique to the Blenheim, which is a highly desirable, but not essential, characteristic.
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Colour
Tricolour Jet black markings well broken up on a pearly white ground. The black on the head must extend around the eyes as well as down over the ears. There must be a distinct white blaze between the eyes. A pure white muzzle is preferred. Rich tan markings appear over the eyes, on cheeks, inside ears, under the tail and around the vent. Tan should appear inside the legs where it is adjacent to black. |
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Colour
Ruby Whole-coloured rich red. White marks are undesirable. |
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Colour
Black and Tan Jet black with rich tan markings over the eyes, on cheeks and muzzle, inside the ears, on throat and chest, on forelegs from knees to toes, on the inside of the hind legs also extending from hocks to toes, on the underside of the tail and surrounding the vent. White marks areundesirable. |
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Head
Almost flat between the ears, without dome. Stop moderate. Length from base of stop to tip of nose about 1-1/2 inches (4 cm.). Nostrils Nostrils should be well developed and the pigment black. Lack of stop or too deep a stop are to be penalized equally. Muzzle Muzzle should taper slightly to the nose. Lips well covering and well cushioned but not hound-like. There should be cushioning beneath the eyes, which contributes much to the sweet, gentle expression characteristic of the breed. |
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Mouth
Teeth strong and even, meeting in a scissors bite. Level and undershot mouths are to be
discouraged. However, a slightly undershot bite in an otherwise well balanced head with the correct
sweet expression should not be penalized in favour of a scissors or level bite with a
plain head or hard expression.
Teeth strong and even, meeting in a scissors bite. Level and undershot mouths are to be
discouraged. However, a slightly undershot bite in an otherwise well balanced head with the correct
sweet expression should not be penalized in favour of a scissors or level bite with a
plain head or hard expression.
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Eyes
Eyes should be large, round and set well apart. Colour should be a warm dark brown, giving a lustrous, limpid look. Eye rims should be dark. Small, light or bulging eyes, or a white ring surrounding the iris are very undesirable. Ears Ears are set high, but not close to the top of the head. Leather long with plenty of silky feathering, and wide enough so that when the dog is alert, the ears fan slightly forward to frame the face. |
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Forequarters
Forelegs straight and set well under the dog. Bone moderate. Elbows close to the sides. Shoulders well laid back. Pasterns strong and feet compact, well-feathered and with well-cushioned pads. |
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Hindquarters
Hind legs moderately muscled, well angulated at the stifles. Hocks relatively short and at right angle to the ground when standing. Hind legs should parallel each other from hock to heel with no tendency to long, cow or sickle hocks. |
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Tail
Set on so as to be carried level with the back. Tail should be in constant motion while the dog is moving. Docking is optional, leaving 2/3 of the tail and the tail must balance the body. A white tip must be left on the tails of Blenheims and Tricolours. |
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Gait
Free moving and elegant with good reach in front and sound drive from the rear. Head carried slightly forward on the move. Back level and tail carried straight behind as an extension of the line of the back Good length of stride from the side. Front and rear should move straight and true. Note The Cavalier should be moved on a loose lead and never “strung up.” |
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Canadian Kennel Club Official Breed Standard Faults
Canadian Kennel Club Official Breed Standard Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault, and the seriousness
with which the fault should be regarded should be in proportion to its degree.
• Nervousness, shyness and aggression in adults.
• Trimming, scissoring or artificial colouring.
• Lack of a white blaze in Blenheim or Tricolour.
• White marks on Ruby or Black and Tan.
• Small, light or bulging eyes, or a white rim around the iris.
• Long, cow or sickle hocks.
• Tail carried well above the topline.
Disqualifications
Colours other than the four above.
Clown faces (white around one or both eyes or white ears.)
Tricolours and Black and Tans lacking tan markings.
Aggression.
with which the fault should be regarded should be in proportion to its degree.
• Nervousness, shyness and aggression in adults.
• Trimming, scissoring or artificial colouring.
• Lack of a white blaze in Blenheim or Tricolour.
• White marks on Ruby or Black and Tan.
• Small, light or bulging eyes, or a white rim around the iris.
• Long, cow or sickle hocks.
• Tail carried well above the topline.
Disqualifications
Colours other than the four above.
Clown faces (white around one or both eyes or white ears.)
Tricolours and Black and Tans lacking tan markings.
Aggression.
Now I don't know about you but the list above has my mind spinning and the lyrics of
"I'm a Barbie Girl, in a Barbie world" swirling around in my head.
Ummm no pressure on looking perfect.
Keep reading it gets better.
"I'm a Barbie Girl, in a Barbie world" swirling around in my head.
Ummm no pressure on looking perfect.
Keep reading it gets better.
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Ironically, many prize-winning Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are also some of the sickest. It is not unusual for King Charles Cavaliers to win competitions despite suffering from the serious brain and spinal condition syringomyelia. |
What further compounds this problem that breeders breed show winning dogs regardless if they are
sick or not and receive a lot of money doing so. When a male dog wins numerous championships, for
instance, he is often bred widely, a practice known as popular sire syndrome, and his genes,
healthy or not, then are spread like wildfire throughout the breed. As a result, purebred dogs
not only have increased incidences of inherited diseases but also heightened
health issues due to their bodily frames and shapes.
sick or not and receive a lot of money doing so. When a male dog wins numerous championships, for
instance, he is often bred widely, a practice known as popular sire syndrome, and his genes,
healthy or not, then are spread like wildfire throughout the breed. As a result, purebred dogs
not only have increased incidences of inherited diseases but also heightened
health issues due to their bodily frames and shapes.
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Physical traits required by the Kennel Club's breed standards, such as short faces, wrinkling, screw-tails and dwarfism etc, have inherent health problems. Other problems occur because of exaggerations bred into dogs by breeders trying to win rosettes/ribbons. Dogs suffering from genetic illness are not prevented from competing in dog shows and have gone on to win "best in breed",despite their poor health. |
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Now I don't know about you but the idea of a sick dog that "Looks perfect"
being able to win "Best in Breed" is completely absurd to me.
That should NEVER happen in my opinion.
being able to win "Best in Breed" is completely absurd to me.
That should NEVER happen in my opinion.
How did we get to this situation?
“Historically, a breeder’s primary concern was to produce dogs that look like the breed standard,”
explains James Serpell, professor of ethics and animal welfare and director of the Center for the
Interaction of Animals and Society at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.
“Even if they did recognize health problems, breeders were too driven to produce what was
perceived to be the most perfect breed.”
To foster the desired appearance, breeders often turn to line breeding—a type of inbreeding that
mates direct relatives, such as grandmother and grandson.
explains James Serpell, professor of ethics and animal welfare and director of the Center for the
Interaction of Animals and Society at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.
“Even if they did recognize health problems, breeders were too driven to produce what was
perceived to be the most perfect breed.”
To foster the desired appearance, breeders often turn to line breeding—a type of inbreeding that
mates direct relatives, such as grandmother and grandson.
Pedigree Inbreeding Problems
There are different types of Cavalier King Charles breeders. Although you probably know to
avoid backyard breeders, pet stores and puppy mills, you may also want to find out
if the breeder you choose participates in inbreeding.
avoid backyard breeders, pet stores and puppy mills, you may also want to find out
if the breeder you choose participates in inbreeding.
"Despite all the evidence against inbreeding, the Australian National Kennel Council is still
operating a closed studbook system and registering first and second degree matings
(mothers with sons, grandfathers with granddaughters), increasing the chances of inherited
disorders and making the puppies less resistant to infectious and genetic diseases,"
said RSPCA chief scientist Dr. Bidda Jones.
operating a closed studbook system and registering first and second degree matings
(mothers with sons, grandfathers with granddaughters), increasing the chances of inherited
disorders and making the puppies less resistant to infectious and genetic diseases,"
said RSPCA chief scientist Dr. Bidda Jones.
What is inbreeding?
It is when two dogs that are closely related (I.E. brother-sister, father-daughter, mother-son etc.) are bred together.
Is inbreeding bad?
Almost every purebred dog has been inbred at some point in an attempt to create and preserve
the purity and distinction of the breed. That said, currently, most reputable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
breeders do not mate dogs that share close relations. The main reason why this form of breeding is
frowned upon is it can lead to genetic defects, health problems, temperament issues, and lower life expectancy.
the purity and distinction of the breed. That said, currently, most reputable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
breeders do not mate dogs that share close relations. The main reason why this form of breeding is
frowned upon is it can lead to genetic defects, health problems, temperament issues, and lower life expectancy.
World War II caused a drastic setback for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to the breed, with
the vast majority of breeding stock destroyed because of the hardship. For instance, in the
Ttiweh Cavalier Kennel, the population of sixty dropped to three during the 1940s.
Following the war, just six dogs would be the starting block from which all Cavaliers descend.
However, it is strongly believed that had the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel not
been so heavily interbred during the 1940’s and 1950’s, the breed we know and love today
may not have survived.
the vast majority of breeding stock destroyed because of the hardship. For instance, in the
Ttiweh Cavalier Kennel, the population of sixty dropped to three during the 1940s.
Following the war, just six dogs would be the starting block from which all Cavaliers descend.
However, it is strongly believed that had the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel not
been so heavily interbred during the 1940’s and 1950’s, the breed we know and love today
may not have survived.
The goal was to "preserve" the breed.
No matter. A course was set, and Ann's Son was soon cross-bred with King Charles Spaniels which, while not perfect examples of the hope-for breed, had faces too long and heads that were too flat to do well in the ring.
By simply breeding "rejects with the right features" to each other, a back breeding program was
created and the gene pool of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was expanded from one to some.
Slowly, things moved forward, and over several decades the dog's general form was stabilized.
By simply breeding "rejects with the right features" to each other, a back breeding program was
created and the gene pool of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was expanded from one to some.
Slowly, things moved forward, and over several decades the dog's general form was stabilized.
There are pros and cons of inbreeding
Pros
• Helps to preserve a champion line
• Maintain precise appearance characteristics
• Uphold ideal traits
• Improve pedigree of future generations
Cons
• Additional hereditary health problems (I.E. syringomyelia (injured spinal cord) eye disease, etc.)
• Unfavorable genetics are more prominent
• Physical faults occur (I.E. misaligned jaw)
• Male cavaliers have a decreased fertility rate
• Helps to preserve a champion line
• Maintain precise appearance characteristics
• Uphold ideal traits
• Improve pedigree of future generations
Cons
• Additional hereditary health problems (I.E. syringomyelia (injured spinal cord) eye disease, etc.)
• Unfavorable genetics are more prominent
• Physical faults occur (I.E. misaligned jaw)
• Male cavaliers have a decreased fertility rate
In most cases, since inbreeding tends to cause more harm than good, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeders
tend to only resort to this form of mating if it is absolutely necessary. Therefore, what is more common
among ethical breeders is for their litters to be the result of linebreeding or outcrossing.
tend to only resort to this form of mating if it is absolutely necessary. Therefore, what is more common
among ethical breeders is for their litters to be the result of linebreeding or outcrossing.
Linebreeding
Linebreeding is a type of inbreeding that is used to help “fix” a purebred’s desirable traits, and it has
a lower risk of producing dogs with undesirable qualities. Instead of coupling two immediate family
relations together (I.E. brother – sister), two more distant relatives are mixed (I.E. cousins, uncle-niece, etc.). However, since it is still a form of interbreeding, there is a risk for problems to occur,
especially if continuously done over time.
a lower risk of producing dogs with undesirable qualities. Instead of coupling two immediate family
relations together (I.E. brother – sister), two more distant relatives are mixed (I.E. cousins, uncle-niece, etc.). However, since it is still a form of interbreeding, there is a risk for problems to occur,
especially if continuously done over time.
Outcrossing
Outcrossing is when two cavaliers of different pedigrees (no related genetic material) are bred
together. This type if breeding creates genetic diversity, which lowers a canine’s chances of developing
hereditary illnesses and other abnormalities. Outcross procreation breathes life and fertility
back into a breeding line, making it stronger.
Outcrossing is regarded as the most purposeful form of dog reproduction today, and most respectable
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeders choose this method. Therefore, make sure you find out
what method of breeding is used before you decide to purchase your pup, because a pup that is
too far inbred may have both unappealing mental and physical issues.
together. This type if breeding creates genetic diversity, which lowers a canine’s chances of developing
hereditary illnesses and other abnormalities. Outcross procreation breathes life and fertility
back into a breeding line, making it stronger.
Outcrossing is regarded as the most purposeful form of dog reproduction today, and most respectable
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeders choose this method. Therefore, make sure you find out
what method of breeding is used before you decide to purchase your pup, because a pup that is
too far inbred may have both unappealing mental and physical issues.
Looking ahead at the future of purebreds, it important to put health first when breeding.