Selective breeding
Most dog breeds were originally selected for particular purposes, such as hunting or guarding property. Humans selectively bred dogs that were best suited for the various roles required of them. This was based on their fitness, ability, and utility.
Nowadays, to win dog shows, pedigree dogs have been bred to emphasise certain physical features to comply with breed standards set by the Kennel Club. The dog who's judged to most closely match its breed standard is awarded the winner.
As a side-effect of keeping different dog breeds separate, and focusing on breeding for appearance, there's a lack of genetic diversity within dog breeds. This lack of genetic diversity can increase the risk of inherited diseases like cancer and blindness.
Exaggerated features can cause dogs to suffer
Here are examples of problems that pedigree dogs can suffer from because selective breeding, ranging from irritating to life-threatening issues and those that require risky surgery.
Head
- short, flat faces: pugs, French bulldogs, and other similar types of 'designer' dogs. Their face type means they often have narrow nostrils and abnormal windpipes. Flat-faced dogs are called brachycephalic, and many of these dogs have breathing difficulties and struggle with exercise
- bulging or sunken eyes are prone to injury, pain, and discomfort
long floppy ears often suffer ear infections or injury. Also, the dog can't move their ears to communicate with other dogs
Body
- dogs with large heads and small hips have trouble giving birth, which can risk their lives or require surgery
- very large and heavy dogs are more likely to suffer heart, digestion, muscle and joint problems and live shorter lives
- dogs with long backs can suffer crippling deformities, while those with ridges along their back are prone to nervous system problems
- very curly or short tails can make it difficult for dogs to communicate, as they can't raise or wag their tails
screw or corkscrew tail dogs can suffer with crippling back deformities
Skin
- folded and wrinkled skin can get itchy and sore, as well as causing infolding eyelids that scratch the eye
hairless dogs struggle to keep warm
Prioritise health and welfare in all dogs
We believe that all those who breed dogs – whether pedigree, purebred or crossbreed – should prioritise the health, welfare, and temperament of their dogs over their appearance. This will help protect the welfare of both the parents and puppies.
We want to help potential puppy buyers choose puppies that have been bred to have the best chance of being happy and healthy. If you're thinking of buying a puppy, avoid the pitfalls of buying from a bad breeder.
If you're thinking of buying a pedigree dog
We’ve set out some simple Q&As to help puppy buyers understand what ‘pedigree’ stands for, and more importantly, what it doesn’t.
What is a pedigree dog?
A pedigree dog is the offspring of two dogs of the same breed, which is eligible for registration with a recognised club or society that maintains a register for dogs of that description. There are several pedigree dog registration schemes, of which the Kennel Club is the most well-known.
What does Kennel Club registration stand for?
The Kennel Club's registration system is simply a record of a puppy's birth. Around 250,000 puppies are registered on the Kennel Club’s breed register every year.
How does a Kennel Club registered pedigree dog differ from a non-Kennel Club registered dog?
The Kennel Club states on its website that the benefits to new owners of purchasing a Kennel Club registered pedigree dog are that they will know it should display the characteristics of the breed, in both looks and temperament.
Could a puppy bred on a puppy farm be registered with the Kennel Club?
In the case of commercial breeders (those who breed five or more litters a year), puppies can be Kennel Club registered, provided they can produce a licence issued by the local authority and meet the criteria for registration.
Additionally, due to the lack of resources, some local authorities may not have the necessary expertise to assess breeding establishments from an animal welfare point of view and therefore will fall below what the RSPCA would consider to be an acceptable standard.
Additionally, due to the lack of resources, some local authorities may not have the necessary expertise to assess breeding establishments from an animal welfare point of view and therefore will fall below what the RSPCA would consider to be an acceptable standard.
This means that some Kennel Club registered puppies that have been bred in commercial breeding establishments may not have been bred to the standards of care that would be expected of a responsible breeder. You can find out more about Kennel Club registration on their website.
Does Kennel Club registered mean that I’m getting a puppy from a responsible breeder?
Being Kennel Club registered does not mean that the breeder is responsible, neither will it guarantee that you are buying a healthy, happy puppy. In fact, the Kennel Club has a second tier of registration, called the Assured Breeders Scheme (ABS), where membership is based on breeders meeting a set of criteria that the Kennel Club deems to be an indicator of responsible breeding. There are approximately 7,500 breeders registered with the ABS, which equates to a small percentage of the total number of puppies registered with the Kennel Club every year.
Does the RSPCA recommend the Assured Breeders Scheme?
The RSPCA is pleased that the Kennel Club is trying to protect and support responsible breeders. But we cannot currently endorse the Kennel Club’s Assured Breeders Scheme because we do not feel the criteria is stringent enough and neither are there enough checks on breeders registered with the scheme to ensure they are meeting the health and welfare of their dogs. The current standards set out for the Assured Breeder Scheme are roughly the minimum standards that the RSPCA would like to see as the criteria for all pedigree dog registrations.
Why are there so many advertisements for puppies for sale that use the term ‘Kennel Club registered’ if it does not stand for much?
The RSPCA believes that the term ‘Kennel Club registered’ is being used by breeders and traders as a marketing tool used to sell puppies because people believe it stands for quality.
How do I buy a puppy from a responsible breeder?
Before buying a puppy, pedigree or otherwise, it’s vital to do your homework first.
This includes:
- finding out where and how the puppy was bred
- making sure you see a puppy with their mother in the place where it was bred
Because many dogs have been bred to look a certain way, many suffer from serious health and welfare issues. So, it’s important to select a dog that’s free from exaggerations. In addition, a responsible breeder should want to know as much about you as you do about them and how they’ve bred the puppy.
