A French Bulldog named Elton at the world’s largest dog show, Crufts, has sparked a contentious debate over health standards and breeding practices. Elton, who won top honors in the Utility Group, has been at the center of a controversy due to his physical traits, with some critics claiming he possesses “no discernible nostrils” and an “almost concave face.”
Crufts, an event that celebrates the best of the canine world, has found itself at odds with animal welfare advocates and veterinary professionals. Jemima Harrison, an award-winning producer and campaigner for health and welfare reform in dog breeding, “This French bulldog – with no discernible nostrils and an almost concave face – won not just best of breed at Crufts today but also the Utility Group,” she wrote on X. “A terrible day for the breed. Am gutted.” The RSPCA, a leading animal welfare organization, also voiced its disapproval, commenting, “The breed standard states these dogs should have a well-defined muzzle and wide open nostrils, so awarding best of breed and group as well as allowing this dog to compete for best in show sends completely the wrong message.”
Despite the uproar, the Kennel Club, the organizer of Crufts, has defended Elton’s victory, highlighting that the dog had passed all requisite health checks. Charlotte McNamara, the Kennel Club’s head of health, reassured the public, “The health and welfare of dogs at the show is our priority, and the winning French bulldog, Elton, has passed all relevant vet health assessments that it has undertaken within and outside the show ring.” “He has a grade 0 score on the Kennel Club/University of Cambridge breathing assessment that was done prior to the show, and which – from Crufts 2025 – will be mandatory for all French bulldogs, pugs and bulldogs before they compete, meaning he is clinically unaffected by brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS),” she said.
The controversy shines a light on the broader issues plaguing certain popular breeds like French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Bulldogs, known as brachycephalic breeds. These dogs are often bred for their distinctive flat faces and short muzzles, a look that can lead to health complications such as difficulty breathing, skin and dental problems, and spinal issues.
In response to mounting concerns, the Kennel Club has announced that from 2025, breathing assessments will become mandatory for all French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Bulldogs competing at Crufts. Dogs that receive the poorest grade, or who are not tested, will be barred from competing.
Relevant articles:
– ‘No discernible nostrils’: Crufts in row over prizes for French bulldog
– Crufts embroiled in row after French bulldog with ‘no discernable nostrils’ wins for second year – but competition bosses bite back, Daily Mail, Sat, 09 Mar 2024 01:58:00 GMT
– Crufts to bring in breathing tests for flat-faced dogs, The Telegraph, Thu, 07 Mar 2024 15:37:00 GMT
– RSPCA ‘disappointed’ as French bulldog wins coveted Crufts title, NationalWorld, Fri, 08 Mar 2024 14:31:02 GMT