Campaigners have raised alarm that up to 67 dog breeds could face potential bans in the United Kingdom if new health-focused regulations come into effect. An all-party parliamentary group for animal welfare (APGAW) is currently developing legislation aimed at improving the treatment and breeding standards of dogs across the nation.
Ten-Point Checklist for Canine Health
The proposed rules, as reported by The Times, would introduce a ten-point checklist to determine whether a breed is considered healthy. This assessment could lead to restrictions on dogs exhibiting specific physical characteristics deemed detrimental to their well-being.
Targeted Physical Traits
Banned features under the new framework may include short noses, flat faces, shortened legs, mottled skin, excessive skin folds, bulging eyes, drooping eyelids, underbites, overbites, and disrupted breathing patterns. The inclusion of short legs addresses concerns about spine and leg deformities in breeds like Corgis and Dachshunds, while flat-face breeds are targeted due to respiratory issues.
Criticism and Breeder Concerns
Critics argue that these regulations would effectively outlaw popular breeds such as Corgis, Dachshunds, West Highland White Terriers, Chihuahuas, and Shih Tzus. Beverley Cuddy, founder of the Union of Good Dog People, expressed strong opposition, stating, "It's going to be the most shocking thing to happen to dog lovers in this country. People will rightly be outraged at being told they can't have the dogs they want. It's madness."
Official Clarification from APGAW
Marisa Heath, director of APGAW, countered these claims, emphasizing that the Innate Health Assessment (IHA) is a voluntary welfare tool designed to promote breeding from dogs with healthy conformations. "The suggestion that the IHA could lead to beloved breeds such as corgis becoming 'banned' is misleading and irresponsible," Heath explained. "It does not target particular breeds and is not intended to make any breed extinct — quite the opposite as it is about making those breeds healthier and sustainable by moving them towards good innate health. Indeed, many breeds cited as at risk — including corgis and dachshunds — have already passed the assessment in practice."
Potential for Legal Enforcement
Although currently voluntary, the IHA is already being utilized by some local councils to evaluate whether breeders are producing healthy dogs. There is speculation that it could become legally mandated within the next five years, raising stakes for dog owners and breeders alike.
Breed-Specific Defenses
Margaret Hoggarth, secretary of the Welsh Corgi League, defended her breed, arguing, "They are trying to say any dogs with a certain look are unhealthy but anybody who has worked with corgis knows they are a very healthy breed. They don't have the problems you see with some other breeds but sadly they are being lumped in together because they have short legs."
Full List of Breeds at Risk
Campaigners have compiled a comprehensive list of 67 breeds they fear could be affected by the new rules:
- Affenpinscher
- American Cocker Spaniel
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Australian Shepherd
- Basset
- Basset Bleu
- Basset Fauve
- Beagle
- Beauceron
- Bergamasco
- Bloodhound
- Border Collie
- Boston Terrier
- Boxer
- Bracco
- Brittany
- Brussels Griffon
- Bull Mastiff
- Bulldog
- Cairn Terrier
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Cesky Terrier
- Chihuahua
- Chow Chow
- Clumber Spaniel
- Dachshund
- Dandie Terrier
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- French Bulldog
- Glen of Imaal Terrier
- Grand Basset
- Great Dane
- Japanese Chin
- King Charles Spaniel
- Lancashire Heeler
- Lhasa Apso
- Mastiff
- Mudi
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Newfoundland
- Norfolk Terrier
- Norwich Terrier
- Old English Sheepdog
- Pekingese
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Petit Basset
- Polish Lowland
- Pug
- Pyr Mastiff
- Pyr Shep
- Rough Collie
- Schipperke
- Scottish Terrier
- Sealyham Terrier
- Shar Pei
- Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie)
- Shih Tzu
- Skye Terrier
- Smooth Collie
- Spanish Water Dog
- St Bernard
- Staffordshire Terrier
- Sussex Spaniel
- Swedish Vallhund
- Tibetan Mastiff
- West Highland White Terrier
The debate continues as stakeholders await further developments from the parliamentary group, with dog lovers across the UK closely monitoring the situation.
