Expect no punches to be pulled on producer Jemima Harrison's new blog:
http://pedigreedogsexposed.blogspot.com/
http://pedigreedogsexposed.blogspot.com/
There is no way I would ever personally condone malformation of any animal or any suffering, accidental or otherwise, but
Knowing nothing about this breed or it's health status I do not feel myself able to comment. Surely there was at least one experienced vet on duty and present throughout at least part of the event. Surely some caring person, perhaps Ms Harrison or any camera operator used by her should have reported this dog's apparent suffering to that vet so that the dog could be expertly examined and withdrawn from the event if appropriate.
Past experience tells me that video evidence may not always be as it seems, but I was not there and have no idea of the true circumstances of the filming.
Hello Flo,
You obviously did not read the blog. The Bulldogs' distress was reported.
Quote.........
"The dogs were in such a poor state that I reported them to the show vet and showed him my footage, mentioning who I was. "Could you hang on here a moment while I go and show this to the Kennel Club" asked Eric the vet, reaching out for my iPhone (on which I filmed the dogs). Fearing my beloved Apple portable device might meet a sudden and untimely end once in KC paws, I said I would stay put while they fetched someone. Eric disappeared. I waited. Who would it be, I wondered. I waited some more. No one came. But of course - they would have gone straight to the Bulldog stand! I left my phone number with the veterinary nurse and hot-tailed it to the Bulldog stand just in time to see Eric the vet and KC Secretary Caroline Kisko ushering the two bulldogs and their unhappy owners off the stand. And it wasn't just for a quick vet-check either. They didn't return."
You are quite right of course Margaret and I apologise. In fact I saw the video and felt physically sick, so sick that I clicked off the site. Then I thought about it, but could not go back to it, so I posted as I did.
Full marks to Ms Kisko et al for responding so effectively. I think that while still imperfect the KC are trying their best to bring about improvement.
...What in god's name are breeders doing? That Neo had far more wrinkles than the dog I first saw 30 years ago! Why oh why do people have to breed to extremes instead of a "standard" or average??
Well, consider the CKCS. Since 1997/1998, breeders in the UK & USA have known how to breed early-onset mitral valve disease out of the breed within three generations. All they have had to do is follow the MVD breeding protocol -- http://cavalierhealth.org/mvdprotocol.htm But about 98% of them have refused to do so. So, early onset MVD persists, with over half of all cavaliers developing murmurs by their fifth birthday, then followed by MVD's progression to painful, premature deaths.
Unlike the Neo, this has nothing to do with the dogs' outward physical appearances or the breed standard. And yet, because most all CKCS breeders think only as far as their next generation of future champions, the entire breed continues to suffer. Remember, it is much, much easier to breed champion cavaliers when you ignore health testing and breeding protocols.
How do these breeders deal with the criticisms? Like one of the comments on the pedigreedogsexposed.com blog, they attack those who bring this information forward. They accuse these mostly pet owners of ignorance ("I'm a breeder and you're not!") and egotism. I have found that one of the best ways to strike cavalier breeders from your list is to read how they respond pet owners who urge breeders to follow health testing protocols. My list of prospective CKCS breeders in the USA, from whom I'd want a dog, is down to mighty slim.
Well, consider the CKCS. Since 1997/1998, breeders in the UK & USA have known how to breed early-onset mitral valve disease out of the breed within three generations. All they have had to do is follow the MVD breeding protocol -- http://cavalierhealth.org/mvdprotocol.htm But about 98% of them have refused to do so. So, early onset MVD persists, with over half of all cavaliers developing murmurs by their fifth birthday, then followed by MVD's progression to painful, premature deaths.
Unlike the Neo, this has nothing to do with the dogs' outward physical appearances or the breed standard. And yet, because most all CKCS breeders think only as far as their next generation of future champions, the entire breed continues to suffer. Remember, it is much, much easier to breed champion cavaliers when you ignore health testing and breeding protocols.
The AKC's Board agreed to a proposed agreement, pending acceptance of the American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club's Board, which would bring the matter to a vote by the ACKCSC membership in June 2011. The AKC Board would consider this vote, along with other factors in reaching its final decision.
I read the Breed Record Supplement..... Club Members mating 14 month bitches, back to back matings becoming commonplace in some breeding programmes, so that one poor little girl had two litters by the time she was 22 months..............Now isn't that the sort of thing that puppy farmers are suppose to do, not responsible club breeders that had signed to say they would accept the Club's rules?
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I assume the CKCS Club wil do absolutely nothing about this terrible abuse of a young dog?
And then there is one of the latest Champions, with puppies born when he is only 14 months, not just a proving litter, more litters have been born and more on the way.
Owner is a regional club health representative.
I am not sure this ("one poor little girl had two litters by the time she was 22 months") would be abuse. In the CKCSC,USA, it still is okay to "Allow a [1+ year old] bitch to whelp ... two litters during any three consecutive seasons."
What a moron. These people are so empty of any ethical sense or responsibility towards cavalier breeding, aren't they? What a perfect example to bring to the new Dog Advisory Committee and to people's own MPs to ask for real change in dog breeding.
When I was looking for a new pup a lady I know at the childrens school who very sadly lost a Cav that was put to sleep because of Sm and has another sufferer said she wouldn't get another and recommended the same for me...I thought, no I love the breed and spent a lot of time looking for a breeder and pup I was happy with. This lady has since bought a British Bull Dog puppy along with all the issues they carry!! It has already had an eye operation!!
I am going to stop writing now!! I just get so angry and upset!! Sorry to go on!!
My list of prospective CKCS breeders in the USA, from whom I'd want a dog, is down to mighty slim.