Norway has banned the selective breeding of British Bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. It comes after Oslo District Court ruled the pracitice of breeding brachycephalic (flat faced) dogs is cruel and results in “man-made health problems” for the animals. This Morning’s vet, Dr Scott Miller was on hand to discuss this ruling and whether any other dog breeds could join the list.
British Bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are two iconic dog breeds – both of which originated from Britain.
The British Bulldog is, in fact, the national animal of the United Kingdom.
In response to the ruling, Dr Scott said: “This is quite a tricky one.
“From a veterinary perspective, we do have grave concerns about what’s called brachycephalic dogs – flat faced dogs – and the impact that it has on their welfare.
READ MORE: Meghan Markle: Expert shares reason why she’s less popular than Kate
“What Norway has done though – by banning the breeders, you can’t work through a problem unless you can have a discussion at the table.
“And by banning the breeders they’re allowing dodgy breeders to come in, infiltrate with even worse genetic lines. I think that that is problematic.”
When asked if any other breeds could be banned in the future, Dr Scott said: “So Pugs as well are very flat faced, French Bulldogs.”
Alison Hammond commented: “I love pugs.”
And Dr Scott explained why they are popular with dog owners: “A lot of people do, and the reason people do is that we relate to animals that look like us, which is very simplistic.
“We like pandas, we like koalas, anything with a flat face and big eyes.”
It comes after a 2021 study by the Royal Veterinary College found 58 percent of short-nosed dog owners were unable to recognise signs their hound was having breathing problems.
English Bulldogs are susceptible to Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome due to their flatter, wide skulls and short snouts.
They can also suffer skin problems, inverted eyelashes, kidney stone disease and kneecap dislocation.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, on the other hand, are prone to heart defects, chronic headaches or syringomyelia, eye disease and joint problems where the kneecap is out of its usual position on the femur.
There is some hope remaining for lovers of British Bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in Norway with the ruling stipulating that breeders who work to bring an end to the animals’ health problems can continue.
