Two breeds of dogs with many he alth problems
It's a decision that is causing a stir in the European and international canine sphere: the breeding of the English Bulldog and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is about to be banned in Norway.
The deep reason for this ban is based on the he alth problems encountered by these two brachycephalic dog breeds which, according to the Oslo court, inflicts on them suffering incompatible with animal protection law.
The Cavalier King Charles has a too small cranium which predisposes him to Chiari syndrome which leads to neck pain, itching of the face and neck as well as neurological disorders.This breed of dog is also notorious for inherited heart failure and eye disorders.
As for the English Bulldog, its very flattened muzzle is the cause of significant respiratory problems. Its excessive selection also exposes it to genetic alterations which also cause dermatological and orthopedic conditions. The Oslo judges justify their decision based on the fact that breeders had to resort to caesarean section for 50% of English Bulldogs born in the last ten years. They believe that “The genetic inability of the breed to give birth naturally is itself a reason the bulldog is no longer used in breeding.”
The hypertype debate revived
This judgment, which has not yet become law in Norway, highlights certain abuses of dog breeding based on the exaggerated emphasis on certain distinctive traits of a breed, which the we call the hypertypes.
Some of these traits, such as an extremely flattened muzzle, were only developed to satisfy purely aesthetic criteria, to make the dog "cuter" , more endearing to us.
It was not to mention that these characteristics undermine the well-being of the animal.
A very commented verdict
While animal rights activists welcome this decision, it is however heavily criticized by breeders.
While many recognize abuses that have been practiced in the selection of these dogs in the past, they regret that the judgment does not prohibit the possession, sale or import of these dogs of race. Rightly, some therefore fear the influx from "puppy mills" located abroad, for which no genetic tests or rigorous selection have been carried out.
As for the local Animal Protection Society, it believes that the salvation of these breeds must now go through their crossing with other dog breeds, aimed at correcting their genetic defects selected by too much inbreeding by the past.