Crufts judges have been warned against crowning fat French Bulldogs winners at the annual dog show, which begins in London on 8th March.
According to The Times, the Kennel Club has told judges to ‘avoid giving prizes to fat little Frenchies’, as research indicates that plumper pooches are more likely to suffer breathing problems associated with flatfaced breeds such as bulldogs and pugs.
The move comes amid criticism of the overbreeding of popular pedigree dogs such as pugs and French Bulldogs, which can lead to genetic defects.
Campaigners are also aiming to have a new guidelines in place for next year that will stipulate dogs should have ‘a waist you can see when you look down from above’ as well as ribs you can feel.
Crufts judges have reportedly been warned against crowning French Bulldogs (seen) winners at their annual dog show this year
The move follows increasing criticism over the overbreeding of popular pedigree dogs such as pugs (pictured) and French Bulldogs, with the flat face breeds suffering increased breathing problems
Almost 21,000 dogs will compete at Crufts this year. The competition runs until next Sunday.
The event opens at the NEC Birmingham on Wednesday, and this year 98 migrant dogs from 15 foreign breeds will be paraded around the ring in the hope of catching the judges’ eye.
Previously, British owners of new foreign dogs were only allowed to show off their pets in the ‘imported breed’ classes at the show.
But this week, winners of these classes can go on to compete in group rounds where champions are eligible to be selected for the canine crown.
Until now, only foreign dog breeds that have become established pedigrees in Britain were allowed to join the elite parade.
Kennel Club secretary Caroline Kisko said: ‘It does give these dogs the right to show off in the ring.
‘We felt that if someone has gone to the expense and trouble of bringing a breed into the country, it seemed unfair to slam the door on them for the Crufts’ top prize.’
Among the newcomers on show will be the Hungarian Pumi, an adorable breed with a slightly comical look. It is nicknamed the Clown in its native country.
Rising reports have seen a rise in apparent genetic defects, also linked to overweight dogs of the breeds (a Whippet- a slimmer breed- seen)
The event opens at the NEC Birmingham on Wednesday, and this year 98 migrant dogs from 15 foreign breeds will be paraded around the ring in the hope of catching the judges’ eye (pictured- the Hungarian Pumi)