By Naming Top 10 Most Overbred Dogs In The Uk, PETA Seeks New Respect For The Mongrel

For Immediate Release:
20 August 2008

Contact:
Sam Glover 020 7357 9229, ext 229; [email protected]

London – Pedigreed dogs may seem desirable, but hiding behind their manicured coats and jewelled collars is a mountain of physical and psychological problems – which breeders and kennel clubs do not talk about. In particular, dogs who are bred (and often inbred) for shows like Crufts are commonly plagued with debilitating health problems, including seizures, hearing loss and breathing problems. PETA is urging compassionate people who are contemplating taking a dog into their homes and hearts to turn their attention to the Great British mongrel. To emphasise the point, PETA has composed the following list of the top 10 most overbred dogs in the UK – along with just some of their common ailments:

Labrador Retriever: hip dysplasia, cataracts, retinal degeneration and bloat
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: syringomyelia (a disorder of the brain and spinal cord) and heart mitral valve disease
Yorkshire Terrier: bronchitis, tooth decay and paralysis in the hindquarters
German Shepherd: hip dysplasia, spinal paralysis, epilepsy, eczema, eye disease and blood disorders
Golden Retriever: heart problems, epilepsy, skin allergies, retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia and excessive bleeding from simple injuries
Beagle: mange, hypothyroidism, dwarfism, slipped discs, umbilical hernias and hip dysplasia
Boxer: tumours, allergies, hip disease, epilepsy and severe heart problems
Dachshund: heart disease, urinary stones, diabetes and spinal problems
Poodle: skin disease, cataracts, ear infections, runny eyes and bloat
Bulldog: conjunctivitis, dermatitis, mange, heart problems and hip disease

“Inbreeding compounds flaws, so purebred dogs often suffer physical breakdowns”, says PETA Europe’s Alexia Weeks. “We are encouraging everyone who has the love, time, patience and commitment to offer a dog a home to adopt a healthy, mutt from an animal shelter.”

For more information about animal abuse and how to help stop it, please visit PETA.org.uk.