A startling new report reveals that 67 popular dog breeds in the UK, ranging from Chihuahuas to Border Collies, could face bans under proposed legislation by the incoming Labour government. This initiative aims to protect animal welfare by targeting physical features linked to health problems.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Animal Welfare has introduced a health assessment tool designed to identify dog breeds with physical characteristics that may negatively impact their wellbeing. Traits under scrutiny include mottled coat color, excessive skin folds, outward-turning eyes, drooping eyelids, underbites, overbites, and muzzles that compromise breathing.
If strictly enforced, the legislation could potentially wipe out many well-known breeds. However, APPG’s Marisa Heath emphasizes that the scheme is voluntary and intended to promote healthier breeding practices. “The IHA is a voluntary welfare tool designed to encourage breeding from dogs with healthy conformations. It is not meant to target specific breeds or cause their extinction. Instead, it aims to make these breeds healthier and sustainable by focusing on good innate health,” she explained.
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Notably, several breeds currently flagged as at risk, including corgis and dachshunds, have already met the health criteria in practical assessments, offering hope for their continued presence.
The full list of breeds under consideration includes:
- Affenpinscher
- American Cocker Spaniel
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Australian Shepherd
- Basset Hound
- Basset Bleu
- Basset Fauve
- Beagle
- Beauceron
- Bergamasco
- Bloodhound
- Border Collie
- Boston Terrier
- Boxer
- Bracco Italiano
- Brittany Spaniel
- Brussels Griffon
- Bull Mastiff
- Bulldog
- Cairn Terrier
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Cesky Terrier
- Chihuahua
- Chow Chow
- Clumber Spaniel
- Dachshund
- Dandie Dinmont Terrier
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- French Bulldog
- Glen of Imaal Terrier
- Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
- Great Dane
- Japanese Chin
- King Charles Spaniel
- Lancashire Heeler
- Lhasa Apso
- Mastiff
- Mudi
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Newfoundland
- Norfolk Terrier
- Norwich Terrier
- Old English Sheepdog
- Pekingese
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
- Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Pug
- Pyrenean Mastiff
- Pyrenean Shepherd
- Rough Collie
- Schipperke
- Scottish Terrier
- Sealyham Terrier
- Shar Pei
- Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie)
- Shih Tzu
- Skye Terrier
- Smooth Collie
- Spanish Water Dog
- St Bernard
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Sussex Spaniel
- Swedish Vallhund
- Tibetan Mastiff
- West Highland White Terrier
This initiative highlights the growing focus on animal welfare in the UK and the importance of breeding dogs with traits that promote long, healthy lives. Breeders and dog owners alike are encouraged to prioritize health over appearance to ensure the future wellbeing of these beloved breeds.