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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Menzie said <<<FONT size=3>I was reading the
news, and came across this article from the U.K. Is<BR>this true -
breeders are being forced to alter the "look" of certain<BR>breeds, including
basset hounds? >></FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>This is a very complex thing which has been going
on in the UK since last year. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>A BBC documentary claimed many resposnsible UK
breeders, by emphasising certain traits in a breed, were causing suffering
because those traits led to various issues such as breathing, breeding and brain
problems. It also said breeders were coupling fathers and daughters,
mothers and sons etc to achieve the desired 'look'. </FONT><FONT size=2>As the
BBC is a trusted source here, the viewing public accepted these claims.
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>The Kennel Club did not handle the claims well. It went on to
the back foot and produced some very defensive material, refusing to even
consider the points raised.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Of course, this immediately reinforced people's belief in the
BBC version of events.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Our biggest dog rescue charity, The Dogs Trust, and its
main sponsor Pedigree Dog Food announced they could not sponsor or support
Crufts unless these points were addressed. The BBC which is a major sponsor of
Crufts has also refused to sponsor or televise this year's event. This means a
huge funancial loss for the KC.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>This latest announcement from the KC is its attempt to meet
the critisism.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>I am not giving an opinion as to whether I think any of them
are right or wrong. I am just explaining what has been going on.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Here is the link for new breed standard for
Bassets </FONT><FONT size=2><A
href="http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/2227">http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/2227</A>
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>The KC statement can be found here <A
href="http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/2223">http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/2223</A> and
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2><A
href="http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/2234/23/5/3">http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/2234/23/5/3</A></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Sally, with Rolph and CLara, UK</FONT></DIV><pre>
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