Saturday 9 March 2013

Bulldogs @ Crufts 2013 - Part 1

There's something odd that happens if you're around abnormality for long enough. You start to become desensitised to how grossly abnormal it is.

This is why the alarm about the severe morphological problems in some pedigree dogs took so long to register; why Bulldog breeders look at you in astonishment when you challenge the wisdom of breeding an animal that fails on so many basic functions (breathing and running freely, mating, whelping).

I am not immune to this process myself. I was ringside at the Bulldogs yesterday and they're beginning to look a bit less abnormal to me, too.

Now this is partly because they are a little better than they used to be. They are a little taller on the leg; there are some marginally more fluid movers (particularly the bitches which are smaller and lighter); some better breathers, too.

But let's not pretend that Bulldogs are anything other than a gross parody of what a dog should be - and it becomes painfully obvious when you photograph them.

The Bulldogs and most of the brachycephalic breeds were shown in Hall 4 at Crufts yesterday. It was markedly cooler than the other Halls - by design of course. The Bulldog ring was, as ever, deliberately positioned by a door kept open to aid the flow of cool air.

It was by no means warm, but not a single Bulldog that I saw in the hour or so I spent there could trot up and down in the ring yesterday without panting.

Here's the Bulldog bitch that went Best of Breed at Crufts yesterday.









This 19-month-old bitch was better than some - but is still breathing quite heavily in these pictures, several minutes after a brief trot round a cool ring.  Later in the group in the bigger Arena, where she had to trot a few metres further, she was quite obviously breathing heavily, too.

But she passed the vet check. So how come?

It's partly because the vet check isn't very taxing... the vets are not allowed to use any instruments; not even a stethescope. 

And it's partly because of the normalising process I mention above. 

The veterinary team at Crufts this year is headed by Andreas Schemel - a pug breeder and judge whose views on the breathing problems in flat-faced dogs are at odds with experts in the field. Contrary to most expert veterinary opinion, he insists that it is narrow nostrils, rather than the short muzzle, that is the main cause of the high prevalance of bracycephalic airway syndrome in Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, Pugs and Pekes. Schemel even opined recently that the "the presumption that a long nose is automatically healthier than a short one grossly simplifies the situation and still has to be proven."

Schemel believes that breeding for wider nares is the solution... ergo - da-daa-  you can keep the flat face. It's bollocks, of course. 

Yesterday, Schemel either did or oversaw the vet check on at least one of the brachycephalic breeds as he was in the vet-check booth with them. They all passed.

The other vets doing the vet checks are now under the KC's wing, too. They've been brought into the fold; introduced to breeders and attended Kennel Club health seminars - including a High Profile Breeds Education Day last month "showcasing the health work that has been undertaken by breeders and the progress that has been made."

I am sure they are all great vets, but immune to this kind of indoctrination? Of course not. They become desensitised - as described in 1997 in the Canadian Veterinary Journal by vet, Korarik Arman. In an article entitled A new direction for kennel club regulations and breed standards Arman wrote: 
"The high frequency of genetic disease that has developed in purebred dogs over the last century has resulted in the desensitization of society and veterinarians to the resultant welfare issues to such an extent that the production of anatomically deformed dogs, such as pugs and daschunds, is neither shocking nor considered abnormal. 
So vets start to think: "this breathing, this movement... hey, it's pretty good for a Bulldog" whereas what they must continue to ask is: is it good for a dog... 

Of course the breeders are happy. They have always whinged that the vets don't understand that Bulldogs, Bassets and the like are supposed to be like that.

The Bulldog judge yesterday was asked if she was seeing less extreme dogs coming through the ring now. Her reply? She never thought they were extreme.

I applaud the Kennel Club for introducing the vet checks. They have worked. The Best of Breed Basset and Bloodhound and Shar-pei at this year's Crufts are all more moderate dogs. But there must be no resting on laurels and the checks must  not be watered down.

Because, after all, where do we go from here? Given that the vast majority of Bulldogs are now passing the vet checks done by vets who are no longer as objective as they should be, are these oxygen-starved, shambling creatures with grossly undershot jaws and tongues too big for their mouths really as good as it gets?  See Bulldogs @ Crufts 2013 - Part 2 and decide for yourself.


264 comments:

  1. I really, really, REALLY am against this breeding system of the brachycephalic breeds, and it is indeed beyond my understanding what people see in a dog that has problems with _breathing_, which is, as we are aware as humans, quite vital for the living itself. It is awfully hard to live if the breathing is hard. If anyone has very aggressive asthma or suffers from panic attacks, they might know what I mean.

    It's a good thing, if the judges rather give prices to the dogs they think are better than the breed average.

    ... But unfortunately that won't fix the problem. Not in a million years. Or maybe in a million years, but how many dogs has to suffer before that?

    Why not use breed mixing to help? Maybe if some healthier breed was mixed to bulldog, and then maybe mixed back, there might be a good chance for the breed to go to a healthier direction!

    It is awful for us people with normal-muzzled dogs to hear the rasping breath of a brachycephalic dog - because we are still aware how a healthy dog sounds like. It is, first and foremost, an animal. Then a dog. And then some specific breed. Breeding of the brachycephalic breeds is animal abuse legalized.

    A good article from you once again, Jemima. Always interesting to read!

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    1. Lost for except these four , shut the f%£k up

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    2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zAW0DDFPNc

      My almost 6yr old KC reg bulldog....same thing every day, day in day out, all year, 30mins at a time....please dont tar all bulldog with the same badly bred brush. I have two, from different breedings and both run, swim and enjoy their lives better than most fat labradors I know....

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    3. i have two very fit healthy bulldogs that are walked 3 times a day most days for between 45mins and an hour a time they run round like loonies people are just ignorant and small minded if you dont own a bulldog or have never owned one dont pass judgement the same as i wouldnt pass judgement on fat spaniels labradors king charles etc.












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    4. Not all bulldogs....

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeB6rIZxXk4

      My 3yr old KC can run, swim and does not suffer in the heat. He is athletic and fitter than most of the overweight labs and cockers we meet on our walks. You won't see him at the dog shows as he isn't the beauty pageant type.

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    5. Sariana i see u a a band wagon idiot. U obviously r uneducated and unaware. I suspect u have never looked at bulldogs the changes they have undertaken. I have 10 bulldogs every one of them runs free in a field all morning then does a woodland walk in the afternoon. And shock horror they self whelp their puppies too. Get your facts straight and stop kisssin ass of a miss puddleduck !

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    6. so Miss J. ALL dogs must run, swim, walk ,sing, dance and only sleep for 8 hours a day. oh and keep thier mouths shut and never pant ...EVER.
      GET REAL LADY

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  2. Question for veterinarians:

    If a breeder of, say, pointers, or German shepherds, were to appear at your door in a tizzy, clutching a basket of whelps who had heads like this --

    http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/Cole123RF/Cole123RF1101/Cole123RF110100011/8548319-newborn-puppy--hands-holding-one-week-old-english-bulldog-puppy.jpg

    What would you recommend?

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    1. Euthanasia. Seriously. At a week old and already struggling to breathe and suckle properly -- that's bad even by bulldog standards. But I'm sure it looks cute to many and that supplementing with a dropper isn't *that* much work to the rationalising.

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  3. Crufts TV program on More 4 gave an example of a vet's check and I immediately thought that it wasn't vigorous enough for the brachycephalic dog's whose reason to be born is to suffer as far as I can work out. I did wonder if there would be some bias from vets who either breed these types of dog's or have just got desensitised o the abnormalities. I am no expert but it is easy to see that the KC has ENORMOUS room for improvement here. Utter bollocks to justify keep justifying breeding brachycephalic dogs given the fact they aredropping to bits.

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  4. And there we have it. Whatever breeders do it will never be enough for Jemima. In a single year there has been great improvment in the dogs exhibited at Crufts and yet no acknowlegement. Have the puppy farms done anything over the past year to improve the health opf their dogs? I doubt it. But Jemima continues to attack those who continually try to make a difference.

    Jemima will not be happy until all pure bred dogs have dissapared, we have no Pedigrees and no choice. There will just be the street dog, that will have limited appeal, no shows and nothing for breeders to aim for.

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    1. Except the dogs continue to suffer whilst these improvements are being made. There may be changes, but not being able to trot around a cool ring without panting, does smack of serious breathing problems.

      The breathing problems bother everybody else apart from bulldog owners who seem blind and deaf to it. The only thing I can think of is, they love their dogs, but they also love how their dogs look. Therefore they cannot reconcile within themselves, that their beloved dogs are suffering due to the very looks which they finds so appealing. Otherwise that wouldn't make them very nice owners now, would it?

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    2. Bollocks. Jemima isn't alone in wanting to improve the health of these breeds. Keep throwing your toys out of the pram.

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    3. What a hysterical, nonsensical reply. Try reading what the post actually says.

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  5. Well there's the problem "no shows = nothing for breeders to aim for", how about they aim for breeding quality pets without health issues, discomforts and extremes, it is show breeders fault they are in this state not Jemima's, if there were no issues there would be no story!

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  6. These brachycephalics seem to enjoy life ........
    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151444753558754&set=vb.768343753&type=2&theater

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    1. You need to make that link accessible.

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    2. I wouldn't get too excited. It's some bulldog on a skateboard, still panting despite standing still.

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    3. Seriously...bulldogs are the only dogs on the planet that pant???? So you never sweat when you're hot no? Cos if you did you'd be classed as a heart attack risk yeah?

      Dogs pant when they're hot or have been exercising...even when they are then standing still -FACT!!!!







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  7. Anon 15:55

    If there are no shows that will be definite progress as far as I can see. This is about the DOG'S future welfare. i.e. Canis familiaris. Not desperately hanging on to breeds who wouldn't exist if nature had been allowed to take it's course. I am all for selective breeding, but for the right reasons. Health and temperament. Not for what some people have defined as being oddly aesthetically pleasing. My own dog is a mixed greed. Physically robust, temperamentally sound. I couldn't give a toss if she is isn't considered pretty or doesn't have a pedigree. As long as she is healthy, taught and trained kindly, has access to a good veetand I can provide appropriate outlets for her drives, then that is all that matters as far as I am concerned.

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  8. Here'a a good video about the breathing problems

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ_3f4bLkME&feature=player_embedded

    "Making Assessments of Dogs' Respiration has been produced by the Swedish Kennel Club as part of the work in improving health in pedigree dogs. The film illustrates the causes and background to dogs' respiratory problems and the difficulties to adjust the body temperature. The film discusses the signs of affected breathing that a judge may observe.
    Making Assessments of Dogs' Respiration is a complement to the Breed-Specific Instructions for Judges, BSI."

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  9. If u are not smart enough to get à bulldog of ur own and watch him runing around thé field with thé other dogs happy as can be with thèse so called problems, then im not gonna waste my time trying to put You right , your nothing more than a small minded person WHO needs to do some research before u go around pissing bulldog owners off.stupid bitch.

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    1. Nice language, since you put it so nicely I really belive you... or NOT!

      If you love the breed, how come you can't see that so many individuals have problem because of their looks?

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    2. Go dig a hole six foot deep and jump in to it. sûre all thé bullys would come and fill it in for u . u scumbag

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    3. Wow. I just lost the last meagre shred of respect for 'dog-people' of our ilk. Your inability to express yourself with civility and common decency hardly recommends your view or your dog.

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    4. Annie Macfarlane10 March 2013 at 13:41

      Picture this....warm day....one friend visiting another friend who happens to own a bulldog. bulldog out in the sun for a little while playing with the other dogs.... comes into the house and collapses...all hell breaks loose and while the owner is upstairs turning on the shower to cool the dog down the others are trying to lift her to get her there in time. Thankfully she pulled through...but that wasn't the first time. This dog was bought from a respected bulldog breeder....open your eyes... I have another friend that can't walk her bulldog when it's even remotely warm.

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  10. Perhaps you should have been in friston forest last week my 2 year old bulldog had a 1 and a half hour walk/run carrying a stick and was not panting by the end of it.You people should live in the real world of healthy bulldogs target the puppy farms and back yard breeders

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  11. May i just add a comment. You are talking bollocks. My dog was in that ring yesterday and she didn't pant once. She is a very fit dog and enjoys long walks without panting. Most dogs will pant at some time or is this just a personal attack towards the bulldog and its owners.

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  12. I am the proud & very happy owner of 3 rescue Bulldogs, as follows, Bowzer died in his sleep at just short of his 13th Birthday, Bella had some allergy problems, but also died in her sleep at just over 11 years of age, my current rescue Bulldog is a 5 year old lunatic that can run like the clappers, can leap up onto my raised couch in one go with no help, she can stop & turn on the spot to catch, yes catch a ball, my Dad walks her for miles, & she still has the energy to go further, none of my Bulldogs have ever had breathing problems, in fact the only noises they ever make are when they are dreaming. There are a lot worse breeds than the bulldog yet everyone decides it is the Bulldog that should be finished, they do not have brains to big for their sculls that their eyes are bulbous, they do not have guaranteed hip dysplasia, & there are an awful lot of dogs both pedigree, & mongrel that have to give birth by c-section, & contrary to rumours a lot of Bulldogs can & do give birth naturally, I would just like to ask you all that instead of believing the hype, find someone who is a good Bulldog owner & get to know them & their dog before you pass judgement on in my humble opinion the best dog in the world

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    1. Annie Macfarlane10 March 2013 at 13:45

      Actually the Bulldog has no specific breed health testing requirements but in 2008 it's breed mean score for hip displasia was 45.....that is a high score!

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  13. Perfect example of the breed..........
    Seems like a great money making exercise , "it's Crufts time again so lets release a DVD for the small minded , uneducated idiots to purchase" .
    Do something worthwhile with your time , hows about "Backyard breeders exposed" or "RSPCA , What is the point" . Try to focus on the real problems

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  14. DO ONE DUCKY ..........Jane O

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  15. I'm sorry but I have over 600 photos I took at Crufts yesterday, I sat there all day watching the action...never missed a class. I have every photo on my facebook account. The bitch that won BOB ONLY started panting after she had been completely caught up in the excitement and had been run round the ring several times while being judged against the male CC winner. ANY dog would pant in that kind of excitement, she wasnt in distress, she breathes freely, she'd been on the go ALL day!

    It is an UTTER LIE to say every dog was panting...there were a couple breathing heavily and the judge asked for them to be removed. It happens, but nowhere near as often as you'd like people to think these days. The breed has improved so much thru the hard work of good breeders but still falls short when it comes to puppies produced for money by Eastern European puppy farms that are shipped in en mass and those backyard breeders that give no thought to health just profit. Those are the bulldogs that inevitably end up confirming what vets seem to think.

    Vets never see healthy bulldogs do they, mine only ever go for vaccinations!!

    Below is a link to a video of my 6yr old KC registered bulldog doing what he does on a daily basis for 30mins a time...I daresay there are labradors out there that couldnt keep up with him but you dont trash the whole of that breed because of the failings of some do you???? My bitch can also run like a train, and swim and MY vet says he wishes half the 'normal' breeds he sees were as healthy as them!!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zAW0DDFPNc

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    1. Here Here!!

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    2. Well said, it is about the puppy farmers were targeted in all breeds. Then maybe retrievers wouldn't have as much problems with cancer either !

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    3. well said De

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    4. Well said De! I challenge anybody to say Otis isn't fit after chasing the ladies for 2 hours on the bully walks!

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    5. Was Otis whelped by c-section? If his dam had other litters, by what means were these whelped? What are his hip and elbow scores? What do his nostrils look like?

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    6. Annie Macfarlane10 March 2013 at 13:47

      Can you walk him on a hot day??????? Can you walk him on even a warm-hot day????

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    7. Yes I can walk mine on a med-hot day but no I wouldnt take any dog out exercising on a hot day, we wait for evening or if we want to do stuff on a hot day we go swimming like this...he retrieves in water as well as any of my friends 'normal' breeds..
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkelvmASp9Q

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    8. Why would you walk any dog on a hot day??? That's really about cruel.

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    9. I agree. It is most deplorable that the uneducated savages in the Sahara and the Arab peninsula use their dogs to hunt on hot days. The upstanding general public ought to take some deliberate action against this unfortunate unpleasantness to make them see the light of civilisation in the less fortunate parts of the world.

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    10. Annie why would you walk any dog on a hot day,

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    11. @ Anonymous 18:30 - Just LOL at that comment....how about taking an Alaskan Malamute or a Siberian Husky to the Sahara or Arab Peninsula and see how well they do hunting there in the heat of the day....dear god get a grip how many african hunting dogs do you see as pets these days????

      We're talking about man made breeds not dogs tamed for a purpose in the environment they were designed for!!! And there are many man made breeds NOT just brachysephalics..

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    12. Madam De,

      Your proposal is most intriguing. I should think exporting the finest of English Bullodgs to the northern tundra would in fact promote an altogether more wholesome mode of transportation amongst the local Esquimau tribes. Their Huskies could then be used to establish a local dog show circuit, which I have been assured by many authorities would greatly benefit the breed. What a marvelous way of spreading the benefits of our civilisation to those less fortunate!

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  16. Wot a crock of complete utter bollox !!!

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  17. I was in that ring we were all hot and all saying why is the building so warm , so Jemmia your talking bollox as always

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    1. Oh really? Then why on the Facebook photos linked to by Anthony below, can you see quite a few people with overcoats on?

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    2. I was in the ring next to the British Bulldogs
      Showing my French Bulldog. Early on it was very hot believe you me. when moving your dog. You will soon get hot. It was the lights. the fans came on later. But I did see lame French Bulldogs. and the Judge did place them.

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  18. Yes I agree watch a bulldog running around playing football for ages - mine was very active until he died aged 10 and a half

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  19. Jemima ,It is astounding how you continue to be selective in your bulldog bashing.We watched the groups on both days and several dogs of different breeds were panting under the hot lights and the bulldog went in to compete after having been made to trot around by the vet before going into the ring .You also exagerate about all the dogs panting in the ring and very selective with the photos you show in Part 2.There are 170 photos taken at random on fb see https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=4862635399499&set=a.4862456635030.1073741825.1105639438&type=1&theater these are taken without the owners being aware and shows just how many bulldogs were standing with their mouths shut including the best of breed winner.BUT unless you continue to be sensationalist, your blog will not attract pedigree dog haters, so I guess we have to continue to receive the bashing to which we have become accustomed .Despite all your efforts (or maybe because of them) the bulldog is one of the fastest growing breeds world wide with more and more people appreciating the loving characteristics they possess.

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  20. For those of you offensive philistines with vile mouths........... You may be lucky enough to have an unaffected example but you are the exception not the rule far to many bulldogs cannot even reproduce by themselves, without human intervention what do you think that means for the breed????

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    1. how many Bulldog owners or breeders do you actually know, & by breeders I mean reputable breeders not puppy farms, or back door breeders or even breeders from outside the UK, I would imagine the answer is either none or very few so do not Judge our dogs until you have got to know us & our dogs!!

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    2. please realise that Jemimas own precious Flatcoated Retrievers, have so many inherent health problems perhaps they to should be breed out & removed from crufts as well, along with the shar peis, pugs, chows,& most of the currently termed as handbag dogs!!

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    3. I make my judgement based on what I see and have witnessed not what I think I may know - There is a lot wrong with many breeds not just the bulldog, but that is the thread here! I do not wish for pedigree dogs to be bred out but the totally unnessacery and and sometimes disgraceful alterations made to breeds in the name of beauty not health or function........so I ask again if most of these dogs are unable to breed without human intervention what do you suppose would happen to your beloved breed??? Oh and I also know that free breathing is essential not being able to do so is extremely traumatic I know this because I'm asthmatic!

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    4. well then snap as i am a chronic asthmatic, who also happens to be disabled, so I more than most would be able to spot if a Bulldog had breathing problems, & again you have your facts wrong on breeding unaided, these theories are based on the bad few & not the the good majority, any breed of animal, let alone Bulldogs can come across as unhealthy if only one side of the story is told, as this will only allow people to make a biased one sided opinion, instead of an opinion arisen from unbiased facts taken from both sides!!!!

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    5. Annie Macfarlane10 March 2013 at 13:53

      Caroline, your breed club doesnt even advocate hip scoring, elbow scoring, eye testing etc., How can you possibly know if you are breeding a good healthy bulldog puppy...even if it can breathe properly? Your breed club has its own criteria by which to judge if a dog is healthy enough to be bred from. that is just completely unacceptable. Those health testing schemes are there to be used and in 2008 the Bulldog had a breed mean score for HD of 45. That is completely unacceptable because you are in no position to know if its getting any better. Open your eyes and realise that if you want to stop this "breed bashing" as you call it...lobby your breed club to start doing something to show visible results that your breed is healthy...all of this is just anecdotal evidence based on people who own them. I have never met a Bulldog that can breathe properly....I don't know many...but the ones I do know have come from show breeders....

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    6. Caroline like I said I am not biased - you are blinded by the love of the breed these features are NOT enhancing they are destructive and you deliberately avoid discussing it, as Jemima appears to be deliberately not posting some of my comments maybe she doesn't want the answers but I would like them!

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  21. jemima stop talking shit...come & meet my bulldog, take him out for the day .walk him run him with other dogs.I guarantee that u will be the one panting & struggling to breathe.my bulldog is fit & healthy & can walk for miles..how do I know this...cos I damn well own one...I don't comment on any other breed of dog because like you if I did I would be talking shite .just like you are..

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  22. Jemima Harrison I wish you had the courtesy and the bravery to actually come up and talk to me the owner, breeder and handler. This is my bitch pictured and she is of outstanding health, quality and merit. It's a shame you that you would rather write your one sided, unbalanced blog then talk to me in person and provide an balanced and valid review.

    The fact she had completed two laps of honours plus being judged and moved numerous times in her breed class, bitch challenge and best of breed within less then 30mins. Wow-wee you got a picture of a dog with her tongue out! It's ashame your didn't film the event for people to see the truth, still pictures with no audio selectively support your fabricated story. I myself was sweating, and some people ringside were just wearing T-shirts and vest, seemingly not the arctic chill-box you describe. If you wish to think a breeze no stronger then the air-con for all the halls get past a popular showring, that is at least 4 people deep on all ring sides your deluded. The dog was more then entitled to pant - of which no rasping or roaring was herd, just a normal dog panting.

    If you had observed her in the group ring, I think you'll find on the final line up she was one of the few dog of the whole utility group that WASN'T panting mainly due to the extremely lighting omitting heat. Your constant propaganda is being dull and uninspiring, and I can't believe people actually find you or your comments actually credible any more.

    The irony about this blog is that I totally support breeding healthy dogs, but you wouldn't actually know on if you saw one. I have many new owners actively seeking my breeding because they support my agenda to breed Bulldogs that live long healthy happy lives. I've bred and owned many veteran Bulldogs living well in to double numbers, I'm not sure what point your trying to prove as you have little understanding of the truth, just your twisted perception.

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    1. Sara, you were probably sweating because you're about six stone overweight.

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    2. Wow wjat a nice comment and how nice of jemima to post it... true colours much?

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    3. No, the irony about this blog is that there is a post from a breeder of Bulldogs who purports to supporting breeding healthy dogs. Unbelievable!

      WTF!?!

      Can we start a new Kennel Club with people who actually understand health and welfare?

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    4. OMG!!!
      "Anonymous" that just about shows how damned shallow and stupid you are to say such a thing about Sara. How dare you be so derogatory!
      You, Jemima and all you other "pet haters" Animal activists etc are just out for sensationalism.
      Get a life and and take that broom out from your backside!
      Oh, Jemima, are you watching all those fit healthy gundogs panting in the group judging??

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    5. Start a new kennel club...hahahahahaha, stop being a muppet and get off your high horse along with all the other brain washed fools who know nothing about the Bulldog, this is just the usual spoon stirring blog by someone who has nothing better to do in my opinion..... and as for The true bulldog breeders, yes they do breed healthy dogs ,next year try and get a seat around the Bulldog ring , guaranteed you wont, but if you do try asking some breeders 1st hand and stop listening to others and being a sheep......! Jane O

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    6. Dear Sara Lamont,

      While the comments on your body weight are uncalled for, I would like to know what hip and elbow score your bitch has. A close-up view of her nostrils would be equally desirable. Also, was she whelped naturally or by c-section? Is she the product of a natural mating, an assisted mating or an artificial insemination?

      When you breed her, will it be by natural mating? If a natural mating does not work, will you use AI? If her first litter needs to be whelped by C-section, will you breed her again?

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    7. Actually the comments about Sara's weight are entirely justifiable. She cannot understand why she was sweating while in a room of people wearing overcoats, so I told her. It is because she massively overweight.

      It's an important point to make. If she can't understand the impact of her own obesity on her health and mobility, how can we take seriously her claims that her flat-faced dog that pants after a trot is healthy. She's utterly deluded about it all.

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    8. It is pretty sickening reading some of these comments........I have a gundog who has been shown at crufts, she pants of course she does but she can and has done a full days work in the field!!! Bulldogs (and other breeds) have been overdone it is time to remove the blinkers stop being defensive and start being objective no dog will ever be perfect but many breeds should be doing much better! I do however have to say that if we were to look at the pug or the neopolitan mastiff for example we would have to say the bulldog was miles ahead wouldn't we, so sad that the show ring dictates the quality of lives for our pets :-(

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    9. Anon29:42

      You are mistaking brainwashed for educated and sensible.

      Get a life. Get an education.

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    10. Anon 21:33,

      Actually, these comments are low-class, ad hominem, inflammatory and give Ms. Lamont a perfect excuse for refusing to engage in a discussion about the health issues of her bitch on which I inquired. Congratulations, very well done.

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    11. Jemima, as you are well aware it's against the rules to publish photos of individual dogs without the owner's permission. Did you obtain Sara Lamont's permission to use the photos of her dog?

      Delete
    12. I can only assume that the people stooping so low as to make attacks on a persons appearance are just passing by on their way to a Mens Health/Sports Illustrated photoshoot????

      Love the fact the Trolls are posting Anonymously ....I guess its as good a way as any to show their ignorance of not only bulldogs but plain common decency as well...

      I'm sure if anyone has the dogs boll*x to speak to her directly she would answer any questions you care to ask....justifying herself to a bunch of ill informed idiots probably isnt high on her must-do list at the moment, despite best efforts to try and bring her down I would hope she's busy enjoying her and her bitches achievements over the last few months with people that actually know her....and her bulldogs!

      Delete
    13. anon @ 22:15

      Actually, my comments were non ad hominem. I already explained why they were justified. You may not agree with my justification, but that doesn't make my comments a mere insult.

      Delete
    14. Yvonne Pannifer10 March 2013 at 00:44

      Mary, Jemima sure as hell did NOT ask MY permission to post a photo of my bullie! So unlikely that she asked Sara for permission either.
      To put the record straight - my boy's muzzle is slightly sore - but due to external causes (vet diagnosis and vet not concerned that it is an issue) - quite possibly from being a normal dog and sticking his face in patches of bitch urine or some such dog-behaviour. Something ANY breed is subject too.
      I may also add that all four of my bulldogs are very active and happy - and they only visit the vet for things that affect any dog - pedigree or mutt!

      Delete
    15. Dear Ms. Pannifer,

      I am glad to see that you are concerned about your male's health. In this context, please allow me to ask some other questions regarding the topic: What are your dog's hip and elbow scores? Is he the product of a natural mating, an assisted mating, or an artificial insemination? Has he been whelped by c-section? If so, did his dam have other litters by the same method? If he has sired any litters, was it by natural mating, by assisted mating or by artificial insemination? How many of these litters were born by c-section?

      Are his sire and dam still alive? If yes, how old are they? If not, how long did they live and what were their causes of death? What about his grandparents? What was the most common cause of death in his four-generation pedigree?

      Thank you in advance.

      Delete
  23. I had two bulldogs entered in that ring yesterday and neither of which panted so what you have just said about they were all panting round the ring and in the ring Jemima is utter rubbish. Yes have a look everyone at De's photos on facebook...all 700 of them and then come back to me and tell me they are all panting because guess what.....they are NOT!!! I was hot in that ring and i didnt have a fur coat on like the dogs so i think you ought to spend your time chatting rubbish about something else and leave our breed alone!!!! Bulldogs can breed naturally and they can self whelp so back off! Until you own a bulldog and actually whitness their breathing and capability i suggest you haven't got personal evidence to back up your statements. All four of mine are as fit as a fiddle and only snore sometimes in their sleep but dont us humans???? When we go to the gym dont we breathe faster and with our mouths open sometimes...yes we do!!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Oh and this is winners mother -> http://youtu.be/MoV2bkljEyQ seemingly not living a 'normal' life while exercising with a Rottweiler.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Ms. Lamont,

      Considering the rather unfortunate ad hominem comments in the thread above, I would like to repeat my questions down here, where I assume they have a better chance of being answered:

      Could you tell us what hip and elbow score your bitch has? A close-up view of her nostrils would be equally desirable. Also, was she whelped naturally or by c-section? Is she the product of a natural mating, an assisted mating or an artificial insemination? If she was whelped by c-section, did her dam have any other litters by the same method?

      When you breed her, will it be by natural mating? If a natural mating does not work, will you use AI? If her first litter needs to be whelped by C-section, will you breed her again?

      Thank you in advance.

      Delete
    2. Sara,

      I own Corgis, obviously a dwarf breed with all the resulting risks thereof, so I would never say that we should only breed "natural" wolf-like dogs; many of the genetic mutations we breed for carry benefits as well as risks and it's always a matter of weighing one vs the other.

      It is obvious, from historical photos and also the fact that most bulldogs CAN'T free whelp, that the earlier working bulldog was a taller dog with less wrinkles, not as heavy, and with a longer muzzle.

      The aim of the breed clubs is meant to be to preserve and protect the breeds. So I suppose my question would be this:

      How is not being able to free-whelp (and most can't, so please don't give the "some can, and some dogs of other breeds have c-sections too!" answer) an improvement over being able to free-whelp?

      How is the extreme wrinkling, which requires regular extra care to avoid skin conditions, an improvement over the less-wrinkled dog?

      How is the very heavy, stocky build an improvement over the longer-legged, more athletic dog?

      How is the extreme short face an improvement over the longer muzzle? I live in a climate where it regularly tops 90 degrees in summer. Northern dogs with their heavy coats can safely live here without air conditioning (assuming they have access to shade and water). Bulldogs truly cannot, in large part because of their short faces. So how is this an improvement?

      I'm not singling out bulldogs; I would ask the cocker people how the long coat is an improvement over the traditional hunting coat (which still exists in hunting line dogs). I would ask how the back end of the show GSD is an improvement over the traditional working GSD, and so on.

      But again, the goal of breed clubs is to improve breeds. When we see extreme conformation and extreme coat and extreme skin that did NOT exist in the working ancestor, I have to ask for the practical justification of how this is an improvement.

      Cocker people who are honest, for instance, will admit that you can't hunt in the show coat (it needs to be clipped). Yet you can't win without the coat. So why intentionally create a coat that is not fit for the historical function? And why intentionally create a dog who can't cool itself properly in hot weather, when the working ancestor could do so just fine?

      That is what I don't understand.

      Delete
  25. It's fascinating to read all these defensive reactions about this unfortunate breed who continues to exist because of some small minded and selfish individuals who either like to profit from selling them or who think they actually look cute. The animal is unfit for purpose.
    it can not breathe properly or cool itself down efficiently. It is pathetic. It is not Bulldog bashing. It is irresponsible breeding bashing. At least get that right.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think you will find the small minded and selfish individuals are people like yourself, who choose to jump on the bulldog bashing band wagon. I just wish you would choose to spend some time with a decent breeder with healthy dogs to dispel the myths of our breed.
      You also mentioned they are unfit for purpose. I don't recall the need for any bull baiting in this day and age... at least get that right!!

      Delete
    2. how dare you they are not nor will they ever be an unfortunate breed, stop believing the hype, & actually meet some rescue bulldog owners, & some good genuine breeders & owners before you make your 100% biased comments, other breeds such as the Flat Coated retriever have more health issues & a shorter life span so looking at some of these breeds of the so called healthy breeds instead of just berating our Bulldogs, may I suggest you take a look at other breeds as well

      Delete
    3. Caroline some of us look at bulldogs and other breeds I could name many with unbiased eyes and the problems stare right back at us........... Just wondering what you think was wrong with the bulldog of yesteryear???

      Delete
    4. Yes. I dare to have an opinion. I don't believe any hype. I use my own brain to form opinions and judgements based on empiricism.

      They ARE an unfortunate breed in my opinion. There is no bias here against the dogs or the breeders. We are simply looking at the evidence presented before our very eyes (the dog's physical deformities). The dogs don't care what our opinions are. But I bet they wish (if they had the cognitive ability that is) that they could breathe and cool down properly. fit for ourpose has nothing to do with baiting. It's aout being physiologically capable of breathing properly. You obviously don't card about that then?

      Cruel.

      Delete
    5. Caroline, would you consider a Bull Terrier whose muzzle had been sawed off unfortunate?

      If yes, how is a dog to whom the same has been done through other means any less unfortunate?

      Delete
    6. why is it that only when an intelligent point in favour of the bulldog is put across, that then & only then is a different dog berated, all dogs can be counted as unfortunate if badly breed or owned, what we are most annoyed at is none of you have actually met or seen our dogs in their home settings, running like the clappers jumping up on to in my case a raised couch due to my disability, leaping in the air to catch balls, a bulldog can be very active, or very relaxed but they do not all have breathing problems, in fact these days very few do, they are an active dog, & the reason we all love them is they are very very affectionate so please stop leveling insults at our Bulldogs

      Delete
    7. (22:17 anon here)

      Caroline, I don't think I got my argument across to you. My choice of the Bull Terrier as an example above was purely random, you can replace it with any breed or mutt with a normal muzzle length.

      So let's, for the sake of argument, imagine taking a chain saw to some mongrel and sawing of its muzzle. Unthinkably horrible and cruel, isn't it? So why exactly is it that removing a dog's muzzle by means of breeding is acceptable? Granted, the latter may be a bit less gory, but the end results are not all that different.

      Delete
    8. Caroline, your emotional reaction to people's comments merely seems to point to the fact you feel afraid by what they are saying. Otherwise, if there was no truth in it, why would you be so defensive? The dogs are not being insulted just because people have genuine and serious concerns about breeding practices and their physical welfare. I am sure that there will be examples of dogs who appear o be fit and well. However, you'd have to be blind or ignorant to ignore the facts regarding the brachycephalic breeds. Denial is a dangerous place to be. I feel sorry for you.

      Delete
    9. @22:17 anon

      Please stop. The anti-Jemmima comments have been pretty idiotic but yours take the cake for dumbest argument in this thread.

      Delete
  26. For you lot who have never owned a bulldog cannot judge the breed. I have 2 VERY HEALTHY BULLIES, so please get educated on our breed before making comments you cannot support.

    ReplyDelete
  27. @anon 19:41 We are judging the breeders! This is Bulldog Breeder bashing. Oh, and narrow minded owners who are deluded on the health and robustness of this creature.

    What is your definition of a healthy Bulldog? Does it possess a muzzle?

    ReplyDelete
  28. I have 3 healthy Bulldogs who can give any other dog a run for their money in the fields. My husband is a specialist vet who operates on many Labs with hip dysplacia. Go pick on that breed for a change!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I think you will find the small minded and selfish individuals are people like yourself, who choose to jump on the bulldog bashing band wagon. I just wish you would choose to spend some time with a decent breeder with healthy dogs to dispel the myths of our breed.
    You also mentioned they are unfit for purpose. I don't recall the need for any bull baiting in this day and age... at least get that right!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fit for purpose as in physiologically healthy. Being able to breathe effectively. That is how I define fit for purpose in being alive!

      Delete
  30. To those that r so brainwashed by the drivel spouted ur clearly easily sucked in by the crap , enjoy ur narrow minded lives , thoose that have a ounce of sense do a little research , they can and do run , breath and self whelp !

    ReplyDelete
  31. Please, good people, what good is in argument? I'm sure we are capable in keeping the conversation mature?

    I myself own four pedigree dogs (not bulldogs), and I would very much like to see pedigree dogs in the future as well. I love my breed! And that exactly is the reason why I am so concerned about it's future. I have come to a realisation that if we people don't do something now, then there might actually not be another chance! You must realise, because it's pure science, that purebred dogs have ultimately very narrow gene pools, and that is a sad fact. But as long as we decide not to see it (even though it's brought to us on a silver plate!) the situation will only become worse.

    What will it cost you if you stop just for a moment and consider? Does it take something away from you?

    One, two, ten or twenty healthy dogs don't make a healthy breed.

    And - as somebody already stated - the exact problem is there; if there were no shows what would the breeders aim? Is this for real?
    Every breeder's aim should be a healthy, good tempered companion to a person's side or a capable working dog.

    Let's go back in time a bit; why people first started to breed dogs? Supposedly to be a companion, a help in hunting, to guard and later on help in herding the cattle. The aim was to breed a good dog on everyone's side, to whichever purpose the dog was wanted or needed! The aim wasn't showing.

    Please, people, I beg you, I don't want to be mean or insensitive. I just ask you to think for a while.

    These are living, feeling creatures we're talking about. Our dogs. Our very own dogs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I totally agree with you, the things we breed our bulldogs for is ultimately the health, wellbeing and good temperament, breeding for the show ring comes last for us. My bulldogs are my pets first and foremost, they live in our home. If I consistently bred poor, unhealthy specimens I would constantly be at the vets with them, costing me a fortune. Fortunately I am never at the vets with mine, only for vacs and health checks before any breeding takes place....and no I don't elect for c sections, we opt for self whelping every time.

      Delete
    2. But that is a good thing! I wish every breeder was like you in that sense, that the dogs' health and good temperament came first. If they were, we wouldn't have such problems with dogs that we do. I wish more breeders would see that. They have such a great responsibility over it.

      Delete
  32. just watching the gundog group on more 4 ..... hmmmm how many of those dogs are panting in the ring !!!!

    ReplyDelete
  33. How is a veterinarian supposed to do a health check without a stethoscope? Might they also require that he tie one hand behind his back? If the dogs are healthy allow a vet to use the tools of his trade to do a real evaluation.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. But judges aren't vets.. that's the whole reason why they ONLY use the tools a judge has! Otherwise we might as well have vets judging, and vets are not specialist in breeding dogs.

      Delete
    2. Just wondering what qualifications one might need to become a specialist at breeding dogs???

      Delete
    3. I often have to explain to vets how my breed whelp early at 59 days and have been told many times to get that notion out my head as al breeds are the same. They often have no clue about the breeding side of dogs.

      Delete
    4. Judging by the comments on here you need to be pretty dim to breed pedigree dogs.

      People who are not willing to accept criticism based on science and empiricism are frankly dangerous for the future welfare of dogs. And these 'High Profile' breeds are the living proof of that.

      Tragic. Jemima you deserve a medal.

      Delete
    5. They spent 7 years studying at vet school, they seem to perform those all important c-sections very successfully for professionals with "no clue"!!!!

      Delete
    6. The vast majority of vets have never witnessed a natural birth of any species; in this situation the breeders are the experts.

      Delete
    7. What about knowing when to leave a bitch and when not too, there answer is always c section, I go to my mentor with over 30 years exp and she never gets it wrong. My friends vet refused to give her bitcj a csection even though scan had confirmed 13 pups amd only 11 out. Eventually she got sick and they had to but last 2 pups were dead.
      Yes they have the exp for most general health but they do not have the knowledge of breeding.

      Delete
    8. Vets are jack of all trades and masters of none. They normally have very little 'working' knowledge of specific breeds, especially when they 'practice' on Greyhounds! Any vet worth their sort will openly admit this and any good vet will have a sound understanding and relationship with breed specialists, infact my vet has taught me a lot of things and I have him.

      Delete
    9. Mary Mary Mary.........do you really think they could qualify without witnessing a birth????

      One must seriously question the honesty of breeders if they are experiencing delivery of that many litters, breeders profess to only producing litters when they need a new exhibit I didn't realise they were in competition with the puppy farmers on output, surely a litter every few years doesn't give you anymore experience than the inadequate veterinary!

      Delete
    10. Mary,

      Even if your argument were true (which it is not), you should still consider that the vast majority of Bulldog breeders have never witnessed a natural birth of any species.

      Delete
    11. Oh my mistake they are experts on all dog breeds and their breeding, obviously the knowledge of many of the breeders in ,y breed combined most of which have been in it for 30 years plus obviously know not enough and are just in it for the cash, wow I stand corrected all bow to the at,chair critics who can do better.

      Delete
    12. Mary, you should consider that most Bulldog breeders have never witnessed a natural birth.

      Anon 23:03, it is rather difficult to tell whether your criticism is directed at vets or breeders. However, if most breeders have been at it for more than 30 years, that would seem to indicate a certain lack of new blood in the trade. One could wonder why that is.

      Delete
    13. Well there lies the typical arrogance and ignorance of the show breeder, they who with their single minds who think they know it all..........no wonder many of our beloved best friends are in dire straights, coz that's how they have been doing it for years and their ain't no one but no one they gonna change for not even the dogs themselves!

      Delete
    14. It is not arrogance, would you go ask a doctor for legal advice,, no you go to someone experienced in law, so for breeding you would go to someone who had plenty under their belt.

      Delete
    15. Anon 00:36,

      I certainly would not ask a doctor for legal advice, I would ask a lawyer. You know, somebody who has studied law for a number of years, passed a university exam and worked in the field for a while. That is, somebody who is as qualified to do legal work as a vet is to do veterinary work.

      I would certainly not ask somebody who files one legal document every two years, comparable to a breeder with no formal education who produces litters with about the same frequency.

      Delete
    16. Im not talking about one breeder, I'm talking about a whole breed with a wealth of experience . You just dont get it your looking for a reason to say yeah yeah breeders are the scourge of the earth get rid of all dog breeds.

      Delete
    17. To Anonymous 9 March 2013 22:40

      "Mary Mary Mary.........do you really think they could qualify without witnessing a birth???? !"

      Yes; I have worked alongside many vets and they have told me themselves that the only natural canine birth they've seen has been on film - they've never seen one in real life. They're experts at performing C-sections, but they're not when theings are normal.

      Delete
    18. if you type Bulldogs giving birch on any search engine you will find literally thousands of results for different Bulldogs giving birth naturally, & had the vets asked been Bulldog knowledgeable, they would also have been able to clarify that they have witnessed as my self & a lot of responsible breeders have witnessed natural Bulldog births, it is always very unfair when the only people spoken to are the people who dislike Bulldogs, these blogs, & jemima's programs should be unbiased 7 showing both sides, but instead they only show the anti Bulldog persons opinions

      Delete
    19. I m not anti bull dog at all...... I am anti over exaggeration when the animals welfare and comfort are compromised I am also anti cruelty to animals, any idiot can see this breed (along with others but this is a bulldog thread) has been compromised and I feel it is cruel, so please tell me what was wrong with the bulldog of yesteryear because I really cannot see the improvement!

      Delete
    20. Anon 08.42, Mary's suggestion was that most vets have never witnessed a birth of any species, go read the post properly! I seriously doubt that don't you???

      Delete
    21. Believe me in my experience Vets and their nurses HAVEN'T witnessed natural births of canines by time of qualifying, even yrs later in some cases. I've had several vets witness a natural whelp in my home with a confident bitch who's not disturbed by their attendance.

      Delete
  34. So the vet doing the checks on the brachycephalic breeds is actually a breeder of pugs?

    No conflict of interest there. None at all.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No more so than the vet last yesr who clearly stated she was anto showdog and pedigree.

      Delete
    2. May we have a source for that please, Anon, given that, actually, she said exactly the opposite?

      Delete
    3. Looking into this a little more, it seems Dr. Schemel is a pug judge approved by the KC breed club to judge the breed - see list of approved judges at http://pugdogclub.org.uk/judges-list/pug-breed-council-judges-a1-list-2012/

      No conflict of interest. None at all.

      Incidentally, I would like to see some pictures of dogs Dr. Schemel has put up. And a new rule excluding members of KC clubs from doing the vet checks. If there ever was a corrupt system, this has to be it.

      Delete
  35. Anonymous I have to reply to your response to Sara's comment, I think it says more about yourself than it does Sara and I think you should keep your comments to the discussion about Bulldogs.

    ReplyDelete
  36. http://youtu.be/C3Bk6JrE2O4

    TO THE UNEDUCATED PEOPLE OUT THERE WHO KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THE BREED OF BULLDOGS OTHER THAN WHAT YOU ARE TOLD, WATCH THE VIDEO LINK ABOVE THESE ARE BULLDOGS IN THEIR EVERY DAY PLAY. NOT ONE BULLDOG BUT LOADS OF THEM. THIS IS NORMAL FOR A HEALTHY BULLDOG HENCE THE REASON WE GET OFFENDED BY STUPID COMMENTS. MOST OF THESE DOGS IN THE VIDEO WERE ALSO SELF WHELPED.

    ReplyDelete
  37. It's very easy to comment and produce articles about something however for the article to be informative and legible is another! This is nothing but a pile of pooh!
    You base your blog on options that developed from simply standing ringside on just one occasions....... You have no basis to even make such remarks about a breed that are untrue and offensive.......

    ReplyDelete
  38. I assume you will be calling for all dogs that pant in the group ring to be banned. Check how many of your so called normal breeds are before you start criticising. I must revisit my recordings and provide you will a list!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Jemima your opinions are extremely biased and shamefully ignorant, I believe that you are seeking self advancement by your outburst that do not reflect factual evidence and are merely based on an agenda to benefit yourself.

    I have owned bulldogs for thirty years and would not dispute that improvements can be made however this is true of every breed of dog. The bulldog does not deserve the picture that you are trying to portray.
    I was also at the bulldog ringside and saw nothing of your ramblings regarding excessive panting, 20 years ago there would have been panting but this has improved immeasurably and it is a credit to the breeders that this has been achieved.

    You need to take a step back before before attacking individuals as you have done in this blog directed at the best in breed winner. You cannot substantiate what you have written because it is untrue, this could be seen as defamation and at very least is hurtful to the recipient.


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annie Macfarlane10 March 2013 at 14:20

      Actually Mike, as there are no recommended health screening tests for bulldogs...not one of the breeders on here can actually say they are breeding healthy bulldogs and therefore anything written is quite correct. We could go as far as to say there is no evidence that there are any healthy bulldogs in the UK based on 2008 evidence of the breed mean score for HD being 45...serious HD! Now open your eyes; get your breed club to introduce real health screening for all the basic stuff like HD, ED, eyes, heart etc., and then we may start to listen. What we see are dogs that are fat, pant for breath with the least exertion, have what look to be debatable hip joints etc, etc, Please before you start issuing threats to people make sure you can back stuff up. When you show me the scientific evidence that bulldogs are healthy I will start to believe it...until then all I can do is look at the poor creatures as they struggle for breath and have to stay indoors in the sunshine....

      Delete
  40. I really am looking forward to the Despatches program on TV on Monday night about these designer dogs that Jemima calls hybrids and promotes so enthusiastically ! as you know they have no kennel club rules to monitor the breeding conditions and litter numbers or frequency of litters ! this fad has sprung up due to Jemima's targeting (soft target) breeders of pedigree dogs, you see she knows to look in the dog press and where to find the shows, in reality if Jemima really was anything of a journo she portrays herself to be, she would better serve dogs by following up ads in the freetrader or suchlike where she will be able to quite easily visit some very savoury establishments and see first hand the consequences of her dabbling in things she knows nothing about, she has dabbled with no forethought to the inevitable consequences. So if you don't like pedigree dogs, no problem, they are bringing in hybrids by the cardboard box load from Eastern Europe, some of these dogs even make it here alive ! Jemima tells us they are all much healthier than dogs in the showring ! If we really were all such a bad, money grabbing unscrupulous lot, we would not be bothering to try and breed good dogs, or be spending hard earned cash on show entries, hotels and fuel. We would all be sat at home breeding Jemima's hybrids ! and if Jemima was really such an ambassador for dogs she would surely be interested in the suffering of these poor designer dogs instead of an easy meal ticket! wouldn't she ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Actually, the hybrid/designer mix/whatever you call them breeders have been around for much longer than Pedigree Dogs Exposed. She is not responsible for their existence, or for their growing popularity among the half-informed.

      Her focus is on the effects of inbreeding and choosing looks over health on the lives of purebred dogs by the dog-breeding industry. The facts are that, by and large, mixed-breed dogs are healthier than purebreds due to increased genetic diversity, and it is possible to repair defects in many breeds through outcrosses (biggest example: LUA Dalmatians).

      This doesn't mean that there aren't people who exploit public perception of mixed dogs to make a buck, and nobody who works with dogs would argue otherwise.

      Nor does the existence of these people, or the existence of other forms of cruelty, excuse the torment show breeders inflict on their animals. Just because it's pretty and expensive doesn't mean it's okay.

      And as to "dabbling in things she knows nothing about"... It's called gathering and spreading information! It's what any good journalist (amateur or professional) should be doing. Whether you like it or not, dog-breeding is an industry, and like all industries must be monitored, called out when they do wrong, and rewarded when they do right. If that doesn't happen, they will just do whatever they want with their products (dogs) just because they can get away with it. The public deserves to know what they're getting when they get a product, and they need to be made aware what is a defect in a product, and not hoodwinked into believing a defect is a 'defining trait' of that product by people who have a vested interest in NOT evaluating their product (living, breathing dogs!) for health until someone forces them to.

      And yes, you show breeders are showing the same ugliness of character of any long-ignored industry when their practices are forced into the public eye: you deflect scrutiny, blame the messenger, downplay or deny the problems, and act as though the meager rules placed upon you for consumer protection (and animal welfare, in this case) are restrictive and unfair.

      Delete
    2. Annie Macfarlane10 March 2013 at 14:27

      so are you saying that as humans we have a right to design anything the way we want to design it? What about animal welfare? What about showing compassion as higher primates? Your argument just doesnt make sense and its not one that I would ever promote.

      Delete
  41. Come and spend a hour or 2 in the company of my bulldog who is fit active and pants occasionally just like any other breed or human that has just spent 2 hours exercising, unless you have owned and spent years with a bulldog , dont pass judgement on something you know very little about, i also had a bully who lived to a ripe old age who was also active and had no health problems. You make me so angry

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. To the above anon, hello. It sounds like you own a fit and healthy dog that you adore. :)

      I don't understand why you are angry with Jemima.

      Bulldogs appear to have such problems breathing that some airlines refuse to fly them for fear they will be unable to cool themselves while flying.
      http://www.pettravel.com/blog/?p=275

      Are you not more worried and angry that a proportion of this breed that you love have such problems?

      Reb

      Delete
  42. when I watched the utility group judging on tv several of the dogs were panting, including non-brachycephalic breeds. I would imagine by this point many of the dogs had been on the go for 12hours or more and were therefore quite tired.

    ReplyDelete
  43. I have wathced Crufts over the past three nights and enojoyed the agility and flyball hugely.

    To all the bulldog owners and lovers reading this post, do you own or know of any bulldogs that compete in agility or flyball at any level, or indeed just do it for fun? Links to youtube would be great.

    Reb

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. oh yes we do & they are all over youtube etc, please check your facts before you make uneducated guesses about Bulldogs

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=dktiWx49v2A , http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=RSDDVGRyCIA , http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Bcmd4J3-CRg, http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=CQzUsTFqtW0 , http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=rLczOGIBjHE , http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=tU9RSNXaElw

      there you go just a few url's showing fit Agility, Swimming, Skateboarding, & Trampolining just to show willing

      Delete
    2. Still wondering Caroline what was wrong with the bulldog of yesteryear??? Anyone else know??? All but those that are in the fraternity can see what wrong with the current specimens!

      Delete
    3. Here is one doing agility. But it looks much leggier/lighter than most in the show ring to me?

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSDDVGRyCIA

      Delete
  44. Jemima why don't you direct your time at asking why a obviously lame staffie was in the group ring???

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  45. i owned and bred staffordshire bull terriers for many years, they are undoubtedly one of the fittest breeds around, and they would pant from the moment they saw me in the morning till last thing at night, does that mean the breed is unhealthy ? ive now owned and exhibited bulldogs for the last 6 years and was at Crufts yesterday where my dog competed in the ring, he walked from the east carpark through 4 massive halls and upstairs to get to ringside and the benches, thats a fair walk for any dog, and not once did he pant or struggle for breath, heres a video of him in the ring yesterday, just after his walk from the carpark https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3Rlw-FKuBY&feature=player_embedded
    i just checked again and not once does he open his mouth as he walks the green carpet, and it was VERY warm in hall 4 yesterday, and if you look over at the doors youll find the one at the bulldog ring is a third open and not wide open as you stated, i challenge you to come a run with my bulldogs, and we will see who is still standing after a few hours, i was more concerned with lameness than breathing problems as i watched from ringside, some people are just born attention seekers, who love to be noticed and make a name for themselves, but your peeing up the wrong lampost with your comments that you clearly know nothing about, quit the breed bashing and comment on things you have experience of and not what you can dream up to big yourself up infront of your uneducated followers

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  46. I for one see this as shocking on one side, to even state on a blog, let alone as strong representative of a BBC documentary. What your saying here is flat out "racism". And I agree with all of it completely. But these ideas of yours, are considered extreme; literally saying that some breeds, with how they are structured, and simply ARE, should not exist.

    It doesn't matter how important it is for health, by stating one type of body structure or mind, is better than another, might as well be equal to saying blacks can run and jump higher, and that whites and Asians are smarter intellectually on average. It doesn't matter if a species sub-form is impractical to health, or that a highly aggressive single-minded temperament is bound to cause injury or death (by gunshot most likely), because that dog is what it is, and it can't change that.

    Even better, we, as gods that can chose its design, cannot limit each other, saying "you shouldn't be able to design this creature, this or that way", because that would be against our freedom to do what we want with our property, versus another person who just happens not to like what they do.

    Do you realize the implications of this? Are you willing to show these ideas to the world in the future?

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    1. First of all, please realize that applying the same standards to human reproduction as one does to animal breeding is not a particularly good idea. The two are separate entities, and 20th Century history seems to illustrate that changing this is not advisable, ja?

      Second, differences in human phenotype have developed over tens of thousands of years through natural selection. During these times, there never was any breeder who thought that, as an example, dark-skinned people with curly hair would look good in a show ring and therefore artificially selected for these traits while disregarding any functional concerns.

      In contrast, not that long ago, there existed a stocky and athletic type of dog that could do a day's work. Some people thought that this dog would look better without a nose and with more facial wrinkles. They also thought that function followed form, and not vice versa. These people then thought that it was important to put these dogs in a ring where some other guy would give one of them a colored ribbon, which for some reason was terribly, terribly important. The fact that shorter and shorter muzzles and more and more wrinkles were needed to get these ribbons did not matter - hey, everybody else was breeding dogs like this, right?

      Most of these people would cringe at the idea of somebody sawing off an normal dog's muzzle, and certainly not consider human liberty a justification for such an action. Interestingly though, being allowed to remove their dogs' muzzles through selective breeding is an essential part of human liberty to them.

      The show breeder is a curious creature indeed.

      Delete
  47. my bulldog is fit as tits he can do a mile run no a problem he probably could do more just i can lol you clearly have a bee in your bonnet about bulldogs and the like breeds but have you ever owned 1? my guess is no you ignorant stuck up beeeatch you need to pipe down with this bs

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    1. Annie Macfarlane10 March 2013 at 14:29

      Ah but can you run him on a hot day and what are his hip and elbow scores...and what about an eye test? Is his heart strong? Just because he runs doesnt make him healthy....genes are things you cannot see and, quite frankly, am I going to ever listen to somebody who says their bulldog is "fit as tits"....and who calls people a stuck up ignorant beeatch...just because they don't agree with you! What exactly does "fit as tits" mean? Is this another way to describe breed health used by breeders etc.,

      Delete
    2. Charming. How does one define 'fit as tits' exactly? If you are representative of the type of person who owns and breeds bulldogs then they are screwed.

      And if you define having a bee in the bonnet as being extremely concerned about the future welfare of the domestic dog, then yes. There are a lot of bees in a lot of bonnets. Suggest you start reading 'In defence of the dog' by Professor John Bradshaw, an anthrozoologist. There is a whole chapter dedicated to his concerns on breeding issues.

      The lack of understanding by owners and breeders on the science of canine welfare is staggering. Jemima must have the patience of a saint to take on these people. Ignorant isn't the word....

      Delete
    3. I assume "fit as tits" refers to the average athleticism of silicone implants.

      Delete
  48. Its quite ironic that if you rearrange the letters in the name Jemima you can spell "full of $hit"!

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    1. The literary ability demonstrated by your argument is utterly stunning.

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  49. Wow I'm blown away by the low bred uneducated responses of the "bully" community, talk about giving a dog a bad name! Not a breed I'm particularly attracted to but they do seem to be lovely natured friendly dogs, unlike their breeders it would appear.

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    1. and I suppose the personal attack on Ms Lamont was just banter?

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  50. Food for thought, not too hard to find a person on the net and yes even Mr and Mrs Anonymous can be tracked, so be careful Jemima followers where you're aiming your insults, it might just come back and bite you in the ass, hopefully by a bulldog :)

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    1. Why would anyone think that this vacuous attempt at intimidation would further the well-being of the animals they purport to care for.

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    2. Annie Macfarlane10 March 2013 at 14:31

      open threats now....my god! That is scary!

      Delete
    3. Not wanting to stereotype, but you do see bulldog types used purely as a badge of office for their male owners, who are only really complete when tethered to, or following faithfully behind.

      Delete
    4. No Bulldog can leap high enough to reach the average person's buttocks.

      Even if a Bullodg could leap high enough to reach our buttocks, it would still lack the upper jaw necessary to bite them.

      Thus, your argument is invalid.

      Delete
    5. Are you 15 foot tall?? Seriously? Ive seen bulldogs jump a damn site higher than a pair of buttocks. I'd also check to see how bulldogs get by on biting other things othe rthan buttocks, due to this suppopsed lack of upper jaw

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    6. A 15 foot bulldog jump now there's something you won't see every day.

      But as they say "why let the truth stand in the way of a good story"

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    7. While I have never seen a Bulldog compete against a pair of buttocks in a high-jump contest, the scenario does sound quite intriguing. Maybe we should incorporate this into the show rules?

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  51. It's quite depressing to read some of the comments from people who supposedly have the animals best interest at heart. No one can truthfully argue that this type of selective breeding is in the dogs own best interest. The truth is It's done foremost for the gratification of the owner.

    May I suggest that we simplify both the judging and selective breeding process by simply increasing the number of legs deemed fashionable, this would give the breeders some direction and the judges could then just count legs and pronounce the winner.

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  52. Jayne Emm-Heysmond10 March 2013 at 11:54

    Reading the nasty comments on here just reinforces just how vile some humans can be.... Bulldogs are beautiful like all animals... Sadly the same can not be said for most of you. Attacking those that love the breed purely because you don't like the way they look.. makes you sad and soulless.... Love and compassion are necessities not luxuries... Without them humanity can not survive.. Dalai Lama

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    1. You are wrong. Your tone sucks too. Nobody is attacking anyone's dog. They're criticising your breeding choices and the poor health that results from it. They do this because they love dogs and want the best for them.

      Which is more than can be said for most bulldog breeders and owners, who seem quite happy with their panting, gasping, bulky, lame, short-lived dogs. What a tragedy.

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    2. Annie Macfarlane10 March 2013 at 14:32

      Erm Jayne...I think most of the attacking is coming from the actual breeders...not the people who are saying Bulldogs need help....

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    3. Jayne Emm-Heysmond10 March 2013 at 15:38

      My tone sucks... No your shallow mindset does. I feel sorry for you... Such negativity towards an animal and those that love them.

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    4. Put simply bulldogs will be doomed because of people like you Jayne Emm Heysmond, shame on you and those like you, disgusting, that is all

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    5. Jayne Emm-Heysmond10 March 2013 at 17:57

      Shame on me! Now that did make me laugh.... Anonymous (I assume that's not your real name) Your knowledge of Bulldogs is zero... Quite frankly you are a bored little troll and if all humanity had your mindset we would all most certainly be doomed.

      Delete
    6. Anon 16:53

      Exactly. These dogs are at the end of their line. Some people who puport to love them so much are the architects of their doom.

      Delete
  53. just reading through this blog, some people !!! I own bulldog but have also owned gundogs etc and will openly admit i always thought they were a lazy , couch potatoe breed...... until i owned one . Mine are walked and run twice aday, the energy they have is second to none . They run , they jump , they roll in mud like any other breed .
    As to the point of A.I and self whelping , cesarians ..... alot of people in other breeds use A.I which some handlers may or may not admit to , and how many bitches in other breeds have had to have c sections !!!!
    There is not a breed out there that has not got a health issue of some sort or another .

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  54. its a shame people stoop so low as to attack others via anonymous names, bulldog owner and proud tis me, slate all you like just makes me love my boy more, and pretty sure all the bulldog owners in the world would disagree with the petty comments,
    i invite you haters to attend the bulldog walks we all go on, and see the reality face to face...but im pretty sure jemima puddleduck wouldnt get out of her queen size bed to meet the people and dogs face to face...its ok..hide behind a blog....keyboard warriors !!

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    1. Annie Macfarlane10 March 2013 at 14:38

      Hay ann and popeye doesnt exactly make you stand out from the crowd either lady...or man...or whatever.

      We do not hate Bulldogs...far from it...we want to see Bulldogs that are happy and healthy and dams and sires that require actual health screening before being bred from. At the moment no health screening is requirement for breeding. How can anybody therefore say their bulldog is healthy. You can't see genes. Just because a dog runs about in cool weather....doesnt mean it's genes are suitable to be used in a gene pool. What do you do on hot days? Take a cool bath together? It really is frightening to see the number of people that cannot "get" the meaning behind these blogs....the fact that if something is not done very soon...the bulldog will cease to exist. It can very rarely mate on its own, whelp on its own..and so if it was left to its own devices it would die out. This is not how the breed started out...this is not the way it was designed. We, us, humans...have done this to the dog and now we have a breed that needs to have people behind it that truly can see it needs help.... Breeders with their heads in the sand should be ashamed.

      Delete
    2. I think you underestimate exactly how many none show people breed bulldogs on thos country they are massively popular and ypu camt lay the blame for the hige volume that are bred at a few hundred show breeders

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  55. how many of the so called experts against our bull dogs have owned one ??? i have 2 very active boxers and a bull dog and my bull dog gives the boxers a run for their money she plays with them and and runs with them and let me tell you she is as fit as them . she is very healthy happy loves children and is very friendly with public (sometimes to friendly) so what is wrong with my bull dog??????

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    1. It is unlikely that any experts on animal genetics and welfare would want to own a Bulldog.

      As for your question on what is wrong with your Bulldog, in order to answer this, please provide her hip and elbow scores, mating and whelping information that led to her (natural or assisted mating, AI; normal birth or c-section), as well as the average ages at and causes of death in her 4-generation pedigree.

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  56. jemima darling oh what a sad life you live! thank goodness that nobody considers anything that you write worthwhile of reading.i thought you may have something interesting to say but sadly you dont !

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    1. Being not "Worthwhile of reading" is a strange charge to make when you obviously have read it, and more importantly also felt the need to reply.

      Delete
  57. I have to add, for anyone saying things like 'But such and such breed has big problems with hip dysplasia, go pick on them!' that no-one deliberately breeds for crap hips. No-one deliberately tries to create a dog with poor hips.
    Bulldogs and other brachy breeds ARE deliberately bred to feature their particular health issue: the flat face.
    That is a hell of a difference, to me.
    If someone WERE deliberately breeding a dog to have bad hips, selectively breeding for dogs that show this, on purpose, then Im sure Jemima would have some choice words for them too.

    The flat face and resulting breathing problems these breeds have are an issue, and offensive, specifically because they have been DELIBERATELY put onto these dogs, someone actually WANTED them to look that way and thought it was desireable. No-one thinks hip dysplasia is desireable, do they? No-one sits and says 'omg the crap hips, so cute!'
    Yes, there are lots of pedigree dogs with tendencies to health problems. I have a dobe, they can have a lot of inherited health issues, just look at the state of the breed with DCM.

    There is no such thing as a completely, 100% healthy dog for life without any health issues at all: we all die of something. Something goes wrong eventually, in people or dogs.
    The thing I have a hard time grasping is the DELIBERATE attempt to breed in conformation that has a very high chance of causing health and welfare issues.
    If dogs have enough health issues as it is, why choose to breed them to look a certain way which is almost guaranteed to cause yet more problems?
    Why? Because we think it looks appealing? Thats really it, isn't it? The bulldog doesn't do the job it was created to do any more, so any argument of its appearance being for function is moot. No modern pet bulldogs are bringing down bulls of a weekened, are they?

    So this flat face remains simply because of 'tradition' and because we think it looks cute/attractive.
    That, to me, is not a good enough reason to risk causing suffering to an animal.

    I do believe that there are some bulldogs who are more able and agile than others, of course there are! But anyone who honestly thinks a dog with a face as flat as a pancake is totally unaffected by this in any way is just fooling themselves.
    When you so radically change a dog's structure from what nature designed, and the bulldog IS as radically different from a wolf or any wild canine as you can get, you honestly have to be simple to think this will result in no negative affects at all.

    But hey, people will always be in denial about this. People don't want to admit their loved family pet may not have things quite as easy as the dog next door, that does have a muzzle, and the reason for this is purely because they liked the way it looked.


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  58. My bulldog is 7 and a half years old. She is a purebred KC registered bulldog. She goes for an hour's walk every day. She can run and jump and has no breathing problems. Even after a walk she has plenty of energy left to play indoors. She rarely sees a vet for anything other than her vaccinations. She leads a very happy and comfortable life. On the other hand, my father's border terrier sadly has many health problems and at only a year older than my bulldog can no longer run and play. There are bad examples in all dogs, even mutts can have health issues. I also suspect that many pedigree dogs with health issues have come from puppy farms here or abroad. Puppy farming of all dogs is horrific and an issue I would far rather see tackled than picking on individual breeds and their owners. I don't breed or show. I just enjoy the companionship of what is a loving loyal breed. I do however attend bulldog fun days and bulldog rescue fundraisers. I have met Sara and some of her dogs and they appeared fit and healthy and more than able to have a run round the field with the other dogs.

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  59. The bulldog will cease to exist? People have been spouting that hysterical nonsense out for the last 20 years and yet here it still is. In 2012 the bulldog was no 11 in the 20 most registered breeds (KC's own figures). Not bad for a dog that is apparently dying out.

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  60. Seriously I cannot believe what I am reading, I have 2 perfect bulldogs. They have a very enjoyable life, and pant no more than my bullmastiff, f**k off you bulldog hating idiots and concentrate on your own breed. I've never had a better breed than my bully's.

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  61. I find that news intensely distressing anon 17.49 and I'd bet the dogs would to if they had a voice! To me that means the arrogant and selfish breeders continue to keeps their heads up their butts which spells out many more years of suffering for this lovely breed exactly what has the bully done to deserve such punishment?

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  62. What a total crock of shite. You make the bulldog sound as if it's stuck to the sofa panting and wheezing like a 40 a day habit, 90 year old, purely by design. Bulldogs CAN self whelp, (this myth about big heads still amazes me). Bulldogs CAN happily go on long walks without even panting (do you actually know why dogs pant? It is not only confined to excess heat) Oxygen starved? Methinks you are the one that suffered a little of this as a child

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  63. I wonder if you noticed that every single dog in the challenge for BiS was panting as it went around the ring? Not only has it been a long day for them, the air quality inside the NEC is always diabolical. Plus, of course, panting is a sign of mild anxiety - an emotion which the dog picks up from the rapport it has with its handler.

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  64. Well would you beleive it, the retriever is panting !!!!!!

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  65. My bulldog is brilliant not a problem bred from the kingrock kennels enough said, she don't breath any worse than my 6 year old twin get a life tossers big up to captain cook

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    1. The fact that you have a 6 year old twin might explain this posting.

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  66. I've watched the working and pastoral groups and the Heelwork to music. There is only one conclusion: all those dog have a nose that is too short! They all had their mounth open! It was awfull, all those open mouths,. Something must be done!

    So when are you doing something about all those panting working dogs?

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    1. At least you are able to see the difference between a dog with and one without a mouth. That already sets you apart from most Bulldog fanciers, which is encouraging.

      Now the question is, what are you going to do about it?

      Delete
  67. Can I just point out something apparent in MANY animals regarding mating practices. Artificial insemination and assisted mating is NOT a bulldog phenomenon. Try dropping the jockey club a line asking them to make sure this sort of thing doesn't go on in the horse world, as it's 'just not the done thing'.

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    1. Certainly. The problem with Bulldogs is not that there are some assisted matings, AIs or c-sections, which happen in pretty much every breed. The problem is that these make up the overwhelming number of Bulldog breedings due to the breed's idiotic anatomy that was created by show breeders with no concern for the problems caused by it.

      On an unrelated note, are you aware that AI is prohibited in certain horse breeds?

      Delete
    2. Thoroughbreds require live cover; there are witnesses and semen samples. Just sayin'.

      The problem, as noted, is not that AI and C-sections happen; there are many legitimate reasons for both.

      It's that the best bulldogs are incapable of free whelping or mating on their own, and thus would never exist in nature.

      INTENTIONALLY breeding a dog that is not capable of whelping without surgery (especially when that dog is also at extra risk for anesthesia complications) just because you think the dog looks cute is really morally problematic.

      Delete
  68. Better find another subject Jemima. All HPB's passed their vet checks!! I'm sure you'll just think up some other ridiculous lie to have the mindless Anti's gripping at. Good luck with that.

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    1. Considering that the vet in charge of the checks is a Pug breeder-judge whose views on brachycephalic syndrome are opposed to current veterinary and scientific knowledge, is this really all that surprising?

      If the vet in charge had been neutral as was the case last year, I would be very happy with this result. As it stands, however, it is to be taken with a lot of salt, and possibly an anti-emetic!

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  69. Utter bollocks Jemima. That is all.

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  70. This is from "Bulldogs World." I presume they are not anti-bulldog:

    http://www.bulldogsworld.com/health-and-medical/heat-strokeexhaustion-bulldogs-and-sudden-loss-air-conditioning-information

    "Every dog is a potential victim of heat exhaustion, but the shorter breathing system of the Bulldog is what puts them at such very strong risk for heat stroke. Shorter airway means less possibility of cooling the air which the dogs draws into its body."

    "What if you have lost power to your home, or the air conditioning has went out on a hot day:?

    Simple follow the cooling procedures above to keep your dog cool. Plenty of fresh water will help. Also you may want to fill a tub 1/3 the way full and allow your dog to rest in it, a cool tile floor will help the dog and you can even spread a bag of ice on the tile floor so they can arrange and adjust to there desire to keep them cool. You may also get a few buckets of ice and a fan, aim the fan down on the buckets of ice and that will cool the temperature down a great deal in the home, close all windows, bring the shades down over any window in your bathroom to keep the sun out and make it dim in the room, turn fans on, allow the water in the tub to be there and the ice buckets. This will keep things much cooler."

    Ask me what I do if my air conditioning goes out on a hot day in my house. Oh, wait, I don't have central air and didn't even have room a/c in the main floor until a year ago.

    Ask me what special actions I had to do to keep my dogs from overheating without a/c?

    Breeding:

    http://www.bulldogsworld.com/breeding/whelping-breeding-false-pregnancy-and-estrus-bulldog-bitches

    "However c-sections are still common and done far more than free-whelps, like 95% of the tine. You should plan on a c-section for your bitch unless she has been cleared by a vet for free-whelping, then plan on letting her deliver at the vet clinic. This is one reason breeding Bulldogs should be left to those with a great deal of experience. (EXTREME CAUTION MUST BE TAKEN WHEN A BULLLDOG IS FREE-WHELPING, EVEN UNDER PERFECT CONDITIONS). C-section of a Bulldog is the most preferred way and the safest! Do NOT attempt a free whelp."

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  71. You uneducated twat, you have obviously never owned or loved a Bully.

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  72. Wow this blog has both angered me a little and in other places has made me laugh at the blatant ignorance and lack of knowledge surrounding this noble breed. Let me start by saying I own three bulldogs, all healthy specimens and all of whom love to run, jump, splash in the sea and fetch a ball with equally as much passion as the next dog. They can do so with ease, I might add without keeling over or having some sort of hyperventilation attack as you seem to claim. I know this because it’s me throwing the ball and thrashing about the field with them and so I’m in the best position to judge. Jemima many of your points are simply false and as I don’t know you personally I can’t say whether this stems from your genuine lack of knowledge of our much loved breed or deliberate malice so I will focus my reply not on attacking you personally as others have done but on arguing against your misinformation.
    Firstly it seems that in your & your followers view, bulldogs are bred purely for their appearance and this is what attracts people to them. May I say from my own experience and from many bulldog owning friends of mine, that these dogs are one of the most loyal, trustworthy, reliable and safe breeds to have both around children and other dogs. I am yet to meet a vicious bulldog, in attacking breeders you have overlooked the exemplary nature of today’s bulldog which is a product of selective breeding as much as any physical attribute. Aside from those notable qualities, they have such expression and human like personality characteristics which make them hilarious and enjoyable companions to have in your home, credit where credit’s due - bulldogs are adored for far more than their looks!
    Secondly, you refer to their striking physical appearance as ‘abnormality’. As an educated person I would like to introduce you to the concept of ‘evolution’, a scientific process by which the idea of what is considered ‘normal’ and ‘abnormal’ changes over time and thus the resulting characteristics will always be considered abnormal when compared to the original article. You seem to struggle with the this concept in your blog by identifying that the qualities have changed but can’t seem to understand this is what happens over time to any breed. You also suggest that compared to other breeds bulldogs are abnormal, well yes, well done you get ten points for observation there!! In the same way that a Jack Russell is abnormal when compared to a Newfoundland, or a Shetland pony is compared to a shire horse. Pat yourself on the back for that one. Diversity is a good thing and does not amount to ‘abnormality’, if this is your line of reasoning I worry what your opinions on human matters of race and or disability would be. Phew!

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  73. Another point you made was that bulldogs pant a lot, yes they pant when they’re hot or have been running for miles, as do other dogs. I have seen thousands of photos and been ringside at crufts this weekend and have not seen the bulldogs pant significantly more than other breeds under the heat/lighting and walking about all day. I am not a fool blinded by my love for the breed as you suggest, and I am fully capable of looking at a bulldog in the ring as objectively as any other dog thank you very much. Let me school you again… panting is a sweating mechanism dogs use to release heat from the body, and of course some breeds are more susceptible to temperature than others. As long as this isn’t excessive which I believe in healthy, responsibly bred bulldogs it is not, then there really is no problem. If infact my dogs failed to pant on a warm day I would be concerned that they had lost this natural ability and most likely rush them to the vets as this is what would cause illness. Bulldogs can mate naturally and those who opt for AI usually do so at stud owners request through wanting to keep their champion free of infection, do your research this is common in most breeds and in other species too especially horses. They can also deliver naturally on most occasions however it requires lots of experience and should only be done by those in the know, unfortunately vets often pressure breeders to opt for elective c sec for their own benefit and perhaps should instead be offering guidance and supervision with free whelping instead of lining their own pockets.
    Now I am by no means denying that there are moderate numbers of bulldogs out there with serious health problems, many of which are genetic, this is true and RESPONSIBLE breeders are the first to recognise and attempt to correct this issue by not breeding from those lines. My dogs are healthy, yes they do have healthy hearts and full physical examinations before any breeding would ever be considered. The fact is in the UK all pedigree breeds have a relatively small gene pool, this is particularly the case in bulldogs and it is extremely important to scrutinise pedigrees carefully before matching parents. One possible way of addressing this is through the introduction of healthy lines from abroad, I would be in favour of this or any other solution which could improve the welfare of our bulldogs for the future.
    As an educated person I find your comments towards Sara below the belt, a desperate clutching at straws effort to wash over her respectfully worded post. I also find your use of photographs of her dog to be somewhat out of order and borderline illegal considering that it’s likely that her dogs are in part her business and you have made a shameless effort to slander them on the internet for public viewing. I suspect she could sue you if she were to care enough. As an expert in the breed who watched ringside I would honestly have chosen her dog from the group and do happen to think this bitch is a good example and the worthy winner. Not always, but on this occasion I believe the judge made the right choice. If you knew anything about the breed you would see that this dog’s features are not too exaggerated, the jaw is not too undershot etc and endless other conformation points I could make which would be wasted on you.

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  74. Backyard breeders and puppy farmers are the ones who are recklessly breeding for profit in despicable conditions and who are doing so from dogs that have a history of medical problems or genetic disorders, through complete disregard for the health of the litters & mothers. These and the dodgy imports are what we need to target in trying to stamp out bad breeding. These are the unspeakable individuals who are breeding from stolen dogs with no knowledge of their medical history, or from unhealthy dogs with breathing problems which they are fully aware of but do not care when £££ signs are in sight. These are the monsters causing suffering to bitches and puppies and producing entire litters who have an increased risk of health problems or genetic disorders. Lets address the really problems and leave the true bully breeders and lovers alone. There is always the potential for the odd bad apple but generally speaking we are not the ones producing dogs with breathing, heart and other problems you mention. We are the ones striving to stamp this out.
    We are the ones working to IMPROVE the breed. Support, rather than slander from all those who truly love dogs would be appreciated  and from those who don’t, well, we don’t really value your opinion. Go walk your cat.

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