Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Welfare and Responsible Breeding for Health

Responsible breeding practices that prioritise health over exaggerated conformation can prevent significant suffering across the lifespan of dogs and future generations.

Key Facts

Brachycephalic breeds suffer chronic breathing difficulties caused by skull conformation
Hip and elbow dysplasia are heritable conditions that cause lifelong pain in affected dogs
DNA health testing before breeding can eliminate many single-gene disorder risks
The Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme includes minimum health testing requirements
Over 300 canine genetic disorders have been characterised and have available DNA tests

Welfare Considerations

Breeding choices have profound welfare consequences across a dog's lifetime and across multiple generations. Demand for healthier conformation and health-tested breeding is the most powerful lever consumers have.

What You Can Do

Research breed health problems before choosing a dog
Only buy from breeders who complete recommended health tests for their breed
Support campaign for breed standard reform to reduce exaggerated conformation