Pedigree dogs
In August 2008, a BBC One documentary - Pedigree Dogs Exposed - investigated
some of the serious health and welfare issues experienced by many pedigree dogs as a result of the way they are bred.
The documentary sparked a huge and long overdue public debate that has already led to positive change within the pedigree dog world.
Ensuring a better future for ‘man’s best friend’
For over 180 years, the RSPCA has worked tirelessly to protect the welfare of all dogs.
Urgent action is now needed to safeguard the welfare of pedigree dogs.
At this critical time, we are totally committed to working with all those concerned, including dog owners, dog breeders, kennel clubs, the vet profession, animal welfare scientists, the media, other animal welfare organisations and governments, to ensure a better future for ‘man’s best friend’.
Pedigree dog breeding in the UK:
a major welfare concern?
In 2008, the RSPCA commissioned an independent scientific report on pedigree dog breeding in the UK.
Our aim was to help inform all those dedicated to protecting and improving the welfare of pedigree dogs.
The report addresses the impact of traditional selective breeding practices on pedigree dog welfare, and suggests a number of possible ways forward to improve the welfare of pedigree dogs.
It focuses on the welfare issues associated with:
- exaggerated physical features, and
- inherited disease.
Pedigree dog breeding in the UK: a major welfare concern? (PDF 885KB)
A recognised global problem too
As an independent report, its contents are the findings, views and conclusions of its authors and contributors, who are acclaimed experts in the fields of animal welfare science, genetics, epidemiology* and veterinary science.
Whilst conclusions are centred on the specific situation in the UK, the report reviews what is well recognised as an international problem.
*Epidemiology is the study of how often and why diseases occur in different groups of animals and/or people.
Joint effort needed to find solutions
The RSPCA recognises that solving the welfare problems associated with exaggerated physical features and inherited disease presents a very complex challenge.
It’s essential that all relevant stakeholders work together in order to identify and implement practical, evidence-based, effective solutions.
We hope that this report will be seen as a constructive contribution to the current debate into the welfare of pedigree dogs and encourages wider discussion.
Read the report
The full report can be downloaded above and accompanying bilingual versions of an executive report summary can be downloaded below:
Find out more
1. Read more about our position on the welfare of pedigree dogs, and the actions we have taken since the BBC documentary.
2.Read our FAQs on this issue:
- I am thinking of buying a pedigree dog. What should I do?
- I have a pedigree dog and am now concerned about his/her health and welfare. What should I do?
- I want to breed from my pedigree dog. What should I do?
- Is it just a pedigree dog problem? What about pedigree cats and other pets?
3. You can also check out information from RSPCA Australia on the welfare of pedigree dogs.
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