After its successful campaign to ban the breeding of dogs with excessive brachycephalic traits, the Dutch animal’s rights organisation Dier en Recht has launched an awareness campaign against the breeding of toy and teacup dogs such as the Pomeranian or the Chihuahua. The Dutch veterinary association KNMvD is in full support of the campaign Klein maar Pijn (little dog, lots of pain).
The smaller the dog, the bigger the risk of pain and neurological problems
‘The smaller the dog, the bigger the risk of pain and neurological problems, confirms Paul Mandigers, veterinary neurologist and president of the KNMvD’s section for companion animals. ‘Increasingly, we see dogs with conditions that are directly linked to the breeding of extremely small dogs, such as Chiari malformation or syringomyelia. This is a serious welfare problem.’
‘Don't buy dogs under 3 kg’
The KNMvD stresses that only responsible breeding and well-researched buying of dogs can help prevent suffering. It advises to choose health above looks and not to buy dogs under 3 kg of adult bodyweight. And to those who cannot resist, it advises to ask about in-depth health checks of the parent animals (e.g. MRI) and to take out an insurance.
Talk to a vet before buying
‘Unfortunately, most new pet owners have no clue that extreme conformation can bring so many ‘hidden’ health problems — especially when these problems are packed in cute little puppies,’ confirmed Ann Criel, UEVP board member and president of FECAVA. She urges prospective owners to talk to a veterinarian before buying a dog. ‘We will be happy to advise you.’
FVE and Fecava call for healthy breeding
Health and welfare should always go before looks, and responsible breeding goes much further than avoiding flat-faced dogs and cats, she recalled, referring to the Fecava/FVE position paper on healthy breeding. Many breeds have health issues, and owners should spend some time researching the potential risks that are linked to specific breeds, she added.
(photo ©Maarten Nauw / Dier&Recht)