The aim of this site is to tell the story of my campaign to improve the health of pedigree dogs by raising awareness of the problems and trying to bring about change.
I believe the current self-regulatory system of dog breeding has resulted in unacceptable levels of genetic disease in many of our dog breeds. It has also allowed selection for exaggerated physical traits which impact on a dog's quality of life.
I believe there is an overwhelming need for reform of the dog breeding system with better regulation and a clear priority given by the Government, Welfare Organisations, Kennel Club, breed clubs, individual breeders and pet owners, to genetic health and welfare.
My own experience of these problems comes from owning two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, a breed with a number of inherited diseases. The two most serious and widespread being Chiari-like Malformation Syringomyelia (CM/SM) and Mitral Valve Disease (MVD).
I hope you will find the information here interesting, helpful and inspiring. I hope you will join me in working for a better world for pedigree dogs.
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Recent Highlights
Independent Advisory Council on Dog Breeding - dogadvisorycouncil.org.uk
The newly appointed founding chairman of the Council is Professor Sheila Crispin MA, VetMB, B.Sc, PhD, DVA, DVOphthal, Dip ECVO, FRCVA.
Professor Crispin is a Past-President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and has had a long association with the British Veterinary Association's Canine Health Schemes. She is a member of the Kennel Club and former member of the Kennel Club's Breed Health and Welfare Strategy Group.
Rupert's Fund - rupertsfund.com
An initiative by Cavalier pet owners to raise money to fund MRI scanning of older Cavaliers (age 6 and over) for DNA research. This vital research which will identify the genes causing Syringomyelia is in its final stages and needs to find older dogs which are free from SM. Click on the link to find out how you can donate.
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