- Welfare campaigners have warned the victory could encourage extreme dog breeds
- Mandatory breath tests will come into effect from next year
Crufts has entered a new row after a French bulldog with no ‘discernible nostrils’ won a prize for the second year.
The winning dog named Elton took home the prize for best dog in the Utility Group and Best of Breed, but animal welfare campaigners criticized the judges’ decision.
The activists warned that the victory of the three-year-old French bulldog would encourage extreme breeders to continue creating dogs with health problems.
However, the Kennel Club, which organizes Crufts, said the winning dog had passed all vet checks and had no health problems.
The father and daughter duo who watched their French bulldog cruise to victory said they were ‘lost for words’.
The winning dog Elton took home the prize for best dog in the Utility Group and Best of Breed, but animal welfare campaigners criticized the judges’ decision.
Campaigners were concerned that Elton (pictured) had ‘no discernible nostrils’ and would therefore struggle to breathe, but Crufts officials said he had passed all health checks.
Jemima Harrison, a campaigner for health reform in dog breeding and an award-winning producer of science documentaries, took to X to share her concerns
Dean and Abbie Cund, from Birmingham, said: ‘It’s just a dream beyond a dream come true.’
Concerns about flat-faced breeds, including pugs and bulldogs, have increased in recent years due to health complications associated with them.
One of the biggest concerns is that these squash-faced dogs will struggle with breathing difficulties.
Experts have warned that noisy breathing, snoring and fainting after exertion are signs that a dog is having trouble breathing.
Kennel Club chief health officer Charlotte McNamara confirmed the three-year-old dog had no breathing problems.
She said: ‘The health and welfare of dogs at the show is our priority, and the winning French bulldog, Elton, has passed all the relevant veterinary health assessments carried out inside and outside the show ring.’
Jemima Harrison, a campaigner for health reform in dog breeding and an award-winning producer of science documentaries, joined X to share her concerns.
The Kennel Club, which organizes Crufts, said the winning dog had passed all vet checks and had no health problems (stock image)
Birmingham father-daughter duo Dean and Abbie Cund said: “It’s just a dream beyond a dream come true.”
She wrote: ‘This French Bulldog – with no discernible nostrils and an almost hollow face – not only won Best of Breed at Crufts today, but also the Utility Group.
A terrible day for the breed. I’m gutted.’
RSCPA commented under the post: ‘We are so disappointed that a French bulldog with a short snout and pinched nostrils was named Best of Breed at Crufts yesterday.
We should not celebrate these qualities that can cause suffering.”
Mandatory breathing tests for pugs, bulldogs and French bulldogs will be introduced from next year in a bid to limit the number of flat-faced dogs competing in the dog show.