Crufts organisers hit out at RSPCA

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The RSPCA cut its links with the world famous dog show in September following controversy about breeding practices revealed in a BBC documentary.

Organiser the Kennel Club came under fierce criticism from the animal charity, prompting it to introduce revised standards for a number of breeds entering this year's show.

The changes, made in January, could mean that dogs previously considered top of their breed may not stand a chance of winning this year.

Caroline Kisko, secretary of the Kennel Club, admitted it was unfair on breeders but said the Kennel Club has "not had much choice" in the matter.

On the opening day of the event, she said the club had "done a lot in a short space of time" and criticised the RSPCA for not recognising the changes made.

"We feel as if we have made a lot of changes but it's not really been recognised that we have made these changes. We have said to breeders we are expecting them to breed differently, but we cannot expect them to do it overnight.

"These are living creatures and it will take time. My chief concern is that if we keep pushing too hard we eventually lose them (the breeders) in the end and then who will care about the dogs' welfare?"

Changes have been made to the breeding standards of a number of breeds this year, including the Bulldog - now required to have less wrinkles and longer legs - and the Pekingese, which should have a longer nose.

Ms Kisko said the club began considering making changes to some breeds five or six years ago, but was forced to bring them into practise sooner than planned following the BBC documentary, which claimed Crufts allowed damaging breeding practices that caused disease and deformities.