The British really do love their pets, which is why there is such an uproar over the decision to award that German Shepherd above the title of ‘Best in Breed’ at the prestigious Crufts show.

At the centre of it all is three-year-old bitch Cruaghaire Catoria, who has been bred with an abnormally sloped back and a painful-looking limp. She wouldn’t hold up so well in the wild, but she managed to get one over on all the other mutts. Below from the Standard:

The Kennel Club received a barrage of complaints after the dog, bred by Susan Cuthbert, from Fyfe, in Scotland, was filmed appearing to hobble around the judging circuit…

The RSPCA also called for urgent action to be taken to address the welfare of animals competing at Crufts, adding that it was “shocked and appalled” by the condition of the German Shepherd.

But the RSPCA were just getting started, because they had some choice words for the show organisers regarding a number of other dogs as well:

“For example, the winner of the Toy group, a Pekingese, was panting heavily and struggling to breathe. This illustrates why there is an urgent need to review the breeding and judging process, including an independent review of the breed standards, in order to safeguard the welfare of all pedigree dogs, not just the German shepherd.

I can hear you saying filthy things about the dog show animal lovers, but just remember that if you forked out for a French bulldog (all the rage) or a miniature dachshund you’re not exactly much better.

[source:standard]