A FOUR page document outlining the RSPCA’s Companion Dog Show guidelines has emerged, and caused yet more disbelief amongst dog owners and exhibitors.

In its edict, the Society says that it will only be associated with ‘responsibly run’ dog shows, and that shows where a KC Breed Standard is to be followed would not be the sort of show it would want to be involved with. It reads, ‘The RSPCA believes that, in general, UK Kennel Club breed standards are not fit for purpose and that their use as the sole criteria by which dogs are judged in formal dog shows is seriously detrimental to the welfare of pedigree dogs. This is because breed standards are based primarily on appearance, without sufficient emphasis on health, welfare and temperament.’

The document also states that shows can be a source of anxiety and stress, with ‘unfamiliar events, such as crowds and noise’ adding to a dog’s distress.

‘The RSPCA believes that all dog shows should judge primarily on their health, welfare and temperament, rather than appearance’ states the document, adding that because of this, classes such as Most handsome Dog, Prettiest Bitch and Dog with the Prettiest Eyes should not be scheduled, as they ‘are therefore not appropriate’. It also suggests that at least one judge within each class should be ‘appropriately qualified to judge the dogs on their health, welfare and temperament and ensure that this is taken into account in the judging process’.

In an even more bizarre decision, the guidelines also state that at shows where the main remit is not dogs showing, for example Bakewell or Cheshire County Show, the RSPCA may have a stand, but would not allow its stand to be anywhere near the area where the dog show was taking place! It also stressed that at such shows, its own leaflets explaining its thoughts on pedigree dogs should be readily available to give to the public.

Not welcome

Suggestions for ‘alternative’ novelty classes at shows are ‘The Doggy Dash (fastest return to owner), Best behaved Dog, Musical Sit(!), Best Trick (only appropriate tricks, of course) and the Egg and Spoon Race (owner has egg and spoon and the dog is on the lead!).

The documents with a list of reasons why docked dogs would not be welcome at any of its shows, including an explanation of pain as felt by a dog.

The KC’s Caroline Kisko told OUR DOGS: ‘We were astonished to hear that the RSPCA continues to hold such extreme views regarding dog showing. As those of us in the show world are so well aware, breed standards place great emphasis on health and on temperament so to suggest that they are only about “looks” is clearly ridiculous.

‘The idea that even a class such as the ‘Prettiest Eyes’ cannot be included at a Companion Dog Show seems to be political correctness gone mad! Surely the ‘Waggiest Tail’ is linked to the dog’s conformation too – yet that is apparently acceptable as a class. Surely it’s time that the RSPCA recognised that the world of dogs is very conscious of the need to breed healthy dogs and showing is just one of the ways in which we can ensure this.’

The popular OUR DOGS Facebook page was also the scene of much disbelief amongst dog people, when we asked them what they thought about the latest missive:

Nicki O'Hanlon said: ‘perhaps they should stop talking rubbish and do some proper work!! I'm sick of calling them for help and being told they are not interested.....These shows are a bit of fun. They have scruffiest dog, waggiest tail etc its fun and people enter them to have fun.

Fun?

Simon Brown followed this up with: ‘I understand that there is to be a new, and approved, class at Companion Shows "Least In Touch Royal Society That Is Only Concerned With Political Correct Policies"’ whilst Kay Farrier asked, ‘What next? The classes are just a bit of fun for doggie folk to join in an activity with their dogs! They should go concentrate on Puppy farmers and those that don't health test!’

Hilda Roberts suggested the RSPCA need to get their priorities right, ‘how on earth are such Novelty classes to do with cruelty to animals, these classes are fun classes to raise money for Charities, and nobody loves their dogs any the less if they don't win Most Handsome Dog or whatever!’

OUR DOGS breed correspondent Marianne Brett said, ‘If looks count for nothing, maybe they need to do what the main rescues in Stockholm, Sweden does; not allow ANY prospective new owners of their rescued dogs to view the dogs, as they could then chose a dog on looks alone. Let them fill in a questionnaire detailing what size, sex, coat, energy level etc they want in a dog and present them ONLY with dogs which fit that criteria?’ and Jo Tammaro said, ‘It just goes to show.... sitting pretty in their offices with nothing better to do (they don't seem to respond to most calls for help), they've managed to come up with something so absurd. Too much time on their hands possibly... Joe Public needs to wise up and instead start donating to local animal charities who really do their best to help!’

Twisted

Graham Newton told us: ‘How strange. We have helped run companion shows in aid of the RSPCA including the class types mentioned. We withdrew our support after the RSPCA withdrew from Crufts and took sides with that TV program. Now they are advertising for money on the T.V. If the RSPCA have lost the support of responsible dog owners and breeders what future do they have?’ and Pam O'Loughlin said, ‘Someone mentioned that next thing dog shows will be banned....well I would put money on that being in their long term plans for the UK.....they are riddled with PETA types and their twisted policies....I now make a point of being less than polite to anyone who approaches me on the street collecting for them.’

And finally, Julie Botterill said, ‘Farcical - and of course scruffiest mutt etc will damage the self esteem of the darling muttlies ....!’

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