Damning research shows how our ‘careless, clueless’ puppy buying habits are causing suffering

• One in five (20 per cent) people admit that they spent no time researching where to buy their puppy at all, compared to less than one in ten (8 per cent) who are prepared to spontaneously decide what shoes to buy.

• Choosing a puppy hastily leaves people more vulnerable to the scams of puppy farmers, with almost a quarter (22 percent) thinking they bought from a puppy farm, if they chose their pup in 20 minutes or less.
• For pups purchased in twenty minutes or less by their owners, almost one in six (15 per cent) of these experience illness, ongoing veterinary treatment or death in the first six months – three times higher than those chosen in an hour or more
• More than one fifth (21 per cent) suffer financially and the same proportion (21 per cent) suffer emotionally if they spent 20 minutes or less researching where to buy a puppy, compared to less than one tenth (7 per cent) financially and 8 per cent emotionally for those who spent longer than an hour.
• More than one third of respondents (34 per cent) admit they are clueless about how to find a reputable breeder for their puppy and are therefore vulnerable to the scams that should ring alarm bells

A dog may be for life, but many people spend more time choosing a pair of shoes or their weekly supermarket shop than they do a puppy and with devastating consequences, as pups are more likely to get ill and their owners suffer financial and emotional hardship if chosen hastily, as people fall victim to puppy scams.

Almost a quarter (23 percent) of people will spend 5 minutes or less researching where to buy a puppy, but a similar percentage (22 per cent) will invest half an hour or more when choosing a new pair of shoes. Choosing a puppy will take 36 percent of people 20 minutes or less, compared to just 16 percent who are prepared to be so reckless with the time spent on their weekly supermarket shop.

And one in five (20 per cent) of people admit that they spent no time researching where to buy their puppy at all, compared to just 8 per cent who decide which shoes to buy on impulse, or 13 per cent who spontaneously decide what to watch on Netflix.

Our hasty and impulsive puppy buying habits are having dramatic consequences. Almost a sixth (15%) of pups got sick in the first six months, with some needing ongoing veterinary treatment or dying, if their owner had chosen them than 20 minutes or less. This is three times higher than those pups who experienced ill health, ongoing health problems or death if their owners had spent an hour or more researching where to buy.

Similarly, more than one fifth (21 per cent) of people claim to have suffered emotional hardship, and the same (21 per cent) claim financial hardship after buying a puppy if they spent between 20 minutes or less researching where to buy their puppy, compared to 7 per cent suffering emotional hardship and 8 per cent suffering financial hardship for those who spent an hour or more finding out where they should buy their puppy.

In total almost a quarter (22 per cent) who bought their puppy in 20 minutes or less think that they bought from a puppy farm, compared to just 7 percent who spent more than an hour researching where to buy.

Despite being prepared to buy their puppy with minimal research, one third (33 per cent) agree that they do not feel confident about how to spot the signs of a responsible breeder, with slightly more (34 per cent) agreeing they would not know how to find one.

The shocking portrait about the lack of consumer awareness when buying a puppy, and its implications, has been released by the Kennel Club for its Puppy Awareness Week, which aims to make people aware of the importance of buying a puppy from a responsible source.

Caroline Kisko, Secretary of the Kennel Club, which runs Puppy Awareness Week, said: “This research is a wake-up call for anybody who cares about dog welfare as a rather terrifying picture is emerging of a nation of people who are careless when it comes to choosing where and how to buy a dog, and who feel clueless about where they would begin, if they were to attempt to do this responsibly.

“The result is puppies with all manner of health and behavioural problems being sold via the internet, pet shops or social media to people who don’t know the true background of the pups and who pay the price in veterinary bills and heartache, as they watch their beloved pet suffer.

“There is a massive gap in consumer knowledge and we need to help people understand what a good dog breeder looks like. The research shows that just under three quarters (73 per cent) of people would like a scheme where breeders are already checked and approved for them by a UKAS approved body, which is why the Kennel Club developed its Assured Breeder Scheme. At the very least we urge people to make themselves aware of the scams and tricks of the trade, so that they can spot the people who are putting puppy welfare at risk.”

One of the most obvious signs of a puppy farmer is that they will not show the pup in its home environment or with its real mum. More than 2 in 5 (41 per cent) of those who suspect that they did not see the puppy with its real mum say that their pup suffered from serious health problems in the first six months, including problems that resulted in ongoing veterinary treatment or death, compared to 9 per cent overall. Similarly, 43 per cent experience financial or emotional hardship if they don’t see the mum, compared to 16 per cent overall.

Another signal of a bad breeder is to use words in adverts that are well known to be marketing scams, to increase interest in a puppy, when it is hiding something more sinister. Examples include the use of the word ‘guard dog’ or ‘security dog’ – which 12 per cent said would make them more likely to be interested in the dog – but which may be a disguise for a dog bred to be aggressive, or the use of the word ‘rare colour’ – which are often avoided by responsible breeders for health and welfare reasons – but which would make almost one in five (18 per cent) more likely to buy. 

The Kennel Club has compiled the dos and don’ts of buying a puppy for its Puppy Awareness Week, which can be downloaded from the website www.thekennelclub.org.uk/paw.

After four momentous days, a new Crufts Best in Show has been crowned as Miami (Show Champion Afterglow Miami Ink), an American Cocker Spaniel took home the coveted titled tonight (Sunday 12th March).

In a packed arena, Miami, who is nearly two years old, and handler and co-owner Jason Lynn, from Westby in Lancashire, were cheered on as they were chosen by top judge, Jeff Horswell and awarded the prestigious Crufts Best in Show title.  Miami is the first American Cocker Spaniel to win Crufts Best in Show and the historic moment was captured live on Channel 4 and watched online around the world by millions.

Around 22,000 pedigree dogs from around the world competed at the NEC in Birmingham over four days for just seven places in the Crufts 2017 Best in Show final. The other six finalists were, Frosty the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen, Alan the Lakeland Terrier, Kagayaki the Yorkshire Terrier, Pegasos the Old English Sheepdog, Frankie the Miniature Poodle and Bentley the Newfoundland.
Delighted owner Jason Lynn said of their win: “I am absolutely thrilled, shocked and ecstatic.  The last time I was in this situation was with the dog I had shown for a couple of years and he was a seasoned showman.  Miami is brand new to all this so it is really the beginning of his show days.

“I just can’t believe it, it’s been like a dream sequence and it was an unbelievable ending to what has been a remarkable two days that I never expected in a million years.”

The Reserve Best in Show award was won by Frankie the Miniature Poodle, owned by Melanie Harwood from Blackburn in Lancashire, making it a double success for the county.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “What an incredible final, and the end of yet another fantastic show.

“Huge congratulations to Miami and Jason – their success helped end the show on a brilliant high. The pair were very deserving winners and it was clear to see the amazing relationship they had when watching them together in the ring.

“Well done to all our fantastic finalists, the dogs and their owners should be incredibly proud to get through to such a prestigious final – it’s not something many people get to experience in their lifetime.

“Crufts is the largest dog show in the world and a British institution, and this year has been such a great show, with dogs and their owners showcasing their strong bonds across a range of canine activities and competitions. Thank you to everyone involved for making the show what it is today.”

Miami’s owner Jason is no stranger to success at Crufts, having won Best in Show with a Standard Poodle in 2014.

For more information, visit www.crufts.org.uk. The full results for Crufts 2017 can be found online at www.press.fossedata.co.uk. 

Bentley, a Newfoundland from Mansfield, Nottinghamshire won the Best in Working Group title at Crufts 2017 on Sunday 12th March, which qualified him for a place in the Best in Show final later that evening.

Three year-old Bentley (Ch Merrybear D’Artagnan) is owned by Mrs L and Mr T Chapman and was handled by Paddy Galvin.

Bentley returned to the Genting Arena at the NEC in Birmingham for the final at the world’s biggest dog show, Crufts, but missed out on the coveted title to Miami the American Cocker Spaniel.

People around Britain and the world tuned in to see which dog was crowned Best in Show as the final was filmed live on Channel 4 as well as the official Crufts YouTube Channel – www.youtube.com/crufts.

Almost 22,000 dogs competed over the four days for one of just seven places in the Crufts final and a chance to win the most celebrated title in the world of dogs.

Proud handler Paddy said: “To win the group is fantastic – we’ve come second, third and fourth in the group before and we won the Breeders Stakes in 2004 but to top the working group, a strong group, is an amazing feeling.

“Bentley is a star in the ring – he puts everything into it.”

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “We are delighted to see Bentley chosen as the Best in Group winner. Bentley and Paddy should be very proud of reaching the prestigious Best in Show final – it’s an incredible achievement and one that not many get to experience in their lifetime.

“Crufts celebrates healthy, happy dogs and recognises the special and unique bond between dogs and their owners. Bentley is such an excellent dog who clearly has great relationship with his owner, and is at very home in the show ring.”

Crufts was held from 9th – 12th March at the NEC, Birmingham, for more information, visit www.crufts.org.uk. The full results for Crufts 2017 can be found online at www.press.fossedata.co.uk 

Bentley, a Newfoundland from Mansfield, Nottinghamshire won the Best in Working Group title at Crufts 2017 on Sunday 12th March, which qualified him for a place in the Best in Show final later that evening.

Three year-old Bentley (Ch Merrybear D’Artagnan) is owned by Mrs L and Mr T Chapman and was handled by Paddy Galvin.

Bentley returned to the Genting Arena at the NEC in Birmingham for the final at the world’s biggest dog show, Crufts, but missed out on the coveted title to Miami the American Cocker Spaniel.

People around Britain and the world tuned in to see which dog was crowned Best in Show as the final was filmed live on Channel 4 as well as the official Crufts YouTube Channel – www.youtube.com/crufts.

Almost 22,000 dogs competed over the four days for one of just seven places in the Crufts final and a chance to win the most celebrated title in the world of dogs.

Proud handler Paddy said: “To win the group is fantastic – we’ve come second, third and fourth in the group before and we won the Breeders Stakes in 2004 but to top the working group, a strong group, is an amazing feeling.

“Bentley is a star in the ring – he puts everything into it.”

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “We are delighted to see Bentley chosen as the Best in Group winner. Bentley and Paddy should be very proud of reaching the prestigious Best in Show final – it’s an incredible achievement and one that not many get to experience in their lifetime.

“Crufts celebrates healthy, happy dogs and recognises the special and unique bond between dogs and their owners. Bentley is such an excellent dog who clearly has great relationship with his owner, and is at very home in the show ring.”

Crufts was held from 9th – 12th March at the NEC, Birmingham, for more information, visit www.crufts.org.uk. The full results for Crufts 2017 can be found online at www.press.fossedata.co.uk

Biscuit, a German Shepherd Dog/Border Collie cross owned by Joshua King from Prestatyn, Denbighshire, has won the Scruffts Family Crossbreed of the Year title at the world’s greatest dog show, Crufts on Saturday 11th March.

Two and a half year-old Biscuit was one of six crossbreed finalists in the national Scruffts competition, which saw hundreds of dogs compete in qualifying heats around the country. The six finalists had each won their class at the semi-finals at Eukanuba Discover Dogs in London last October, with Biscuit winning the Good Citizen Dog Scheme category in order to progress to the final.

Joshua, who is a 14 year-old Young Kennel Club (YKC) member, wanted his own dog from a very young age, and campaigned to his mum for the family to get one. In 2014 she gave in and the family went to go see a litter near to their home which had one crossbreed puppy left.

Biscuit, who was the runt of the litter, and Joshua immediately bonded and it was clear to his mother that Biscuit was the dog for him. Since taking him home, the young crossbreed has achieved his bronze, silver and gold Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme awards and regularly competes in YKC competitions with Joshua.

Joshua is currently training to become a dog trainer at his local club, the Good Companion Dog Training Club, in Prestatyn. He helps run classes once a week with other trainers, assisting with the training of local dogs. His win comes on the same weekend that the Good Citizen Dog Scheme celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Thrilled Joshua said: “I was not expecting to win and I’m extremely delighted about it. I think Biscuit’s potential sets him out from other dogs. He is brilliant with people and loves other dogs as well; he wants everybody to be his best mate.

“Competitions like Scruffts give dogs like Biscuit a chance as there’s no other big competitions available for crossbreeds. This shines a light on crossbreeds which is great because they’re brilliant.

“The atmosphere in the arena was busy and quite nerve-wracking for me, but it was brilliant and Biscuit seemed to take it all in his stride. Crufts is so special because everyone here loves dogs, speaks to each other and are really friendly.”

Two-time Olympic gold medallist rower and family man, Alex Gregory MBE and championship Best in Show dog judge, David Guy judged the six finalists on qualities such as good character, health and temperament with people and other dogs.

On the difficult decision of choosing the winner, Alex Gregory said: “Any one of those finalists could have won but when it came down to it Joshua and Biscuit’s story inspired both of us. He was the whole package.”

David Guy commented further: “The winner is inspirational; he’s young, committed and an example dog owner who, at such a young age, has already given so much back to the canine world.”

The Scruffs Family Crossbreed of the Year competition is run by the Kennel Club, which organises Crufts, and caters exclusively for crossbreed dogs: dogs whose parents are of two different breeds, or a mixture of several breeds.

Throughout last year, heats of the popular Scruffts contest, which is supported by pet food makers James Wellbeloved, took place at events around the country in search of crossbreeds with that extra special something. More than 1,400 dogs took part in the Scruffts heats this year, raising £4,000 for both the Kennel Club Charitable Trust and each event’s chosen charity. All competitors received a James Wellbeloved goody bag which included tasty treats, toys and a blanket.

The six finalists were:

• Most Handsome Dog: King Tommy, owned by Monique Nerman from Totnes, Devon
• Good Citizen Dog Scheme: Biscuit, owned by Joshua King from Prestatyn, Denbighshire
• Golden Oldie: Vinny, shown by Sarah Atkins and owned by Susan Atkins from Bedworth, Warwickshire
• Prettiest Bitch: Ginny, owned by Judy Rigby from Stockport, Cheshire
• Child’s Best Friend: Bonnie, owned by Grace Mead from Connah’s Quay, Flintshire
• Best Rescue: Fleur, owned by Wendy Morris from Ropley, Hampshire

As well as the Scruffts Crossbreed Family Dog of the Year title, Biscuit received a year’s supply of healthy hypo-allergenic dog food from James Wellbeloved.

James Wellbeloved marketing director Alison Sudbury said: “Congratulations to Biscuit and Joshua for winning Scruffts Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year – what a well-deserved pair. They are the perfect ambassadors for the extremely well-loved crossbreed community.

“Scruffts is such a fantastic competition and a highlight in the James Wellbeloved calendar. We are proud of all the dogs and their owners who made it through to the final, as well as all the amazing crossbreeds who entered into heats across the country last year. We look forward to welcoming more loveable crossbreeds and their owners at the 2017 heats.”

Scruffts is run in support of the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, which has awarded over £10 million worth of grants to benefit dogs since its inception in 1987. The Trust awards grants to welfare organisations which make a difference to dogs’ lives, and also provides financial support to canine scientific research and support charities.

To enter one of the 2017 heats, please visit the Crufts website to find one near you http://www.crufts.org.uk/content/whats-on/scruffts/

Catch Biscuit and Joshua, the other finalists and more lovable crossbreeds in Scruffts: Britain’s Favourite Dog which will be airing on Channel 4 on Friday 17th March at 8pm.

Miami, an American Cocker Spaniel from Westby in Lancashire, won the Gundog Best in Group title at Crufts 2017 today (Saturday 11th March), qualifying them for a place in the Best in Show final on tomorrow. 

Miami (Sh Champion Afterglow Miami Ink), who is nearly two years old and owned by Jason Lynn and Rui da Silver, will return to the Genting Arena at the NEC in Birmingham for a place at the final at the world’s biggest dog show, Crufts, with owner Jason. 

People around Britain and the world will be watching to see which dog is crowned Best in Show on Sunday 12th March, as the final is shown live on Channel 4 and available to be streamed on the official Crufts YouTube Channel – www.youtube.com/crufts.

Around 22,000 dogs are competing over the four days for one of just seven places in the Crufts final and a chance to win the most celebrated title in the world of dogs.

Proud owner Jason Lynn, said: “He’s only a young dog so I am highly delighted that he’s won.  It feels absolutely incredible.  You have got to enjoy that bit of time in that moment, as it doesn’t happen often.”
Miami’s breeder, Mike Gadsby, who was with Jason at the show, added: “The competition was stiff so we are thrilled to bits.  It’s the biggest thrill in the world and the perfect ending to the day.”

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “We are delighted to see Miami chosen as the Best in Group winner today. His owners should be very proud of reaching the prestigious Best in Show final; it’s an incredible achievement and one that not many get to experience in their lifetime.

“Crufts celebrates happy, healthy dogs and recognises the special and unique bond between dogs and their owners. Miami is such an lovely dog who clearly has great relationship with Jason, and he looked to feel at home in the show ring.

“Tomorrow’s final is looking very exciting and we want to wish Miami and his owners the best of luck in the ring, we are sure that all of Lancashire will be tuning in to Channel 4 to cheer them on.”

For more information, visit www.crufts.org.uk. The full results for Crufts 2017 can be found online at www.press.fossedata.co.uk.

Video gets more than a million views and over 43,000 shares in under 24 hours

A Facebook video showing a cute Jack Russell going ‘off course’ during an agility competition at the world’s largest dog show, Crufts, has racked up more than a million views in under 24 hours.  

Olly the rescue Jack Russell was competing with his owner in the rescue dog agility competition in the main arena at Crufts yesterday (Friday 10th March) when he decided to tackle the course in his own way.

Agility courses involve the dogs running a series of jumps, weaves, seesaws, A-frames and tunnels.  They must run the course in a specific order, directed by their owner.  Olly however wanted to tackle the course in a different way and was caught on camera running around as he wanted. 

Caroline Kisko, Crufts spokesperson, said: “Olly wanted to do things his own way and it’s clear he was having the time of his life.  In the video you can see his owner laughing as he whizzes round the course and even the commentator got the giggles, which is exactly the reaction we imagine was shared by the two hundred thousand plus people who have watched the video since yesterday.

“Olly is a rescue dog that was rehomed by Blue Cross rescue charity so it is lovely to see that he’s now having such a fun time with his new owner.”

Watch the video here

Crufts is held at the NEC in Birmingham and runs until Sunday 12th March.

At the time of writing the video had received 1,165,452 views and had been shared 43,606 shares.

Kagayaki, a Yorkshire Terrier from Japan won the Best in Toy Group title at Crufts 2017 today (Friday 10th March), qualifying for a place in the Best in Show Final on Sunday.

Four year old Kagayaki (My Precious JP Kagayaki) will return to the Genting Arena at the NEC in Birmingham for a place at the final at the world’s biggest dog show, Crufts, with her owner Chizuru Kagayaki.

People around Britain and the world will be watching to see which dog is crowned Best in Show on Sunday as the final is shown live on Channel 4 and available to stream on the official Crufts YouTube Channel – www.youtube.com/crufts.

Almost 22,000 dogs are competing over the four days for one of just seven places in the Crufts final and a chance to win the most celebrated title in the world of dogs.

Proud owner Chizuru said: “I’m so excited I can’t believe it. Kagayaki is an amazing dog and she has won her first Challenge Certificate in the UK at Crufts. I almost don’t know what to say, I’m so thrilled.

“Now we have to rest and look forward to Sunday which is going to be so amazing.”

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “We are delighted to see Kagayaki chosen as the Best in Group winner today. Kagayaki and Chizuru should be very proud of reaching the prestigious Best in Show final, it’s an incredible achievement and one that not many get to experience in their lifetime.

“Crufts celebrates healthy, happy dogs and recognises the special and unique bond between dogs and their owners. Kagayaki is such an lovely dog that clearly has a great relationship with her owner and is at home in the show ring.

“It’s only day two of four and the final is already looking very exciting. We want to wish Kagayaki and Chizuru the best of luck in the ring, we are sure that all of Japan will be turning on Channel 4 to cheer them on.”

For more information, visit www.crufts.org.uk. The full results for Crufts 2017 can be found online at www.press.fossedata.co.uk 

Frankie, a Miniature Poodle from Blackburn, Lancashire won the Best in Utility Group title at Crufts 2017 today (Friday 10th March), qualifying them for a place in the Best in Show Final on Sunday.

Frankie (Minarets Best Kept Secret), aged almost two years old, will return to the Genting Arena at the NEC in Birmingham for a place at the final at the world’s biggest dog show, Crufts, with his owner/handler, Melanie Harwood.

People around Britain and the world will be watching to see which dog is crowned Best in Show on Sunday as the final is shown live on Channel 4 and available to stream on the official Crufts YouTube Channel – www.youtube.com/crufts.

Almost 22,000 dogs are competing over the four days for one of just seven places in the Crufts final and a chance to win the most celebrated title in the world of dogs.

Proud owner Melanie said: “I’m more than in shock and these are tears of wonderful joy. I won the Group in 2006 with Frankie’s grandfather but lost him last year so this is a very special moment. He has a great personality and is so lovely. I really enjoy showing him as he loves the attention. At home he’s crazy and just loves romping around in the field and messing up his coat. He’s a real happy-go-lucky dog.”

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “We are delighted to see Frankie chosen as the Best in Group winner today. Frankie and Melanie should be very proud of reaching the prestigious Best in Show final, it’s an incredible achievement and one that not many get to experience in their lifetime.

“Crufts celebrates healthy, happy dogs and recognises the special and unique bond between dogs and their owners. Frankie is such an excellent dog that clearly has a great relationship with his handler, and is at home in the show ring.

“It’s only day two of four and the final is already looking very exciting. We want to wish Frankie and Melanie the best of luck in the ring, we are sure that all of Blackburn will be turning on Channel 4 to cheer them on.”

For more information, visit www.crufts.org.uk. The full results for Crufts 2017 can be found online at www.press.fossedata.co.uk. 

Alan, a Lakeland Terrier from Uttoxeter in Staffordshire, won the Terrier Best in Group title at Crufts 2017 today (Thursday 9th March), qualifying him for a place in the Best in Show final on Sunday. 

Alan (Champion Saredon Enigma), who is only 20 months old, will return to the Genting Arena at the NEC in Birmingham on Sunday for a place in the final at the world’s biggest dog show, Crufts, with his handler, John Averis.  Alan is owned by Johann Schembri and Tony Barker and was bred by John, who is a Kennel Club Assured Breeder.

Second place in the Terrier group went to the West Highland White Terrier, with the Dandie Dinmont and Kerry Blue in 3rd and 4th.

Shortlisted were: the Bedlington, the Smooth Fox Terrier, the Irish, the Jack Russell (exhibiting at Crufts for the first time), the Norfolk, and the Scottie. 

People around Britain and the world will be watching to see which dog is crowned Best in Show on Sunday as the final is filmed live on Channel 4 and available to stream on the official Crufts YouTube Channel – www.youtube.com/crufts.

Around 22,000 dogs will compete over the four days for one of just seven places in the Crufts final and a chance to win the most celebrated title in the world of dogs. 

The Lakeland Terrier is a Vulnerable Native Breed.

John Averis, who bred Alan and handled him in the ring, said: “This is amazing.  Alan is only 20 months old but you’ve got to go in to the ring hoping to win and being optimistic.

“This dog has quite a history – his grandfather, grandmother and mother were all Best of Breeds at Crufts so he had a lot to follow and I believe he excelled himself.  We spend a lot of time training Alan and it has paid off.

“To me it is the highest honour to win the Terrier group at Crufts.  Time now for a pint and a curry and to look forward to Sunday.”

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “We are delighted to see Alan chosen as the Best in Group winner today. Johann, Tony and John should all be very proud of Alan for reaching the prestigious Best in Show final, it’s an incredible achievement and one that not many get to experience in their lifetime.

“Crufts celebrates happy, healthy dogs and recognises the special and unique bond between dogs and their owners. Alan is such a lovely dog that clearly has a great relationship with his handler, and is clearly at home in the show ring.

“It’s only day one of four and the final is bound to be exciting. We want to wish Alan and his owners and handler the best of luck in the ring, we are sure that all of Uttoxeter will be turning on Channel 4 on Sunday to cheer them on.”

For more information, visit www.crufts.org.uk. The full results for Crufts 2017 can be found online at www.press.fossedata.co.uk.