Norway bans breeding Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and British Bulldogs.

Norway has banned the selective breeding of British Bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, after a court ruled that the practice is cruel and results in 'man-made health problems' for the animals.

Oslo District Court ruled on Monday that breeding the brachycephalic (flat faced) dogs breaches the Scandinavian country's Animal Welfare Act.

The decision bans the two iconic dog breeds that originated in Britain, with the British Bulldog commonly referred to as the national animal of the United Kingdom.

The case was taken to court by Animal Protection Norway in 2018, which sued the Norwegian Kennel Club (NKK), the Norwegian Cavalier Club, the Norwegian Bulldog Club and six breeders of English bulldog and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Since then - in July 2021 - The Norwegian Parliament voted to amend the wording of the breeding clause in Norway's Animal Welfare act to say that the NKK, breeder groups and private breeders were responsibly for breeding healthy animals.

Lawyers representing the animal rights group successfully argued for the ban, saying that because of the history of selective breeding in the country, none of the animals currently living in Norway can be considered 'healthy'. Therefore, none can be used ethically for breeding purposes, they argued.

Åshild Roaldset, who heads up the charity, said:  -

“This is first and foremost a victory for our dogs…It is a historic verdict that attracts international attention. The man-made health problems of the bulldog have been known since the early 20th century. But dogs have the right to be bred healthy.”

But the NKK spoke out against the ruling, contesting the idea that the decision was made to protect the welfare of the dogs: -

“From our point of view it is far from obvious that this is a strengthening of the dogs' welfare. The Norwegian Kennel Club, the breed clubs and the six breeders are of course aware of the health challenges in these breeds.

That's why we have been working hard to improve the health situation. We have strict health requirements for the various breeds, and we work closely with specialists and research institutions to ensure that breeding goes in the right direction health-wise. The verdict from Oslo district court also recognizes that this party are the best practise among breeders in an health perspective.

Since it's still allowed to import and own the breeds, and these are very popular breeds, we believe people will continue to buy them - but from irresponsible breeders, and breeders from countries which has a lower health standard then the ones connected to the Norwegian Kennel Club and the breed clubs in Norway.

'For us, it is obvious that the answer to solving the health challenges lies in working with registered dogs. In this way, we can ensure that healthy animals are used in breeding, and that the sick are excluded.”

However, others have expressed concern about the blanket breeding ban in Norway, including Bill Lambert, Health, Welfare and Breeder Services Executive at the UK’s Kennel Club: -

“'This absolute approach, which will be difficult to enforce, could further fuel the ongoing crisis of irresponsible breeders, illegal puppy smuggling and uninformed puppy buyers, and actually worsen the issues the legislation seeks to address.

We know that outright breed bans do not work - we have seen this in the UK where attempts were made in 1991 with the Dangerous Dogs Act. 

This has simply served to drive the breeding of these dogs underground, leading to large numbers of unregistered animals where it is impossible to reach the breeders or buyers of these dogs or have any impact on the breed's health and welfare. It can also further fuel the crisis of illegally bred and imported dogs,' he continued.

We believe a more effective approach is to continue to work collaboratively with breeders, vets, scientists and welfare organisations to research, understand and take evidence-based action – via tools like the Respiratory Function Grading Scheme for Bulldogs – to reduce and ultimately eliminate the health problems that these breeds can face, and to educate and influence uninformed puppy buyers and breeders”

British Bulldogs suffer from ‘BOAS’ which stands for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome - which is caused by their distinctive short skull and snout. This can lead to dogs having difficulties breathing, making snoring sounds, wheezing, limited endurance and heatstroke. The disease can worsen over time too - with indigestion issues.

As for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, selective breathing has led to heart defects, problems with their eyes and joints, as well as headaches.

The Oslo court left some hope for lovers of British Bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, ruling that breeders working to end the animal's health problems could continue. The Court said in its ruling: -

“A conviction does not imply a ban on serious breeding of Bulldog or Cavalier, as serious and scientifically based cross-breeding could be a good alternative.”

Figures from The Kennel Club reported the popularity of flat-faced dog breeds has increased by 2,747 per cent in the last 17 years but on the whole, owners cannot recognise their pets are in pain.