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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Laura Williams & Lizzie McAllister

This Morning vet gives full list of dogs in danger after British Bulldog ban

ITV's Dr Scott revealed the full list of dog breeds that could be in danger after Norway banned the selective breeding of British Bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

Both breeds originated from Britain, and the breeding of the two popular dog types has been heavily criticised due to a multitude of health problems commonly found in them.

The ban comes after the Oslo District Court ruled that breeding brachycephalic, or flat-faced, dogs is cruel, causing unnecessary "man-made health problems" for the animals.

This Morning star Dr Scott Miller appeared on the show on Friday (February 4) to explain the ruling, and what it may mean for other selectively bred dog breeds.

The vet revealed which other breeds may be in trouble (ITV)

The vet explained: "This is quite a tricky one.

"From a veterinary perspective, we do have grave concerns about what’s called brachycephalic dogs - flat-faced dogs - and the impact that it has on their welfare.

"For a dog like that [British Bulldog], [they have] very narrow nostrils and virtually no nose.

"So all the structures in the nasal passages are shunted back.

"King Charles Spaniels have such an abnormally shaped head, it can actually pressurise the brain stem and lead to a neurological condition called syringomyelia.

The vet explained flat-faced dogs often struggle to breathe (ITV)

He warned: "Both of those conditions have been brought about because of breed standards.

"What Norway has done though - by banning the breeders, you can’t work through a problem unless you can have a discussion at the table.

"And by banning the breeders they’re allowing dodgy breeders to come in, infiltrate with even worse genetic lines. I think that that is problematic."

Asked if other breeds could be banned in the future, Dr Scott said: "So Pugs as well are very flat-faced, French Bulldogs.

British Bulldogs have been banned in Norway (Getty Images)

"A lot of people [like them], and the reason people do is that we relate to animals that look like us, which is very simplistic.

"We like pandas, we like koalas, anything with a flat face and big eyes."

Norway ruled that the breeding of the dogs would be banned when the case was brought to court by animals rights group Animal Protection Norway.

Commenting on the decision, the group said it was “first and foremost a victory for our dogs”.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are another breed that have been banned (Getty Images/EyeEm)

CEO of Animal Protection Norway Ashild Roaldset said: “The man-made health problems of the bulldog have been known since the early 20 th century. This verdict is many years overdue.”

Fans of the breeds will be delighted to know that the ban does not spell the end for British Bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

The Norwegian ruling specifies that breeders who work to bring an end to the animals' health problems can continue to breed the dogs.

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