A Rumour of Good News from the Kennel Club?

Ryan O' Meara reports a rumor of goods news:

There could be a huge announcement at Crufts that the Kennel Club is preparing to open the studbook and (finally) encourage crossbreeding to widen the gene pools of pedigree dog breeds.

Could it be that there is finally some hope for many inbred breeds and that the ridiculous, snobbish attitude to ‘purity’ is about to be blown away for good?

This move to open the studbook (allow breeds to be outcrossed with other breeds) is something that welfare campaigners have been asking for for many years and one that scientists have stated is what is needed to help get dogs out of the genetic bottleneck that many find themselves in.

Of course, such a move would be a monumental change in pedigree dogdom and would no doubt create some explosive debate within the dog world. But it is unquestionably the right move and would instantly mark Crufts 2009 out as the event that began to set dogs on a fast track to recovery.

Let’s hope that this is one Crufts rumour that actually comes true. But, I must again reiterate, it’s a rumour. Still, we can but wish for it to be confirmed!

Would I second that emotion? You bet!

Can it be that the Kennel Club will put dogs first?

I have always held out hope that Ronnie Irving would "man up" and do what's right by the dogs.

If he does, I will join Ryan in heaping praise, for this will be a real legacy for the ages.

But, of course, failure to act will also be a legacy.

Come on Ronnie! Let this rumor be true!

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