Merle bulldogs no longer registered
The Kennel Club (KC) has announced that it will not be registering any merle bulldogs due to health concerns.
The decision was made at the request of the Bulldog Breed Council because of the increased risk of hearing and sight impairment associated with the bulldog breed.
This association relates to a gene with two mutations; merle, which is dominant to the other gene, non-merle.
Bulldogs with the merle gene have dapple coats, which are not naturally found in the breed. These dogs are also more likely to have hearing and sight defects as a result.
Those that carry two copies of the merle gene are significantly more at risk.
The KC General Committee has therefore decided that it will no longer accept the registration of any merle bulldog puppy, in the view of health concerns.
Imported merle bulldogs will not be able to register either.
These steps are all part of the KC's effort to improve the health of pedigree dogs, as it continues to work in collaboration with breed health coordinators.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
