For the first time since 1966, the world famous dog pageant Crufts will not be aired on UK television.
The decision follows an investigation on BBC's Panorama called "Pedigree Dogs Exposed" which aired on August. The documentary caused outrage among animal right groups, the public and leading vets by exposing the damage inbreeding was causing to pedigree dogs.
The documentary accused the Kennel Club, the UK's dog breeding regulator, of effectively encouraging dog owners to breed ill-health and deformity into their pets.
Bulldog breeder Mark Rudge, from Walton-le-dale in Preston, said: "I think this has been blown out of all proportion. I have never had any problems with my dog and none of the other breeders I know have either.
"Of course vets will think the dogs they see are unhealthy. They would not be at the vets otherwise," said Mr Rudge.
Mr Rudge's Bulldog Zorro will be shown on Friday at Crufts. He expects an even bigger turn-out at the show by breeders looking to show solidarity in the face of the outcry.
"I think there will be more people here this year to show their support for the show. I would like to see it on TV, but it doesn't bother me that much.
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