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.
"If the changes go ahead then it will change the make-up of the show forever. But, I will always enter my dogs."
The Kennel Club refused to comply with the BBC's demands that 14 'at risk' breeds be excluded from the competition.
As a result, leading animal welfare groups also withdrew their support.
RSPCA spokesman Andy Robbins said: "It would have been very inappropriate for us to be involved in the show this year.
"The animal welfare group believes the BBC's decision not to televise Crufts reflects deep scientific and public concern about the unacceptably high levels of disability, deformity and hereditary disease affecting pedigree dogs.
Mr Robbins added: "The RSPCA will not give their backing to this show unless the changes are made."
Another subject of controversy is the incestuous breeding promoted by such shows. Breeders mate dogs with close family members to produce puppies that look the same. But this also makes dogs prone top genetic illness.
Many breeds suffer health problems from being bred in this way for the prestigious dog show. Breeds including the Dachshund, Pekinese, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bulldog, and Pug have all been documented.
Chief Vet Mark Evans said: "They allow and encourage both the breeding of deformed and disabled dogs and the inbreeding of closely related animals. This is morally unjustifiable and has to stop.
"Dogs were shown to have trouble walking, breathing, mating or reproducing because of the exaggerated quality of their small legs, or large heads, or flat noses, or wrinkled skin. We are changing their natural form, and it is wrong.
This inbreeding is driven primarily by the rules and requirements of competitive dog showing and pedigree dog registration, which the kennel club is responsible for.
Evans added: "All those who benefit from pedigree dogs have a collective responsibility to put aside vested interests and work together to ensure the health and welfare of the pedigree dog is protected,
"Public attitude also needs to change so that the most desirable dogs are those which are fit, healthy and well suited to the life they lead. Pedigree dogs need our help, and they need it now.
The Kennel Club has now said it will change the standards to ensure that all dogs are fit for their original function.
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