CONTROVERSIAL claims that pedigree dogs are suffering pain and disease in the drive for perfection in the show ring have provoked heated debate.

Breeders and vets have spoken out after a BBC documentary claimed that shows such as Crufts, run by the illustrious Kennel Club, are freakish beauty pageants which encourage a host of health problems.

Three-quarters of Britain's seven million dogs are pedigrees and it is estimated that veterinary bills now amount to £10 million a week.

Pedigree Dogs Exposed, shown on BBC1 last night, has caused uproar in the canine community and has split opinion among breeders, vets and animal welfare organisations.

The show claimed the breeding process used to produce pedigree dogs has resulted in a high incidence of inherited genetic disease. They include breathing problems in pugs, bulldogs unable to give birth naturally because of the size of the puppies heads and Alsatians and Labradors with debilitating hip and elbow problems.

The shocking programme could even lead to the BBC refusing to cover Crufts, the world's most famous dog show, in the future, ending a 40-year plus partnership.

Vet Chris Devlin, a partner at Hillside Veterinary Centre in Corfe Mullen, said he and his colleagues see more health problems in pedigree dogs than in cross-breeds.

"There are certain problems seen more in specific breeds and it is fair to say that cross-breeds are much healthier" he told the Daily Echo.

"There are many companies which will no longer insure pedigree dogs.

"Certain traits which are desirable in the show ring cause problems for the breed - at one point bulldogs could only be born by Caesarean because their heads were too big, but fortunately this has now been addressed."

Eddie Chapman has been breeding dogs for more than 50 years and runs Foxwarren Jack Russells in Stur-minster Marshall. He blames dog show judges for the ill health of many pedigree dogs and said: "These problems have been bred into the dogs because the judges like the look of it.

"There are many show people who would do anything to win but show points can be detrimental to health."

Mr Chapman breeds working Jack Russells and added: "My dogs are bred for their intelligence - I am not trying to get them to look a certain way."

Karen Harvey, of Quebex Rottweilers and Pugs UK in Poole, said she believes irresponsible breeders are to blame for the crisis, along with buyers who are simply following fashion and know nothing about the breed they are buying.

And she said more rules and enforcement are now needed in the UK.

"I try to ensure that my dogs are fit and healthy and live a long life but not everyone is like me" she said.

"Anyone can breed dogs in this country without having to prove they know anything about what they are doing."

RSPCA adviser Mark Evans said: "The show world is about an obsession, about beauty, and there is a ridiculous concept that that is how we should judge dogs.

"It takes no account of temperament or fitness for purpose potentially as a pet animal."