New Report Unveils Shocking Conditions for Male Breeding Dogs
Embargoed until 14th February
This Valentine’s Day, Naturewatch Foundation is bringing attention to an overlooked issue in the dog breeding industry: the welfare of male ‘stud’ dogs. The charity’s latest report, Forgotten Dogs, highlights serious concerns surrounding male dogs used for breeding and calls for immediate action in England and Wales.
The Silent Victims of the Puppy Industry
While much of the discussion around breeding focuses on female dogs and their puppies, male dogs are often neglected and exploited. With no legal limits on how often they can be bred, stud dogs face continuous use, leading to exhaustion, stress, and deteriorating health. Despite their critical role in breeding, their welfare remains largely unregulated and ignored.
Startling Findings from Online Marketplaces
Between 29 November and 20 December 2024, Naturewatch Foundation conducted a detailed analysis of stud dog advertisements across various UK online pet marketplaces. The findings revealed alarming trends:
- Approximately 5,000 daily listings offered stud dogs for hire.
- Young dogs under 12 months old were regularly promoted for breeding.
- Many listings featured dogs with extreme physical features, such as flat faces, sloped backs, and excessive skin folds, which are linked to serious health issues.
- French Bulldogs and other brachycephalic breeds were among the highest-priced, with some services costing up to £3,000 per session.
- Several listings promoted unlicensed breeding procedures, including artificial insemination, which should only be carried out by qualified veterinary professionals.
Unregulated Practices and Welfare Risks
Stud dogs are frequently subjected to poor living conditions, including lack of proper housing, nutrition, and medical care. Many are kept in isolated breeding kennels with little to no human interaction, leading to behavioural issues and chronic stress.
Despite existing breeding laws in England and Wales, male dogs receive minimal protection. The absence of legal limits on how often a dog can be bred means excessive use goes unchecked, increasing the risk of genetic health problems in offspring.
Stories of Neglect: Eddie and Toby
To further investigate the impact of unethical breeding, Naturewatch Foundation partnered with Hope Rescue, a charity that rehabilitates former stud dogs. Two of their cases highlight the harsh reality of the industry:
- Eddie was abandoned after years of breeding. He arrived at the rescue suffering from untreated skin conditions, which could have been passed to his puppies. He is now in search of a loving home.
- Toby spent nearly seven years as a stud dog. When rescued, he was terrified of human contact. Now rehomed, he still struggles with anxiety and seizures, which could have been inherited by his offspring.
A Call for Change
Naturewatch Foundation is urging the UK and Welsh governments to introduce stricter breeding regulations and ensure male dogs are protected from unethical practices. Additionally, the charity is calling on online pet marketplaces to enforce tighter controls on listings that promote harmful breeding practices.
Natalie Harney, Campaign Manager at Naturewatch Foundation, said: “Stud dogs are often forgotten in discussions about dog welfare, yet they face serious risks. Without urgent action, these animals will continue to suffer in silence. Our report calls on governments, marketplaces, and the public to demand ethical breeding practices.”
Sara Rosser, Head of Operations at Hope Rescue, added: “Many of the dogs we rescue have endured years of hardship. They arrive frightened, anxious, and completely unprepared for a normal home environment. This problem won’t go away without serious changes to breeding regulations.”
How You Can Help
Naturewatch Foundation is calling on dog lovers, policymakers, and ethical breeders to stand up for stud dogs. By demanding stricter regulations and better marketplace policies, the welfare of these animals can be improved.