His Majesty King Charles received a remarkable letter last week.
It was from the organization Qualzucht-Evidenz Netzwerk, a German organization concerned with health and welfare issues of animals that result from extreme breeding.
The letter raised the issue of the serious health problems in many purebred dogs and acknowledged the recent initiatives of several European kennel clubs to improve breeding practices.
It stressed, however, that these initiatives largely relied on voluntary participation by breeders, and in any case the magnitide and scope of the efforts falls far short of what is necessary to make a significant impact on the health issues while inbreeding continues to occur.
The letter highlighted the situation of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, with health issues so severe that breeding has been banned in Norway. The breed will also be affected by legislation in a growing number of countries that prohibit breeding of animals that will suffer from health problems.
It was from the organization Qualzucht-Evidenz Netzwerk, a German organization concerned with health and welfare issues of animals that result from extreme breeding.
The letter raised the issue of the serious health problems in many purebred dogs and acknowledged the recent initiatives of several European kennel clubs to improve breeding practices.
It stressed, however, that these initiatives largely relied on voluntary participation by breeders, and in any case the magnitide and scope of the efforts falls far short of what is necessary to make a significant impact on the health issues while inbreeding continues to occur.
The letter highlighted the situation of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, with health issues so severe that breeding has been banned in Norway. The breed will also be affected by legislation in a growing number of countries that prohibit breeding of animals that will suffer from health problems.
Their message to His Majesty:
"We are, of course, aware that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is named after King Charles II. Yet it is precisely this symbolic connection that has compelled us to address our respectful appeal to Your Majesty. Today, the name “Charles“ - the name of the royal house - is inextricably linked not only with a charming companion dog but also with a scientifically documented and man-made legacy of suffering."
They went on to make a request:
"In this spirit, we reverently hope that Your Majesty might consider granting this cause further, decisive support. We would be most deeply honoured if your patronage could help to usher in a new era of reform by encouraging the Royal Kennel Club to take bolder and more fundamental measures:
• Supporting a fundamental revision of breed standards and breeding guidelines that prioritises functional health, vitality, and quality of life over extreme aesthetic traits.
• Encouraging the formation of an international consortium that brings together experts to counteract extreme breeding practices through concrete, measurable, and science-based breeding standards, thereby restoring the United Kingdom's historic leadership role in animal welfare.
• Initiating a public dialogue on the ethical question of whether a breed so closely associated with the royal name should continue to represent such profound, man-made suffering."
QUEN Fact Sheet for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
https://qualzucht-datenbank.eu/fact-sheet-dog-breed-cavalier-king-charles-spaniel/
https://qualzucht-datenbank.eu/fact-sheet-dog-breed-cavalier-king-charles-spaniel/
You can read the letter here -
https://qualzucht-datenbank.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/QUEN_Brief-EN.pdf
https://qualzucht-datenbank.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/QUEN_Brief-EN.pdf
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