This year, Britain’s biggest dog show, Crufts, recognized the best canines in the country, as well as the chubbiest.
A new analysis that provides more evidence that the U.K.’s obesity epidemic is widening among the country’s canines has shown that about one quarter of the top dogs in this year’s show were overweight, according to The Washington Post.
The issue was more common among certain breeds. 80 percent of pugs, 68 percent of Basset hounds and 63 percent of Labradors were seen to be overweight, according to Reuters.
What could be the main reason for obesity among dogs? The owners, unfortunately.
“Most people see dogs as another member of the family so if the owners are eating too much and not exercising enough, it’s not surprising the dog will be overweight too,” stated Alexander German of University of Liverpool, one of the study’s authors.
Previous studies have reportedly suggested that more than half of Britain’s pet dogs are too heavy, usually just like their owners. German reportedly stated that the number of overweight animals at Crufts is especially alarming because show dogs are assumed to be “perfect” for their breed.
Like humans, there is no “perfect” dog and the expectation that a dog should be a “perfect” weight is unfair. However, like humans, dogs face significant health problems when they are obese, including arthritis and diabetes.
German has reportedly stated that owners need to take more responsibility for their dog’s health.
“There’s no reason for a pet to be overweight. It’s often just a case of reforming the owners first,” stated German.
