The BBC offered to broadcast the show under the condition that several of the worst genetically affected breeds were banned from the show.

The Kennel Club, who run the event, denied the BBC’s conditions, stating that the owners of the breeds mentioned had already won heat and regional competitions and as such it would not be fair to them to pull their breeds from the show.

Despite no longer broadcasting Crufts, the BBC has mentioned that they are ‘keen’ to continue discussions with the Kennel Club. The BBC’s contract to broadcast the event was due to run out in 2010.

“The BBC’s decision not to televise Crufts clearly reflects serious scientific and public concern about pedigree dog welfare,” said RSPCA vet Mark Evans. The RSPCA removed their support for Crufts earlier this year.

“Hundreds of thousands of dogs are vulnerable to pain, suffering and disease because they’re primarily bred for how they look rather than with health, welfare and temperament as the main focus.”

In response, the Kennel Club has expressed their disappointment that the measures being put in place already to ensure healthy breeding, have not been recognised.

“We are obviously disappointed and confused with this outcome as we hoped the broadcast would have supported our focus on health and welfare issues, given advice about caring for and training dogs and showcased the charitable work that we support,” said Kennel Club Chairman, Ronnie Irving.

Despite the loss of many major sponsors, and now television coverage, the Kennel Club has reaffirmed that the 2009 event will still go ahead as planned.