Latest news with #Frenchbulldog
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Golden Retrievers 'Don't Understand' Spiral Steps—Owner Does the Unexpected
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Two golden retrievers were excited to explore the home they were staying in on vacation, only to find themselves trapped upstairs as they were unable to face going down a spiral staircase. Ellie Schraft, 24, lives in Florida with her two golden retrievers, Winston, one, and six-month-old Benny, and recently took a three-week-long family vacation with them to the Jersey Shore. When they arrived at their lodgings for the trip, however, they quickly learned there was going to be an issue: the dogs could not figure out the concept of a spiral staircase. "They have never seen or been on spiral staircases," Schraft told Newsweek. "My bedroom, where they were sleeping with me, was upstairs. And they ran right up but wouldn't come down!" After more than two hours of trying to encourage the dogs to come down, Schraft had to take things into her own hands—and a video of the rescue mission has gone viral since being posted to her TikTok account, @winstonandbenny. Posted on June 27, and boasting more than 300,000 views, it shows a montage of Schraft trying to coax the dogs down, but they stand at the entrance to the stairway, still smiling for the camera, but utterly refusing to move. Winston and Benny stuck on top of the staircase. Winston and Benny stuck on top of the staircase. TikTok @winstonandbenny At one point, the family drape a large blanket over the side of the banister, Schraft explaining to Newsweek: "They were so freaked out, so we had to put the blanket up to hide the height because we thought maybe it was that—but they were still scared." Golden retrievers, just like Benny and Winston, have long been one of the most popular choice for pets in the United States, coming in third place behind the Labrador retriever and French bulldog in the American Kennel Club (AKC)'s list of the most popular dog breeds. Known for their friendly and devoted nature, goldens get along with family, young children, and other dogs, and are relatively easy to train, according to the AKC. Back in Jersey Shore, with the blanket idea failing, they took another major step: strapping Winston into a life jacket, so they could use the handles to help lift him down. And, once Winston was near the bottom of the stairs, he trotted down happily by himself—and Schraft said Benny then followed from the top of the landing as though it had been no big deal. Winston being lifted down the stairs with his lifejacket. Winston being lifted down the stairs with his lifejacket. TikTok @winstonandbenny TikTok users were in stitches at the dogs' mountaineering adventure, one commenter pointing out the "life jacket just in case," and another defending them: "I'm also afraid of spiral staircases and I don't go down headfirst, so I totally get it." "To be fair, it is a bit of a curveball," another wrote. And one praised Schraft and her family: "The life jacket was actually smart!" There is a difference in personality between her two dogs, Schraft told Newsweek. "Winston had to wear the life jacket for the whole week because he was so scared. And once Benny was going up and down, he just kept doing it for fun." As she put it: "Winston is scared of everything. Winston will literally freak out and hide if he sees a big bug. Benny is way more fearless—but they are definitely not usually super sharp!" Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Straits Times
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
American Kennel Club harms French bulldogs' health, PETA says in suit
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Like other breeds, the French bulldog has its own club that establishes the standard, or physical ideal, for the animal. An animal rights group accused the American Kennel Club on July 8 of harming the health of French bulldogs and several other popular dog breeds by promoting physical characteristics that cause deformities. The animal rights group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, made the accusation in a lawsuit that seeks to eliminate the kennel club's standards for the breeds, which PETA says conflict with the organisation's stated mission of advancing 'canine health and well-being'. 'The AKC's official breed standards for the bulldog, French bulldog, pug, dachshund and Chinese shar-pei provide blueprints for the breeding of deformed, unhealthy dogs,' the group says in the suit, which was filed in State Supreme Court in Manhattan. A spokesperson for the American Kennel Club said in a statement that the organisation was reviewing the lawsuit but 'categorically' rejected 'PETA's mis-characterisations of specific breed standards and their assertion that these standards create unhealthy dogs'. 'The health and welfare of dogs are paramount and at the core of our mission,' the spokesperson, Brandi H. Munden, said in the statement. A substantial portion of PETA's suit focuses on the French bulldog, the most popular dog breed in the United States in 2024 for a third consecutive year after ending the Labrador retriever's 31-year reign in the No. 1 spot, according to the kennel club. The Frenchie's squat body, wrinkly face and batlike ears have helped make it a must-have, Instagram-ready pet for pop stars, pro athletes, online influencers and others who are able to pay the US$4,000 (S$5,120) to US$6,000 or more needed to buy one as a puppy. A French Bulldog wears a costume at the Pet Expo Thailand in Bangkok, Thailand, on May 3. PHOTO: REUTERS The dogs' popularity has made them targets for thieves across the country, in places including Miami, New York, Chicago, Houston and California, with many stolen at gunpoint. In one notorious robbery, singer Lady Gaga's two Frenchies were snatched from her dog walker, who was struck, choked and shot in an attack on a Los Angeles sidewalk in 2021. Like other breeds, the French bulldog has its own club that establishes the standard, or physical ideal, for the animal. The American Kennel Club, which describes itself on its website as 'the world's largest and oldest not-for-profit all-breed registry', reviews, approves and promotes the standards. The French Bulldog Club of America's board president did not immediately respond to an email inquiry seeking comment about PETA's accusations. In its suit, PETA, a self-described animal liberation organisation, says the French bulldog standard endorsed by the kennel club requires several deformities, including a large, square head and 'heavy wrinkles forming a soft roll over the extremely short nose'. Such features, the group argues, result in nostrils that are too narrow to allow for normal breathing and several other abnormalities that can obstruct a dog's airflow. A dog dressed in a costume participates in a parade of French Bulldogs in Moscow, Russia, on April 27. PHOTO: REUTERS Veterinarians have warned that the big heads, bulging eyes and recessed noses that make Frenchies appealing also create what Dan O'Neill, a dog expert at the University of London's Royal Veterinary College, calls 'ultra-predispositions' to medical problems. The dogs' heads are so large at birth that mothers have trouble delivering naturally; many French bulldog puppies are delivered by cesarean section. Their short, muscular bodies also make conceiving naturally difficult. Breeders often rely on artificial insemination. Of greatest concern to researchers such as O'Neill is the Frenchie's flat face and its effect on breathing. The dogs often sound like they are snoring even when fully awake, can tire easily and are susceptible to the heat. They also can develop rashes in their folds of skin. Because of their bulging eyes, some French bulldogs are incapable of fully blinking. O'Neill is among a group of veterinary surgeons and dog experts in Britain who have urged prospective buyers to 'stop and think before buying a flat-faced dog', a category that includes English bulldogs, pugs, Shih Tzus, Pekingese and boxers in addition to Frenchies. In its suit, PETA cites the potential risk of breathing problems and overheating that pugs face as a result of their flat faces, as well as the potential for injury because of their 'marbly eyes'. Dachshunds, the suit says, can suffer from 'the animal equivalent of a poorly designed bridge' because of their short legs and long backs. Shar-peis, according to the suit, can be prone to fever and inflammation known as shar-pei auto-inflammatory disease. NYTIMES
The Independent
08-07-2025
- General
- The Independent
PETA sues American Kennel Club over standards for French bulldogs, other breeds
The animal rights group PETA sued Tuesday to try to force the American Kennel Club to abandon the standards it backs for hyper-popular French bulldogs and some other breeds, contending that the influential club is promoting unhealthy physical features. The lawsuit turns up the heat around one of the biggest flashpoints in dogdom: the attributes that have been honed to define some breeds, including the Frenchie, which the AKC ranks as the United States ' most popular breed. 'The AKC's official breed standards for the bulldog, French bulldog, pug, dachshund and Chinese shar-pei provide blueprints for the breeding of deformed, unhealthy dogs,' PETA says in the suit. The AKC said it's committed to protecting 'the health, heritage and well-being of purebred dogs' and that responsibly bred dogs that conform to the standards are healthy. 'We categorically reject PETA's mischaracterizations of specific breed standards and their assertion that these standards create unhealthy dogs,' the club said in a statement, adding that dog health and welfare is 'paramount and at the core of our mission.' Founded in 1884, the New York-based AKC is a nonprofit that acts like a league for many canine competitions and runs the United States' oldest dog registry, where owners may choose to document their dogs' existence and accomplishments. Mixed-breed dogs and rescues can be registered as 'canine partners' and compete in some sports, but the club's history is closely tied to fanciers who cultivate and show purebreds. Each breed has its own club that sets the 'standard,' or ideal characteristics, for the dogs. The AKC reviews, approves and promulgates them. PETA, also called People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, describes itself as an animal liberation organization. Its advocacy includes boycotts and litigation. Its supporters are known for staging sometimes disruptive protests in settings including a papal audience, a Starbucks and sporting events such as the Westminster Kennel Club dog show. The Norfolk, Virginia-based nonprofit opposes dog breeding in general and has clashed for years with the AKC. Peppered with photos and diagrams, PETA's new lawsuit runs through health problems that can beset short-legged, long-backed dachshunds ('the animal equivalent of a poorly designed bridge,' in PETA's view) and shar-peis, which can have spates of fever and inflammation known as 'shar-pei autoinflammatory disease.' The complaint points to pugs' risk of injuries to their marbly eyes and susceptibility to breathing problems and overheating because of their flat faces. The suit zeros in on those and other parts of bulldogs and Frenchies, including the big heads that often prompt caesarian births. The various problems that PETA cites don't afflict all dogs of these breeds, and some do agility, dock diving and other sports. But the conditions can be serious for those that have them. In the U.K. — where research involving about 24,600 dogs suggested that Frenchies have 'very different, and largely much poorer' health than do other canines — the British Veterinary Association campaigns against advertisements that feature flat-faced breeds. The Netherlands has prohibited breeding very short-snouted dogs. Norway's Supreme Court, however, declined to block the breeding of English bulldogs — but upheld a lower court's prohibition on breeding cavalier King Charles spaniels, citing a different set of health concerns. The AKC says the breed standards it approves reflect 'decades of collaboration with veterinary experts and breeders.' Some breed clubs donate to and participate in dog health research, and the AKC says it has given over $40 million since 1995 to its canine health research charity.
Winnipeg Free Press
08-07-2025
- General
- Winnipeg Free Press
PETA sues American Kennel Club over standards for French bulldogs, other breeds
NEW YORK (AP) — The animal rights group PETA sued Tuesday to try to force the American Kennel Club to abandon the standards it backs for hyper-popular French bulldogs and some other breeds, contending that the influential club is promoting unhealthy physical features. The lawsuit turns up the heat around one of the biggest flashpoints in dogdom: the attributes that have been honed to define some breeds, including the Frenchie, which the AKC ranks as the United States' most popular breed. 'The AKC's official breed standards for the bulldog, French bulldog, pug, dachshund and Chinese shar-pei provide blueprints for the breeding of deformed, unhealthy dogs,' PETA says in the suit. The AKC said it's committed to protecting 'the health, heritage and well-being of purebred dogs' and that responsibly bred dogs that conform to the standards are healthy. 'We categorically reject PETA's mischaracterizations of specific breed standards and their assertion that these standards create unhealthy dogs,' the club said in a statement, adding that dog health and welfare is 'paramount and at the core of our mission.' Founded in 1884, the New York-based AKC is a nonprofit that acts like a league for many canine competitions and runs the United States' oldest dog registry, where owners may choose to document their dogs' existence and accomplishments. Mixed-breed dogs and rescues can be registered as 'canine partners' and compete in some sports, but the club's history is closely tied to fanciers who cultivate and show purebreds. Each breed has its own club that sets the 'standard,' or ideal characteristics, for the dogs. The AKC reviews, approves and promulgates them. PETA, also called People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, describes itself as an animal liberation organization. Its advocacy includes boycotts and litigation. Its supporters are known for staging sometimes disruptive protests in settings including a papal audience, a Starbucks and sporting events such as the Westminster Kennel Club dog show. The Norfolk, Virginia-based nonprofit opposes dog breeding in general and has clashed for years with the AKC. Peppered with photos and diagrams, PETA's new lawsuit runs through health problems that can beset short-legged, long-backed dachshunds ('the animal equivalent of a poorly designed bridge,' in PETA's view) and shar-peis, which can have spates of fever and inflammation known as 'shar-pei autoinflammatory disease.' The complaint points to pugs' risk of injuries to their marbly eyes and susceptibility to breathing problems and overheating because of their flat faces. The suit zeros in on those and other parts of bulldogs and Frenchies, including the big heads that often prompt caesarian births. The various problems that PETA cites don't afflict all dogs of these breeds, and some do agility, dock diving and other sports. But the conditions can be serious for those that have them. In the U.K. — where research involving about 24,600 dogs suggested that Frenchies have 'very different, and largely much poorer' health than do other canines — the British Veterinary Association campaigns against advertisements that feature flat-faced breeds. The Netherlands has prohibited breeding very short-snouted dogs. Norway's Supreme Court, however, declined to block the breeding of English bulldogs — but upheld a lower court's prohibition on breeding cavalier King Charles spaniels, citing a different set of health concerns. The AKC says the breed standards it approves reflect 'decades of collaboration with veterinary experts and breeders.' Some breed clubs donate to and participate in dog health research, and the AKC says it has given over $40 million since 1995 to its canine health research charity.
STV News
20-05-2025
- STV News
Pair banned from owning dogs after pets found in 'filthy and dangerous' home
A man and a woman have been banned from owning dogs after three pets were discovered living in 'filthy and dangerous' conditions. Anthony and Liz Conway, from Alexandria, have been disqualified from owning or keeping dogs for three years after causing three dogs 'significant mental and physical suffering'. The Scottish SPCA received a complaint from one of the couple's neighbours regarding a smell coming from the property. 'The complaint stated that there were possibly four dogs within the property, that one of the dogs had died and that the remaining dogs were never taken out of the property for exercise,' the SSPCA inspector said. Officers from the charity attended the property and were met by Anthony Conway, who said he was looking after the dogs at the property on behalf of their owner Liz-Anne Conway. Inside the property were three dogs living in 'filthy, hazardous and dangerous living conditions'. SSPCA Anthony and Liz Conway, from Alexandria, have been disqualified from owning or keeping dogs for three years. The dogs included a six-year-old female black French bulldog type dog called Raven as well as two one-year-old fawn cross French Bulldog/Bichon Frise type dogs – a male called Blitz and a female called Gypsy. 'On entering, there was a strong smell of urine and faeces. Opening the door to the kitchen three dogs ran out into the hallway. The kitchen floor was covered in dog urine and faeces,' they said. Officers said there was no clean space available for the dogs to stand or line down. 'A small dog cage contained a soiled blanket, and a plastic dog bed was being used to store a large bag of dog food. An empty water bowl sat on the floor. The kitchen was filled with an overpowering odour,' they added. Following the inspector, officers removed the dogs from property, and transported them to an SSPCA animal rescue centre for further treatment. A SSPCA vet found Raven to be suffering with inflamed and painful ears as well as being slightly underweight, and demonstrating a degree of pain in her back. The vet said Raven had endured 'significant pain and suffering' for at least two months due to her owners' failure to seek veterinary treatment. They added that Raven's condition would have been apparent to any reasonable person in the early stages of the disease. Blitz was found to be slightly underweight and had superficial scrapes on his nose and paw. Gypsy was found to have some scabbing on her head and superficial abrasions on the pads of her left hind paw. Additionally, the vet said confining the dogs to the kitchen, surrounded by accumulated faeces and without access to appropriate food, water, resting areas, or toileting opportunities, would have resulted in 'significant physical and psychological suffering' over a period of at least two weeks. SSPCA said suffering endured by all three dogs was 'unnecessary and avoidable'. Anthony Conway pled guilty to not providing their dog, Raven, with necessary veterinary treatment causing pain and unnecessary suffering over at least a two-month period. Liz Conway pled guilty to failing to provide a suitable living environment. Both were sentenced at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on Monday, May 12, and also received a £250 fine with £20 victim surcharge. A spokesperson for the SSPCA said the charity was 'pleased' with the sentencing saying it recognised the severity of the pet's neglect. 'The suffering endured by all three dogs was both unnecessary and avoidable,' they said. 'Their basic needs -for a consistent diet, clean water, and, in Raven's case, timely veterinary care – were not met.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
