Bulldogs to get a makeover

The great British bulldog could soon be losing the wobbly jowls and stout build that make it a symbol of Churchillian spirit.

New rules on breeding standards from the Kennel Club are expected to give the dog a shrunken face, longer legs and a leaner body.

The Kennel Club, which wants to show its commitment to animal welfare, said in a statement: “The breed standards have been revised so they will not in any way be interpreted as encouraging features that might prevent a dog breathing, walking and seeing freely.”

But the move has angered the British Bulldog Breed Council which said: “What you’ll get is a completely different dog, not a British bulldog.”

It is said to be launching legal action and hopes to get the backing of breeders who have until the end of June to lodge objections against the changes.

In all 209 dog species are affected by the new breeding standards which must be used by judges at dog shows including Crufts.