Largely in response to the huge public outcry that followed the broadcasting of Pedigree Dogs Exposed three years ago, the UK Kennel Club has, amongst other measures, instituted veterinary checks for dogs in the 15 "High Profile" awarded Best of Breed before they go forward to the Group awards. These are the breeds that have shown the greatest degree of health issues due to breeding for extreme conformation. The checks were scheduled to start at Crufts this year - and everyone was rather expecting this to be a non-story, with dogs passed automatically. But so far three Breed winners have failed the tests - the Bulldog, Pekingese and Clumber Spaniel. It looks as if one vet at least has the courage to take on the Breed clubs! These are not dogs new to showing - at this level they usually already have multiple show wins and championships. Nor are they the most extreme examples of their breeds - judges have already been briefed on the revised conformation standards, which move away from extreme characteristics. If the pressure is maintained, it is going to force major changes in how dogs are bred for the conformation ring, in the UK at least.