More than 66 dog breeds could be banned in the UK under new parliamentary guidelines — including the late Queen Elizabeth II’s beloved Corgis.

A new tool launched by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare (APGAW) has developed a 10-point checklist of “extreme physical characteristics” that make a dog unhealthy.

The list includes features such as short noses, flat faces, excessive skin folds, drooping eyelids, mottled colouration, and bulging outward-turning eyes, following a health assessment that found these characteristics cause dogs pain and discomfort.

It also stated that dogs with shortened legs, such as Dachshunds, can experience spinal deformities and joint pain, among other health issues.

However, critics have said the new criteria is a “blunt tool” and could lead to 67 dog breeds being banned, including Border Collies, Shih Tzus and Scottish Terriers.

queen elizabeth ii at balmoral castle with one of her corgispinterest

Bettmann//Getty Images

Beverley Cuddy, editor of Dogs Today Magazine and founder of the Union of Good Dog People, which promotes ethical breeding practices, told The Times: “We need proper, nuanced tests that don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater or we’re going to lose Britain’s most beloved breeds in the blink of an eye.

“It’s going to be the most shocking thing to happen to dog lovers in this country. People will rightly be outraged at being told they can’t have the dogs they want. It’s madness. I think the late Queen would have been very upset by this proposal.”

The tool was launched as a voluntary scheme in the House of Lords, but campaigners suggest the intent was to make it mandatory.

“The plan here is that in 10 years, there will not be a single dog bred in the UK by a licensed breeder that has any extreme conformation,” said Dan O’Neill, associate professor of companion animal epidemiology at the Royal Veterinary College, who developed the tool.

a westie playing in a backyard with her tongue out tired from running west highland white terrierpinterest

Celso Mollo Photography//Getty Images

If approved, the tool would become mandatory for breeding licence applicants in the UK.

67 dog breeds that could be banned in the UK AffenpischerAmerican Cocker SpanielAustralian Cattle DogAustralian ShepherdBassetBasset BleuBasset FauveBeagleBeauceronBergamascoBloodhoundBorder CollieBoston TerrierBoxerBraccoBrittanyBrussels GriffonBull MastiffBulldogCairn TerrierCardigan Welsh CorgiCavalier King Charles SpanielCesky TerrierChihuahuaChow ChowClumber SpanielDachshundDandie TerrierDogue de BordeauxFrench BulldogGlen of Imaal TerrierGrand BassetGreat DaneJapanese ChinKing Charles SpanielLancashire HeelerLhasa ApsoMastiffMudiNeapolitan MastiffNewfoundlandNorfolk TerrierNorwich TerrierOld English SheepdogPekingesePembroke Welsh CorgiPetit BassetPolish LowlandPugPyr MastiffPyr ShepRough CollieSchipperkeScottish TerrierSealyham TerrierShar PeiShetland Sheepdog (Sheltie)Shih TzuSkye TerrierSmooth CollieSpanish Water DogSt BernardStaffordshire TerrierSussex SpanielSwedish VallhundTibetan MastiffWest Highland White Terrier12 easy-to-clean waterproof dog bedsEarthbound Classic Waterproof Dog Bed Greypet head Earthbound Classic Waterproof Dog Bed GreyCredit: Pets at home

The Earthbound Classic Waterproof Dog Bed is the ultimate in hard-wearing dog luxury, featuring a premium heavy duty waterproof polyester outer, while the removable (and reversible) inner cushion features waterproof polyester on one side and a soft sherpa on the other, making this the perfectly practical cosy spot for you dog to rest after an adventure outdoors. The Earthbound Classic Waterproof Dog Bed is machine washable at 30 degrees, for easy removal of muddy paw prints and odours.

Amazon waterproof dog bed Amazon waterproof dog bed Credit: Amazon

Designed for comfort, Bedsure beds are filled with premium microfiber in separate chambers and ultra soft reversible design. This pet bedding creates the ultimate place for your pet to rest and relax. The beds have a durable scratch-resistant surface  and designed to resist water like dog sweat or urine. 

Danish Design - Blue Maritime Box Duvetdanish design Danish Design – Blue Maritime Box DuvetCredit: Not In The Dog House

This Danish Design Maritime Blue Box Duvet bed features combinations of linen look stripes and denim look textures in three relaxed colour-ways, all highlighted by a special nautical edition of the Danish Design embroidered paw. 

Ellie-Bo Waterproof Dog Beds in Green - Tailor made to fit cages and crates (34" - Fits 36" Large Dog Cage)Ellie-Bo Waterproof Dog Beds in Green – Tailor made to fit cages and crates (34″ – Fits 36″ Large Dog Cage)Credit: Amazon

This Ellie-Bo Waterproof Dog Bed features a removable and machine washable waterproof outer cover made from Oxford weave. It also has a waterproof and breathable inner cover. 

Dog Bed Mattress Cushion Waterproof Double Sided Puppy Pet Pillow Mat Washable (Medium, Red)Guaranteed4Less Dog Bed Mattress Cushion Waterproof Double Sided Puppy Pet Pillow Mat Washable (Medium, Red)Credit: Amazon

This popular paw print pet mattress has a double sided waterproof pet cushion with carry handle and paw print motif. Both sides are waterproof but only one side has the printed motif. It has a zip fastening with removable cushion. 

AllPetSolutions Dexter Beds Soft Waterproof Washable Hardwearing Basket Dog Bed (M, Grey)AllPetSolutions Dexter Beds Soft Waterproof Washable Hardwearing Basket Dog Bed (M, Grey)Credit: Amazon

The waterproof hard wearing Oxford fabric is easy to clean, highly durable and is suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes. The bed cover zips off, making it easy to remove for cleaning. The cover is 100% machine washable. Non-slip backing, ideal for use on polished floors and tiles. 

Orvis ComfortFill-Eco™ Bolster Dog BedOrvis ComfortFill-Eco™ Bolster Dog BedCredit: Orvis

This Orvis bed has a soft quilted sleep surface, and a streamlined bolster make it comfortable for your dog. The ComfortFill-Eco cushion is made entirely from recycled plastic bottles and doesn’t flatten or clump.

The three-sided bolster provides security and support for dogs who prefer a place to lean or rest their head, whilst the one open side makes this bed easy for dogs of all ages to get on and off. The upholstery-grade cover is as durable as it is incredibly soft. 100% polyester. Washable. Personalise with embroidery, up to 15 letters. 

YELLOW Dog bed with removable cover / bright dog nest MUSTARD / XS - Xxl size mat for dog, Gift for dog ownersHarleyandCho YELLOW Dog bed with removable cover / bright dog nest MUSTARD / XS – Xxl size mat for dog, Gift for dog ownersCredit: Etsy

This best-selling yellow dog bed comes with a machine washable removable cover. It’s made of high-quality furniture fabrics, which allows your pet to feel very comfortable inside. Elastic pillows provide pets safety and comfort. 

Waterproof Large Pet MattressWaterproof Large Pet MattressCredit: Argos

This waterproof pet mattress helps your dog relax and sleep comfortably by keeping them supported, warm and dry. The laminated fabric of the bed helps to repel water and although the bed is strong and durable, it is still comfortable for them to sleep or rest on. The removable cover and removable internal pad are both machine washable for when you need to clean it.

Petface Waterproof MattressPetface Waterproof MattressCredit: Argos

This Petface water resistant mattress is designed to help keep your dog’s bed clean. It comes with a removable berber fleece top cover which you can easily take off and reattach with the poppers. The removable cover is machine washable and the wipe clean base makes cleaning super easy. The non slip backing helps to keep the bed still as your dog gets on and off.

P&L Country Dog Tough Heavy Duty Rectangular High Sided Waterproof Dog Beds in 3 Sizes Medium, Large & XL/JumboP&L Country Dog Tough Heavy Duty Rectangular High Sided Waterproof Dog Beds in 3 Sizes Medium, Large & XL/JumboCredit: Country Dog

The ideal dog bed for country dogs who get wet and dirty on a regular basis. The tough, heavy duty, hard-wearing, 100% polyester, waterproof material is easy to keep clean. The thick base cushion is removable and the high walls of this bed are filled with bonded thermal polyester fibre to insulate your pet from the cold floor and keep it out of draughts.

Joules - Bee Print Box Dog BedJoules – Bee Print Box Dog BedCredit: Joules

This dog bed is thickly padded on all sides to provide warmth and extra comfort with reversible cushions. It’s also machine washable and has a non-slip base. 

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Headshot of Lisa JoynerLisa Joyner

Deputy Daily Editor, Country Living and House Beautiful

 Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she’s busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.