Now, dog shows catch the 'Size 0' bug!

London, Feb 22 (ANI): Size Zero is no longer restricted to the entertainment industry, for the waif-thin 'vision' has spread to the world of pedigree dog shows.

A row has sparked in the UK amid claims that owners are denying their animals food and water in order to win competitions.

According to experts, some pooches are starved in order to meet strict weight limits at similar shows around the country, reports the Telegraph.

The row centres on Miniature Dachshunds, which breeding guidelines state must be no heavier than 11lbs.

In response to fears that owners were denying food and water to dogs in the hours before they were due on the scales, the Kennel Club has banned weigh-ins for the breed at Crufts.

It recommends that bowls of water be provided to prevent the dogs from dehydrating but critics say this has done nothing to stop the problem.

"This is Size Zero for dogs," said Jemima Harrison, producer of a BBC documentary which in 2008 exposed breeding techniques which led to genetic illnesses that affect pedigree dogs.

"I am inundated with owners and judges who say they are seeing dehydrated or malnourished dogs on the scales, all for the sake of a rosette. It sounds funny to think of dogs having the same issues as fashion models but it is a serious welfare issue.

"For these owners it is all about winning and nothing else," Harrison added. (ANI)