Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 10th September 2013
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Breed Watch improved for dogs

Changes to pedigree breed health monitoring service

The Kennel Club's Breed Watch service has been improved to enhance the health and welfare of pedigree dogs, as well as ensuring that breed health information is properly recorded and up to date.

Physical health points of concern, such as exaggerations, for pedigree breeds are being addressed by breeders, dog clubs and the veterinary profession.

Improvements to the acknowledged points of concern are recorded via Breed Watch, which also enables people to monitor and research emerging physical traits before they become detrimental to a breed.

New changes to Breed Watch include the requirement for all championship dog show judges to report their observations of certain breeds categorised on Breed Watch to the Kennel Club, rather than just the High Profile Breeds, as of 2014.

Judges are still asked to report any visible conditions that they consider detrimental to any other breed's health, welfare and happiness. They will now be given a form at the end of each show, allowing them to record their observations for health monitoring purposes.

The Kennel Club's Dog Health Group will be in charge of feedback from judges.

Further information for Breed Watch is gathered from health surveys, dog health experts and consultations with breed clubs. This information is then used to categorise each breed as either a High Profile Breed, a breed under Breed Watch due to points of concern, or a breed with no current points of concern.

Breeds move up or down the categories as health concerns are reported or reported as no longer prevalent, along with veterinary checks and sufficient information being gathered.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club secretary, said: "With the gathering of more information from judges and other sources, the Kennel Club will be in a better position to understand the health of each breed and work with judges, breeders and exhibitors to take preventative action with regard to new and emerging conditions."

Click here for the Breed Watch section of the Kennel Club website.

Related News
Suffering continues for pedigree dogs
Breeder workshop for healthier dogs

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.