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

Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.