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Basset hound reclassified as 'category two' breed
basset hound
The reclassification will be reviewed in 12 months and in the meantime the breed's progress will continue to be monitored by the Kennel Club.
Kennel Club decision follows breed health efforts

The basset hound has been reclassified as a category two breed under the Kennel Club's Breed Watch scheme, which acts as a warning system for health concerns in individual dog breeds. Previously, basset hounds came under category three - a list of the breeds with the most serious identified conformational problems.

Taking effect on 1 January 2017, the reclassification means basset hounds who win 'best of breed' or their third challenge certificate will no longer require a veterinary health check at championship shows. The move follows a recommendation from the Kennel Club's Dog Health Group, which has been following the health of the breed.

This breed is the fourth to be removed from category three, leaving 11 breeds on the list.

Breed health co-ordinator Tina Watkins commented: "The Basset Hound Health Group is committed to working on the health of the breed, supporting research and health education. We are encouraged that these efforts have been recognised. The real work begins now and I am sure this will continue with the dedication developed within the breed to progress."

Kennel Club secretary, Caroline Kisko added: "We would like to commend the dedication, passion and commitment of those basset hound owners and exhibitors who have participated in the Basset Hound Health Scheme and other health testing.

"The basset hound clubs and their health group have worked hard to ensure their community have been involved in all health initiatives undertaken by the breed."

The reclassification will be reviewed in 12 months and in the meantime the breed's progress will continue to be monitored by the Kennel Club. The breed health co-ordinator will still be required to to submit a comprehensive annual report on the breed's health and judges must continue to submit mandatory health monitoring forms after each championship appointment.

The Kennel Club will also work with breed representatives on the development of the breed health and conservation plans.

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
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Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 8 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.