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Get set for Discover Dogs 2013
Research before you buy, is the message for this year's event

London's largest dog event is set to take place this weekend (November 9-10) at Earls Court, where visitors will be able to meet more than 200 different breed of dogs, including vulnerable native breeds, and the latest pedigrees in the UK.

Organised by the Kennel Club, the event aims to introduce people to rare breeds they may never otherwise come across, and to educate potential owners about the importance of researching different breeds before buying dog.

Kennel Club secretary, Caroline Kisko, explains: "Once we recognise a breed it means that we know that it has a reliable lineage that will give people a dog with predictable characteristics in terms of temperament and exercise and grooming needs.

"This helps dogs to find loving homes with the right owners. Whilst we now have many wonderful breeds in this country, unfortunately a number of our most historic British breeds are no longer in fashion and face disappearing, because they have been forgotten.

"The aim of our Discover Dogs event is to enable people to meet the huge array of dogs in this country and to make an informed decision about which would be best for them."

Recent statistics from the club raised concerns about the booming popularity of breeds such as the French bulldog, favoured by celebrities, compared with the rapid decline in British breeds such as the Cavalier King Charles spaniel and Pembroke Welsh corgi.

This year's Discover Dogs event will see new pedigrees, the Portuguese pointer and Turkish Kangal dog, which were added to the Kennel Club's list this year, as well as the greater Swiss mountain dog, which was recognised in 2008.

Following research that revealed children have a high influence over the family choice of dog breed, the Kennel Club has also launched a homework pack for this year's event, to help children to learn more about different types of dog.

Caroline Kisko said: “Children have a major influence on their parents’ decision to buy a dog in the first place, and then over which type of dog they buy.

"In the lead up to Christmas we want families to be thinking carefully about whether a dog is right for them, and if so which breed would suit their lifestyle, rather than buying on a whim, and this is what the Discover Dogs event is all about."

Children under the age of 12 go free at this year's Discover Dogs, and will be entertained with fun dog displays, face painting and treasure hunts.

To find out more about the event, visit www.discoverdogs.org.uk

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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.