Get set for Discover Dogs 2013
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
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
