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French bulldog no longer a high profile breed
french bulldog
After a number of health initiatives, the French bulldog has been removed from the Kennel Club's high profile list.
Health initiatives succeed in removing the breed from the list

French bulldogs are no longer listed as a high profile breed, thanks to numerous initiatives to improve the health and welfare of the breed.

The latest Kennel Club health report states: "The breed has taken a consistently proactive approach to health and welfare and fulfilled all the criteria for removal.” The club called this a "positive step forward for the breed."

High profile or "category three" breeds are those identified by the Kennel Club as having visible conditions that can cause pain and discomfort due to exaggerations.

Prior to 2006, there were around 500 French bulldog puppy registrations per year, according to the breed's health co-ordinator, Penny Rankine-Parsons.

The number of registrations rapidly began to climb, however, and by 2009 they had tripled. Likewise, Mrs Rankine-Parsons says the number being imported from Eastern European countries was rising "at an alarming rate".

As a result, the French Bulldog Club of England (FBCE) recommended a number of changes to the breed standard during the Kennel Club's major review of standards in 2009.

A health scheme was launched allowing French bulldogs over the age of one to have a breed-specific health check by a vet, bringing any problems to the attention of the owner.

In October 2010 the French Bulldog Health Scheme was launched to further generate data on health problems in the breed and inform people about whether they should breed their dogs.

The scheme is split into three categories - bronze, consisting of a basic vet check; silver, a DNA test for hereditary cataracts, a cardiology test and patella grading and; gold, a hip score and spine evaluation.

FBCE holds regular clinics at its three yearly shows, offers twice-yearly discounts on hereditary cataract DNA testing and has developed its website and Facebook page to provide more owners, breeders and judges with health information.

Following the breed's removal from the high profile list, Mrs Rankine-Parsons says a number of initiatives are planned for 2014. These include establishing a health group, a review of the health scheme, and the undertaking of a general health survey to include a cause of death survey.

 

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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.