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Kennel Club announces Assured Breeder Scheme updates
The updates include a recommendation of DNA testing for Lafora’s disease in beagles.
Existing Assured Breeders have a grace period of six months to comply with new requirements

New updates to the Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme, which aim to further improve dog health and responsible breeding, have been announced.

The updates, which come into effect immediately, include a recommendation of DNA testing for Lafora’s disease in beagles and a requirement of respiratory function grade testing in pugs.

The Kennel Club said in a statement: “The range of breed-specific health testing and screening requirements and recommendations under the ABS is regularly reviewed following consultations with breed clubs and councils and with the agreement and advice from the Kennel Club Dog Health Group, in a collaborative effort to ensure that health and welfare issues are kept at the forefront of what the scheme sets out to achieve: the encouragement of responsible breeding.

“The list of ABS breed specific requirements and recommendations is updated twice a year to ensure that they remain relevant and of maximum health benefit to all dogs bred by Kennel Club Assured Breeders. Further tests can be expected to be announced as they are developed.”

Existing Assured Breeders have a grace period of six months to comply with any new requirements and recommendations to allow them to take account of any existing breeding plans.

Bill Lambert, senior health and welfare manager at the Kennel Club, said: “One of the key benefits of the Assured Breeder Scheme is that it is designed to be flexible and is constantly evolving which allows for the greatest positive impact on dog health. 

“These latest updates will help to maintain maximum progress for dog health improvements and encourage good breeding practices, which will in turn help to protect the future of the UK's much-loved pedigree dogs and ensure that puppy buyers can be easily signposted to breeders who do all they can to produce healthy pups.”

Breed specific updates are as follows:

Beagle
  • add recommendation of DNA testing for Lafora’s disease
Braque D’Auvergne (Imp)
  • add requirement of hip scoring
  • add recommendation of eye testing – annual
  • add recommendation of bitches under 2 years not to produce a litter.
Bullmastiff
  • add requirement of hip scoring (upgraded from recommendation)
  • add recommendation of elbow grading.
French Bulldog
  • add requirement of respiratory function grade testing.
Leonberger
  • add requirement of elbow grading (upgraded from recommendation)
  • add requirement of eye testing for PLA
  • add recommendation of DNA testing for LNP1, LNP2 and LEMP.
Miniature Schnauzer
  • add requirement of DNA testing for MAC.
Papillon
  • add requirement of DNA testing for pap-PRA1.
Pug
  • add requirement of respiratory function grade testing
  • add recommendation of participation in the Pug Breed Council health scheme.
Retriever (Labrador)
  • add requirement of elbow grading (upgraded from recommendation).
Spaniel (Cocker)
  • add requirement of DNA testing for AMS and AON (upgraded from recommendation).
Spaniel (Irish Water)
  • add recommendation of eye testing – annual.

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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.