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Kennel Club warns on extinction risk
English Setter at risk due to changing fashions

The Kennel Club has warned that the English Setter is at risk of extinction for the first time after a shift in fashions away from Native Vulnerable Breeds and towards more exotic animals. The English Setter is one of Britain's oldest native breeds, but it is currently in dramatic decline. Only 234 animals were registered with the Kennel Club last year, which was a decline of 33% on 2010's figure and a decline of almost two-thirds compared to ten years ago.

The English Setter now joins another 24 breeds on the Kennel Club's Native Vulnerable Breeds list. A breed qualifies for such status when less than 300 puppies are registered in a year. Last year around 3000 dogs were registered across all 25 designated Native Vulnerable Breeds. As a standard of comparison, 1940 Siberian Huskies were registered in the same period.

By contrast, dog breeds such as the Chihuahua are booming due to the influence of celebrities such as Paris Hilton. More than 6000 long and short coated chihuahuas were registered in 2011, a figure which is up a quarter on 2010.

Commenting, Kennel Club Secretary Caroline Kisko said “Celebrities, popular culture and fashion play a big part in today’s society and unfortunately, dogs are not immune from our fickle tastes. The latest victim is the English Setter, a wonderful and loyal breed, while the number of Siberian Huskies have more than trebled in this county in the last 10 years. This unfortunately is reflected in the growing number of exotic breeds seen coming in to our breed rescue societies, as people realise that they can’t give them the exercise, grooming or other care that they need.

Happily, exposure in the media may have had a positive effect for at least one Native Vulnerable Breed. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi, a close relation to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi which is famously a favourite of HM The Queen, saw a boom in registrations last year when registrations shot up 134%. The increase is attributed to the 'Royal Wedding Effect'.

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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.