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Successful year for British breeds
Registrations increase for vulnerable native dogs

The Kennel Club (KC) has announced the progress it has seen during 2012 – the year of the Queen's diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics – as the number of registrations for British breeds increases.

English setters have successfully moved from the KC's "risk of extinction" list, following a 25 per cent increase in the number of registrations, from 234 to 314 during 2012.

Breeds with between 300 and 450 registrations a year, such as the English setter, sit on the KC's "at watch" list.

The Old English sheepdog has also seen a seven per cent rise in registrations over the past year, closely escaping the risk of extinction list that comprises breeds with 300 registrations a year or less. Instead, the Old English sheepdog is comfortably in the at watch bracket, with 429 registrations.

Furthermore, the soft-coated wheaten terrier, which originated in Ireland, has moved out of the at watch list for the first time, with 455 registrations in 2012.

Other native breeds that have increased in popularity over the past year include the English toy terrier (black and tan), the Sussex spaniel, and the Irish water spaniel, each of which remain in the risk of extinction category, however.

Fran Grimsdell, KC assured breeder of English setters, said: “The number of people enquiring about English setters, who would never have previously considered the breed, has increased in the last year.

"The existence of the Kennel Club’s vulnerable breeds list has really helped to highlight their plight, and people are starting to think more deeply about their choice of dog, rather than going for the obvious choice.

"English setters need company and cannot be left alone for long periods but they are marvellous with children and make such wonderful family pets.”

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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
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.