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Crossbreeds compete at Crufts 2013
Entrants will be judged on health and personality

For the first time, the world's largest dog show has announced it will include a competition specifically for crossbreeds. The decision has been met with approval by campaigners and welfare charities, with head of the Dogs Trust Clarissa Baldwin calling the change "a brave move".

The show has previously come under criticism for celebrating breeding practices that are not always healthy. A BBC documentary in 2008 showed some animals to have various health problems as a result of being bred purely for appearance rather than health. As a result of the documentary, the Dogs Trust and RSPCA pulled out of the show, and the BBC ended its coverage after 42 years.

Speaking of the new development however, Ms Baldwin commented: "Since then the Kennel Club has done a lot to improve things. It’s not enough yet — and not enough for us to return, but we welcome crossbreeds going to Crufts…it has to be good showing people that you don't have to be a pedigree to be at Crufts, and crossbreeds have a huge place in our lives.”

While crossbreeds have been allowed in the competition before, this is the first time there has been an event specifically for them. The animals will be judged on their health and personalities, rather than their appearance. The Kennel Club said that while it has "celebrated cross breeds for years now" this year's show was "the right time" to bring them centre stage.

A spokesman said: "The judges look to different things — they will speak to the owners, hear their stories, hear where they come from and have a good play. There’s no standard for them to match to."

Crufts 2013 begins in Birmingham on 7 March, and will be shown on Channel 4 and More 4.

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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.