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Merle bulldogs no longer registered
Step to improve pedigree breed health

The Kennel Club (KC) has announced that it will not be registering any merle bulldogs due to health concerns.

The decision was made at the request of the Bulldog Breed Council because of the increased risk of hearing and sight impairment associated with the bulldog breed.

This association relates to a gene with two mutations; merle, which is dominant to the other gene, non-merle.

Bulldogs with the merle gene have dapple coats, which are not naturally found in the breed. These dogs are also more likely to have hearing and sight defects as a result.

Those that carry two copies of the merle gene are significantly more at risk.

The KC General Committee has therefore decided that it will no longer accept the registration of any merle bulldog puppy, in the view of health concerns.

Imported merle bulldogs will not be able to register either.

These steps are all part of the KC's effort to improve the health of pedigree dogs, as it continues to work in collaboration with breed health coordinators.

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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.