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Pyrenean sheepdog (smooth face) recognised by The Kennel Club
The Pyrenean sheepdog (pictured) is a small breed of herding dog from the Pyrenees region of France.

Herding dog joins 222 other pedigree breeds

The Kennel Club has announced that the Pyrenean sheepdog (smooth face) has been granted recognition, with effect from 1 April 2021.

A small breed of herding dog from the Pyrenees region of France, the Pyrenean sheepdog (smooth face) is closely related to the Pyrenean sheepdog (long haired), which was recognised by The Kennel Club in 1988.

The smooth face has a softer, shorter coat than the long-haired variety. The hair on the face and muzzle even gives a shaved appearance as it is so short. The body is also shorter and the overall appearance is of a more square-shaped dog.

The Pyrenean sheepdog (smooth face) breed will be classified in the Pastoral Group on the Imported Breed Register, which consists of herding dogs associated with working cattle, sheep, reindeer and other cloven footed animals.

The Kennel Club now recognises 222 breeds of pedigree dog. In a statement, it said that an interim breed standard is currently being developed for the Pyrenean sheepdog (smooth face), with a publication date still to be announced.

Once a breed standard is published, the breed will be able to be entered at Kennel Club licensed breed shows.

Image (c) The Kennel Club.

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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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."