French bulldogs and basset hounds have been reclassified.

French bulldogs and basset hounds will be required to undergo veterinary health checks before receiving awards at dog shows after The Kennel Club updated its Breed Watch system.

The measure will apply to best of breeds at general and group championship shows, including Crufts, from 1 January 2025.

The change has been made as the two breeds have been moved from Category 2 to Category 3 in the Breed Watch classification system. Category 3 is for ‘breeds with Breed Watch points of concern, by reason of visible condition(s) which may have potential to cause health or welfare concern, requiring increased support and proactive measures’.

A third breed, the bloodhound, has been moved from Category 3 to Category 2 and will no longer need to undergo veterinary health checks. However, The Kennel Club Breed Standards and Conformation Group will carry on monitoring judges’ health reports for the breed and the bloodhound breed health co-ordinator will continue to work with The Kennel Club on the breed’s Health and Conservation Plan.
 
Breed Watch is part of every breed standard and is designed help anyone involved in dog shows to identify, monitor and report visible breed-specific conformation features that can lead to health and welfare issues.

In addition to the classification changes, the veterinary health check guidelines which form part of Breed Watch have been strengthened and updated to be non-breed specific. The Kennel Club is also creating a communication channel with show veterinary surgeons to improve accessibility, training and support.

The judges’ health monitoring form has also been updated. The new form is applicable to all breeds and changes have been made to the format, accessibility, and communications. The new form will be mandatory for judges of all breeds at championship shows from October 2024.

Ian Seath, chairman of The Kennel Club’s Breed Standards and Conformation Health Group, said: “The changes should help not only judges, but also breeders, exhibitors and owners to ensure the best health ambassadors for each breed are exhibited and awarded top prizes at dog shows.

“This is part of The Kennel Club’s continued commitment to championing the wellbeing of dogs, and we would like to extend our immense gratitude to our breed health co-ordinators and wider breed communities, who continue to work with us to protect and improve the health of the breeds they love.”

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