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Breed Watch improved for dogs

Changes to pedigree breed health monitoring service

The Kennel Club's Breed Watch service has been improved to enhance the health and welfare of pedigree dogs, as well as ensuring that breed health information is properly recorded and up to date.

Physical health points of concern, such as exaggerations, for pedigree breeds are being addressed by breeders, dog clubs and the veterinary profession.

Improvements to the acknowledged points of concern are recorded via Breed Watch, which also enables people to monitor and research emerging physical traits before they become detrimental to a breed.

New changes to Breed Watch include the requirement for all championship dog show judges to report their observations of certain breeds categorised on Breed Watch to the Kennel Club, rather than just the High Profile Breeds, as of 2014.

Judges are still asked to report any visible conditions that they consider detrimental to any other breed's health, welfare and happiness. They will now be given a form at the end of each show, allowing them to record their observations for health monitoring purposes.

The Kennel Club's Dog Health Group will be in charge of feedback from judges.

Further information for Breed Watch is gathered from health surveys, dog health experts and consultations with breed clubs. This information is then used to categorise each breed as either a High Profile Breed, a breed under Breed Watch due to points of concern, or a breed with no current points of concern.

Breeds move up or down the categories as health concerns are reported or reported as no longer prevalent, along with veterinary checks and sufficient information being gathered.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club secretary, said: "With the gathering of more information from judges and other sources, the Kennel Club will be in a better position to understand the health of each breed and work with judges, breeders and exhibitors to take preventative action with regard to new and emerging conditions."

Click here for the Breed Watch section of the Kennel Club website.

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Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.