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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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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
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NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.