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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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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.