Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 14th December 2022
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Kennel Club announces Breed Watch programme review
The scheme acts as an 'early warning system' to identify points of concern for individual dog breeds.

The review will consider what veterinary checks are required before and during shows.

The Kennel Club has announced plans to review its Breed Watch programme.

An 'early warning system' to identify points of concern for individual dog breeds, Breed Watch provides further information about specific health concerns to anyone involved in dog welfare. 

Its purpose is to discourage the breeding of dogs with exaggerated conformational issues, such as bracycephalic dogs or those with excessive skin folds. The scheme also provides an opportunity for all involved to monitor and protect the future of pedigree dogs. 

Working with experienced judges, vets and dog show exhibitors, the Kennel Club aims to ensure the system remains effective in monitoring, protecting and improving the health and welfare of dogs. 

The review will consider what veterinary checks are required before and during shows and what Kennel Club guidance and training is required for the vets involved. 

It will also examine what educational materials are needed to support judges and exhibitors more effectively and what training would enable judges to recognise breed-specific health concerns.

Ian Seath, chair of the Breed Standards and Conformation Sub-Group, commented: “We are really pleased to be implementing this important development of Breed Watch, alongside the wider community, to ensure it’s the best possible system for monitoring the health and welfare of dogs. 

“This underlines our commitment to protecting and improving the health of dogs in the show ring specifically. Regular updates on progress will be provided in due course, and I’d recommend all those involved in showing or judging dogs to attend The Kennel Club’s free Breed Watch webinar in February to understand more about how we can all play a part.” 

The webinar takes place via Microsoft Teams on Thursday, 9 February 2023, 6:30pm-7:30pm. To register, click here.

More information about the Breed Watch programme is available at kennelclub.org.uk

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.

 

Click here for more...
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.