Dog Health Group's First Annual Report
Some of the achievements in 2010, which have been agreed by the Dog Health Group and its three subgroups, are:
GENETICS
Significant investment into groundbreaking work at the Kennel Club’s Canine Genetics Centre at the Animal Health Trust, whose molecular geneticists work with breeders, vets and scientists to identify dog diseases and develop DNA tests to help combat them. There are more than 30 DNA tests so far.
Development of Mate Select, a revolutionary online system that will enable breeders to plan their breeding programmes according to the impact that it will have on genetic diversity. It will also give breeders and potential puppy buyer’s access to available health information for every Kennel Club registered dog.
Broadening of the Breed Register to accept dogs of impure or unverified origin, in order to expand genetic diversity.
Reduction of the lifetime limit of litters registered per bitch to four, effective from 1 January 2012. Under the Breeding and the Sale of Dogs Act 1999 a maximum of 6 litters per bitch is allowed.
BREEDING
Work towards UKAS accreditation of the KC Accredited Breeder Scheme, as recommended in the Bateson Report.
Formalising of important rules, which although already implicit in the scheme, to ensure that the scheme is as robust as possible. These include requirements that no mating should take place if health tests indicate that it is inadvisable to do so and that breeders should microchip puppies prior to sale.
Continually appointing Regional Breeder Advisors throughout the country who ensure that the rules of the scheme are upheld by its members.
SHOWING AND CONFORMATION
Introduction of veterinary assessments for the fourteen high profile breeds, which have been identified as being more prone to suffer from certain health issues, at dog shows from 2012. Dogs will need to pass these veterinary assessments before their champion status or Best of Breed awards are confirmed to ensure that only healthy dogs win top awards.
In addition to the steps above the Kennel Club has produced a detailed guide for veterinary surgeons to enhance their understanding of each breed and the health tests that are required and recommended. This is a central plank of the Kennel Club’s strategy, helping to ensure that puppy buyers get solid advice on the ground, from the experts that they know and trust.
A copy of the
full report is available.
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