Making a difference for dogs

The primary objective of the Kennel Club is 'to promote in every way, the general improvement of dogs.' It was founded in 1873 and offers dog owners information, experience and advice on dog welfare, dog health, dog training and dog breeding.

Agility Regulation Changes with Effect 1 January 2009

The General Committee has recently reviewed several Agility Regulations and has approved the following amendments:-

Regulation H(1)(B)(1)3.d.

This regulation amendment has been approved to ensure that hoops/tyres are all made in a similar style so that dogs do not suddenly see completely different tyres at different shows. The minimum diameter has been increased and it will be a requirement that the hoop / tyre is made of an impact absorbing material.  

FROM:  Hoop-(Tyre) - Aperture diameter 457mm (1ft 6ins) minimum. Aperture centre from the ground: Large Dogs – 800mm (2ft 7.5ins) Medium Dogs – 550mm (1ft 9.6ins). Small Dogs – 490mm (1ft 7.3ins). The height of the hoop should not be lowered. The tyre/hoop must be directly mounted in a substantial frame structure which must be secured in such a way that dogs cannot knock the obstacle over from either direction; the frame shall not have a beam across the top.

TO: Hoop-(Tyre) - Aperture diameter 533mm (1ft 9ins) minimum. Aperture centre from the ground: Large Dogs – 800mm (2ft 7.5ins). Medium Dogs – 550mm (1ft 9.6ins). Small Dogs – 490mm (1ft 7.3ins). The hoop to be of a consistent shape, constructed of an impact-absorbing material. The height of the hoop should not be lowered. The tyre/hoop must be directly mounted in a substantial frame structure which must be secured in such a way that dogs cannot knock the obstacle over from either direction; the frame shall not have a beam across the top. (Amendment underlined)

Regulation H(1)(B).3.h – Wishing Well.

KC to Complain about BBC Programme

The Kennel Club is lodging a complaint to Ofcom in respect of the recently broadcast programme Pedigree Dogs Exposed (BBC1) in view of its unfair treatment and editing and failure to fairly and properly reflect the Kennel Club’s deep commitment to the health and welfare of dogs and responsible dog ownership despite being made aware in detail of those efforts in advance of broadcast.

Further, in the light of this programme, the Kennel Club is reviewing its contract with the BBC.

Kennel Club Response to the RSPCA's Position Regarding Crufts

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club spokesperson, said 'Dog shows such as Crufts give the Kennel Club and other organisations a great opportunity to educate the dog loving public about the overriding importance of health and welfare. The RSPCA has attended Crufts for a great many years and will be fully aware of all the work that is being done to improve the health of dogs in and out of the show ring.

'The Kennel Club invests a great deal of time, money and care into the area of pedigree health. This includes grants, via its Charitable Trust, into developing health screening for dogs. A recent donation of £48,000 was recently given to the RSPCA to improve the general welfare of dogs. Furthermore, the Kennel Club has just released its ‘Future Plans’ to keep the public updated about its continued progress in this area.

'The fact that the RSPCA continues to make such unhelpful statements with regard to the health of pedigree dogs is extremely regrettable but we will continue to endeavour to work with them despite their stated position – for the benefit of dogs. The Kennel Club is dedicated to improving the health and welfare of dogs through responsible breeding and will continue to use Crufts as a platform to educate breeders and the public about the importance of joining us on this quest.'

The RSPCA has made several comments that the Kennel Club would take issue with. Specifically:

  Comment - RSPCA – There are unacceptably high levels of disability, deformity and disease that threaten pedigree dogs.

The Kennel Club ran a health survey looking at pedigree health, the largest of its kind in the world.It has been found that 90 percent of pedigree dogs will not suffer from health problems that will have a detrimental effect on their quality of life, based on an analysis of the Breed Health Survey, carried out by in 2004 by the Kennel Club and the Animal Health Trust. This is to date the largest dog health survey of its kind in the world. Of course, there are some dogs which suffer from some diseases but the Kennel Club is working hard to help eliminate these conditions and to ensure that ALL dogs have the opportunity to lead healthy lives. For more information about the work that the Kennel Club has done in the area of pedigree health visit www.doggenetichealth.org

Comment - Dogs shows using current breed standards encourage the intentional breeding of deformed and disabled dogs and the inbreeding of closely related animals.

Dog shows are fundamentally designed to reward those dogs that meet a particular breed standard, which is the blueprint for a healthy dog. The Kennel Club is continually working to ensure that this objective is achieved by regularly reviewing breed standards and ensuring that judges are educated so that dogs displaying visible health problems will not win at dog shows.

Kennel Club Answers Back

Join Caroline Kisko and Dr Jeff Sampson from the Kennel Club as they answer your questions and dispel concerns over pedigree dog breeding. Chat date: 27 August
Chat time: 12.00pm

Following the recent BBC programme Pedigree Dogs Exposed, the Kennel Club would like to clear up negative impressions of pedigree dog breeding and suggestions that the dog community is doing little or nothing to improve the health of pedigree dogs.

The Kennel Club assisted the production company with the programme and hoped that what would be portrayed would be a balanced view of the work the Kennel Club is doing and what needs to be done within the dog world to ensure that pedigree dogs lead long and healthy lives. Unfortunately the Kennel Club and the dog community have been left feeling that the programme was very one sided and so would like to address some of the issues the programme raised and answer some of the questions that viewers are concerned about by taking part in an online webchat. 

If you are a dog lover and have any concerns or questions following the programme, then join our webchat to find out how Kennel Club health initiatives such as the introduction of the Accredited Breeder Scheme and research funding can help promote healthy breeding of pedigree breeds.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary and Dr. Jeff Sampson, the Kennel Club’s genetic advisor join us live online at http://www.webchats.tv/chats/Petcare/wwwthekennelcluborguk/ on 27 August at 12.00 noon to answer your questions and dispel concerns over pedigree dog breeding.

For more information visit www.thekennelclub.org.uk

The Kennel Club Hits Back at BBC Dog Documentary

The Kennel Club feels that the programme, Pedigree Dogs Exposed (BBC1 19 August) missed a real opportunity to progress the cause of dog health. It appeared to have a very specific agenda repeating prejudices, providing no context for the debate, and failing to put forward constructive proposals.  It left viewers with the mistaken impression that all pedigree dogs are riddled with a wide range of health problems and that the dog community is doing little or nothing to improve the situation. This is patently not true.

Whilst the Kennel Club was shocked and saddened by the dramatic imagery used in the programme, and accepts some of the important issues raised, what it does not accept is that these problems apply widely across the 200 plus breeds in the UK. Pedigree Dogs Exposed also failed to show the real progress being made by both the Kennel Club and responsible breeders in improving dog health or to recognise that 90 percent of dogs will not suffer from health problems that have a detrimental impact on the quality of life.

More than that, the programme drew upon a new study on dog genetics by Imperial College to underline its criticisms of dog breeding, without acknowledging the fact this study was entirely enabled by the Kennel Club as part of its commitment to health research. This research will now provide the Kennel Club with a valuable scientific platform to enlist the support of breeders in tackling key health problems where they occur.

Commenting, Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club spokesperson, said: 'In reality the gap between some of the views expressed on the programme and those held by both the Kennel Club and most responsible breeders is very small. Over the last 20 years we have been working to develop tests and health screening schemes to identify and eradicate problems, many of which are historic. One example of this is the elimination of canine leucocyte adhesion deficiency (CLAD) in Irish Setters, that caused early death in puppies which was eradicated through the concerted efforts of both the Kennel Club and Irish Setter breeders.

'However, it is important to put this into context. The Kennel Club has no legal standing, unlike some similar bodies in other countries. We have to work on these issues through partnership and persuasion – not coercion. The danger of introducing draconian measures is that some breeders could choose to operate outside the Kennel Club’s jurisdiction; with absolutely no controls. That cannot be the best way forward. '

'The programme also made some sweeping, and far from accurate assertions. The Kennel Club refutes that it would put ‘looks’ above the health of pedigree dogs, in fact we actively discourage the exaggeration of features in any breed. The standards have been, and will continue to be amended when necessary to ensure the breeding of healthy, well conformed dogs. Dog show judges are also educated to judge to those standards ensuring that dogs with obvious problems that could affect their quality of life do not win, and that the rewards go to fit, healthy dogs. All of this of course is dependent on the responsibility of breeders and owners – and this is where our efforts must be concentrated.'

'We can state categorically that the majority of pedigree dogs in the UK are healthy. We increasingly have in place checks to monitor health issues going forward. In those few breeds where there are problems, including those highlighted in the programme,  we have been and will continue to work with breeders to improve long term health through the development of tests and screening programmes.'

Kennel Club health initiatives include: funding research to identify problems and develop efficient screening for health, such as eye testing and hip scoring; the introduction of the Accredited Breeder Scheme, to act as a 'kite mark' for responsible breeders; and most recently the launch of a major campaign 'Fit for function – fit for life' which seeks further to promote health improvements across breeds. This, in conjunction with breed clubs, focuses on tackling unnecessary exaggeration in some breeds, whether that is of coat, weight, skin, angulation, eye formation or shortness of muzzle. All dogs should be fit for function, even if that function is to be a pet. All dogs should be able to see, breath and walk freely.

'By their lack of context, programmes such as Pedigree Dogs Exposed, far from helping the situation run the risk of damaging the work already being done. This work will not be carried out by TV production companies – but by the hard work of the Kennel Club and the country’s responsible breeders,' said Caroline Kisko.

In summary, health issues are of primary concern to the Kennel Club but changes cannot be made overnight. We are working proactively with breeders to make these changes – but we are dealing with the legacy of 100 years. What we need is the support of experts such as those featured in the programme, not their condemnation – support which we have indeed received from a number of respected bodies such as The Animal Health Trust, The Blue Cross and the British Veterinary Association.'

PM Invited to KC International Festival

The Prime Minister may have shown dogged determination to boycott the opening ceremony of the Beijing Games but with China off the agenda, the PM could take the opportunity to represent the UK's sporting talent at other landmark events taking place in August like the KC International Agility Festival!

With the government adamant that the country’s obesity problem needs to be tackled and that Britain should be more active, the Kennel Club is leading the way and extending a warm invitation for Gordon Brown to come to Peterborough from 8 -10 August when the town plays host to the largest agility event in the world for our four legged friends.

The Kennel Club International Agility Festival  which has already seen a record number of entries from around the globe is expected to outstrip last year’s record of 2,000 dogs competing. It is now one of the most important events in the canine calendar. The Prime Minister is welcome to come and help celebrate the sport, which is a great way to fight the flab in both humans and dogs, who may be affected as a result of our inactive lifestyles.

The Kennel Club extended the invitation to the Prime Minister on BBC Radio Four’s Broadcasting House programme on Sunday morning.

Caroline Kisko, spokesperson for the Kennel Club, has added: 'Obesity is a worrying issue for both humans and dogs but dog agility is becoming increasingly popular and is a real answer to the problem.'

'It’s much easier for people to be motivated to get fit when they are being egged on by the imploring eyes and wagging tail of their four-legged friends, and of course we would welcome the Prime Minister to come and give the sport his seal of approval at the festival!'

Kennel Club Recognised for Its Contribution to Agility

Canine Sports Science Seminar Deadline Extended

The closing date for the second Canine Sports Science Seminar -Part 2 has been extended to Monday, 11 February 2008. Entitled Canine Sports Science Seminar, this one will be more specifically about sports injuries and their treatments or prevention. It will be held at Gilbert Murray Hall in Leicester, on Sunday, 24 February 2008.

Peter van Dongen said, 'This time around we intend to have presentations, as well as practical demos, about sports injuries and their prevention and treatment, using a holistic approach. It promises to be a great day out, during which you will no doubt learn important information about how to best look after about your canine friend! This time there will be even better facilities and dogs are even allowed on the premises. We have even managed to keep the cost at a very reasonable £60 per person only, including a presentation hand outs, buffet lunch and all refreshments! No excuses then not to come!'

Canine Sports Science Seminar 1 – Survey Results

Last February saw the first Canine Sports Science Seminar, organised by Pete van Dongen and Steve Croxford, and supported and sponsored by the Kennel Club. It was intended to give people a good idea of what is needed to get and keep a fit dog for various canine sports. There were lectures about Kennel Club Health Schemes, Biomechanics, Canine Massage, Nutraceuticals, Nutrition and much more. The day finished with a Q & A session and a promise that a second seminar would follow. About 70 people made an attempt to be there, although we had counted on many more.

The day was a great success in our opinion and we asked the people who attended what they thought. Their choices on various subjects were: excellent, very good, good, average or poor. Here’s what they thought:

• 97% of people thought the venue’s location was either excellent (62%) or very good (35%)
• 92% of people thought the quality of the facilities were either excellent (58%) or very good (33%)
• 90% of people thought the quality of the speakers we invited was either excellent (35%) or very good (55%)
• 88% of people thought the subjects covered were either excellent (38%) or very good (50%)
• 83% of people said they would ‘definitely’ be interested in a follow-up seminar, 17% ‘maybe’.

As you can see, the results indicate that if you weren’t there, you missed a great day.

A second seminar has now been organised entitled ‘Canine Sports Science Seminar’, more specifically about sports injuries and their treatments or prevention, to be held at Gilbert Murray Hall in Leicester, on Sunday, 24 February 2008.

Peter van Dongen said, 'This time around we intend to have presentations, as well as practical demos, about sports injuries and their prevention and treatment, using a holistic approach. It promises to be a great day out, during which you will no doubt learn important information about how to best look after about your canine friend! This time there will be even better facilities and dogs are even allowed on the premises. We have even managed to keep the cost at a very reasonable £60 per person only, including hand outs and lunch! No excuses then not to come!'

See the advert in the Kennel Gazette or on the net, for further details.

Graded Agility Classes One Year Later

 
Another International Agility Event on the Calendar

The Kennel Club has announced that, following a recommendation made by the Agility Liaison Council, it will continue its sponsorship of GB & Northern Ireland agility teams in international competition by sending a team of up to 30 dogs and handlers to the 2008 European Open.

The Open, at which non-pedigree as well as pedigree dogs are able to compete, is scheduled to be held in Germany at the end of July, although the date and venue are subject to final confirmation. Judges will be Elke Kraul, Hans-Jürgen Krüger, Manuel Alff, Ton v.d. Laar and Harald Schjelderup

It is expected that in 2008, unless additional funding can be obtained, it will only be possible to send the team to the European Open due to the high cost that would be involved in sending a team to Finland, which hosts the 2008 FCI World Agility Championships. The Kennel Club emphasises, however, that this decision does not exclude the possibility of sending teams to both the European Open and FCI World Championships in future years. It will be the Kennel Club’s intention for Great Britain to be represented whenever and wherever possible at these prestigious events.

The Kennel Club has also confirmed that a joint Great Britain and Northern Ireland team will be selected for the Open from competitors put forward by the four home countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Each country will conduct its own selection process prior to sending representative handlers and dogs to the qualifiers in the spring of 2008 where the GB squad will be finalised. As an investment in the future and to encourage younger handlers, two additional places for each country will be reserved for Junior handlers.

The selection process in each home country will be co-ordinated by its Agility Council Representative:-

• England: John Gilbert  (overall GB Team Manager) - tel. 01582 882366 or faldoagility@aol.com
• Scotland: Peter Elms - tel. 01506 870810 or peterelms@tiscali.co.uk
• Wales: Mike Shaw - tel. 028 9187 8298 or d.duncan@nireland.com
• Northern Ireland: David Duncan - tel. 01974 202347 or somethingferal@aol.com

Details of Qualifying / Selection for the 2008 European Open GB Team
The 2008 GB squad qualifying event will be held in the Midlands in March/April 2008. In future years, this event could be offered to all the home countries to host and organise on a rotation basis. The exact date will be announced once the date of the European Open has been confirmed.

Dogs at Grade 6 or Grade 7 will be eligible for selection by their home country (see below). Handlers must live in the home country they represent. Dogs taking part will need to have been prepared for travel under the Defra Pet Passport scheme. This means that they must have been microchipped, then vaccinated against rabies at least seven months before the date of the European Open, with a rabies blood test one month after the vaccination, i.e. at least six months before the competition.

Maximum Number of Dogs Competing for GB Squad Selection

The target number to take to the European Open will be 30 handlers and dogs - the maximum number allowed under current European Open rules - 50% of which may be Large. In the team event, four dogs may run with the best three counting.  The team for Medium and Small may be a mixed team. The Kennel Club is awaiting confirmation of this and the split of Large, Medium and Small dogs has yet to be decided.

Special provision has been made in the selection process for Junior handlers, the future of British agility. In addition to the numbers above, each home country is allowed to send a maximum of two Junior handlers to the qualifying event, provided the dogs they run are Grade 6 or 7.  This will allow the younger handlers to gain experience at the highest level which will stand them and agility in Great Britain in good stead for the future.

The format of the squad selection event will be published in due course. Between the squad selection day and the European Open, there will be get-togethers and training sessions, which all team members will be expected to attend.  A team captain will be appointed for each height category, and they, in conjunction with the Manager, will decide the make up of each team in the Team event.  One of these captains will be appointed overall Team Captain and will be responsible for any training sessions.

Because of the timescale, it would be very difficult to hold qualifying heats for 2008. With this in mind, the squad selection process for 2008 is proposed as follows:

 If numbers fall short from any of the home countries’ quota for the squad selection each co-ordinator may choose a maximum of 2 wild-card entries overall (not each height category).

Detailed information on the Pets Travel Scheme (PETS) passport scheme can be obtained on the Defra website: http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index.htm or the PETS helpline 0870 241 1710.

Agility Dogs Go to Work at the Kennel Club for Charity

You wouldn’t normally expect to find a Jack Russell at your local council, or a Golden Retriever at your post office, but you wouldn't be surprised to see a dog at the Kennel Club.

On Friday, 14 September more than a thousand dogs took part in The Blue Cross’s annual fundraising event  Take Your Dog To Work Day to raise money for the charity’s work caring for sick and homeless animals. The Kennel Club saw a number of dogs - including three agility dogs from the WTOA Team - take their seat at its London headquarters, as if it were just another day at the office!

Now in its 12th year, Take Your Dog To Work Day is an annual event, sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, which encourages animal lovers around the country to take their dogs into work for the day.

This year, participants took their dogs to work up and down the country, stretching from Scotland to Dorset, right across to Norfolk and Leeds in a range of work places, including offices, schools, shops, care homes and councils.

Caroline Reay, chief veterinary surgeon at The Blue Cross Animal Hospital in Merton commented: 'Having a dog in the office can often be a great ice breaker, which helps to boost the team spirit at work.  It might not be practical for you to always take your dog to work with you, but this event enables you to give your dog a new experience and different mental stimulus for the day. Having your dog with you at work also encourages you to take a break to walk with your pet, which means that you both get to exercise and relax at the same time.'

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary said: 'It is one of the key aims of the Kennel Club to support dog ownership and all the benefits that owning a dog brings. We hope that this experience will prove very positive for both dogs and owners, and that the Kennel Club will take part in more Take Your Dog to Work days in the future.'

The Blue Cross hopes that by taking their dogs to work for the day, dog owners will consider new ways to bond with their pet and take part in the charity’s efforts to raise vital funds for the animals in its care.

Visitors to the website www.takeyourdogtoworkday.co.uk will also find information on health and safety advice on taking dogs into the work place and tips on how to make the day enjoyable for dogs and colleagues alike.  (17/09/07)

In recent months there have been a number of changes in the structure and staffing of the Canine Activities Department (formerly Shows, Trials and Awards). The Department's work practices and the needs of our customers have been assessed and similar functions have now been grouped together allowing us to develop and improve our processes, systems and service to their internal and external customers and to add flexibility for general ease of seasonal workloads.

The Department now consists of five teams:

WTOA Team
Dealing with all aspects of Agility, Obedience, Working Trials, Bloodhound Trials, Heelwork to Music and Flyball with administrative responsibility for the Working Trials Council, Obedience Council, Agility Council and related Working Parties and of the Working Trials, Obedience and Agility Sub Committee.  Debbie Deuchar is Team Leader with Zoe Tharmasingam and John Leslie in support.

Services Team
Dealing with all aspects of administration supporting canine activities - licensing, show diary, processing all awards, maintenance of title and annual returns of all registered clubs and societies, field officer visits and general inquiries.  A new manager has been recruited to lead the team - Phil Kelly will join the staff on 17th September.  Phil will be supported by Yvette Prosser & Paul Allen (Awards), Rhea Harries (Show Diary & Licensing), Pam Hill (Registered Societies admin), Janet Daly (Field Officers & general enquiries) and Lauren Lowe (general enquiries).

Field Trials Team
This team will continue to handle all specialist enquiries relating to Working Gundogs and Field Trials and support for the Field Trials Sub-Committee and Liaison Council.  The Team Leader is Hilary Gould.  The team also comprises Caron Moore and Anne Greeves (who organises all the KC's own Field Trials and other working gundog events).

Breed Shows Team
Dealing with all aspects of Breed Show activity - objections, biting incidents, permission to show, rules and regulations enquiries, breed show judging enquiries, nomination and approval of breed show championship judges, breaches of judging contracts, judging critiques and all administration and support for the Show Executive Sub-Committee, Judges Sub-Committee, Shows Council and Breeds Council.

A new manager has been recruited to lead the team - Angela Mitchell who joined the team on the 3rd September.  The rest of the team comprises Pat Knight (Championship Show judging nominations), Semone Cooper (breed shows) and Clare Hitchcox (general judging enquires).

Education & Training Team
Led by Dorothy McIntyre, this team deals with all aspects of the Kennel Club's own seminars and educational schemes such as the Judges Development Programmes, the work of the Accredited Trainers, KC Seminars and the KC Accredited Instructors Scheme (KCAI).  Dorothy is supported by Yohann Dieul (Seminars and Training Board) and Sue Evans (KCAI).

Additionally, the Canine Activities Development Manager Laura Colborn works to improve the level of service across all Canine Activities' areas of responsibility.

All Canine Activities staff are based on the second Floor of Clarges Street in London (W1).  Caroline Hallett now works under Kennel Club Secretary, Caroline Kisko, but retains responsibility for the Breed Standards and Stud Book Sub-Committee, General Committee Minutes and for dispute resolution within clubs and societies.  She now shares an office with Linda Branwhite, Disciplinary Manager, located in the basement.

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