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Breed Health Monitoring - Judge Observation Pilot Scheme Announced
The Kennel Club recognises, as one of its key objectives, 'the importance of canine
health and welfare' in the general improvement of dogs. In recent years, concerns
have been expressed by some parties about the effect of interpretations of certain
breed standards that can lead to potentially harmful exaggerations becoming more
common in those breeds. For a number of years the Kennel Club has worked with
breeds to review breed standards and, where appropriate, alter those standards
to improve and highlight health issues.
It is clear that judges, especially those awarding Challenge Certificates, are
crucial to the success of this work. The Kennel Club is therefore initiating a
pilot scheme introducing the random observation of judges awarding Challenge
Certificates in certain breeds. The focus of this observation will be on whether
the judges are taking note of the specific concerns about the potentially
damaging exaggerations found in that breed.
Kennel Club Chairman, Mr Ronnie Irving explained, "The Kennel Club's Breed
Health and Welfare Strategy Group has worked well with breed clubs in addressing
health concerns in certain breeds. The role that judges play in supporting the
progress made is vital to ensure the continued healthy development of dogs.
This pilot scheme will hopefully demonstrate the beneficial impact of the work
done. Health and welfare considerations are of paramount importance to all those
who care about dogs."
The Pilot Scheme involves a system of spot checks conducted on a random basis
over the course of the next twelve months where Challenge Certificates are on
offer for the following breeds:
Bloodhound
Bulldog
Clumber Spaniel
Chow Chow
Pekingese
St Bernard
Shar Pei
The selection of which shows and judges will be observed has been made on a
completely random and impartial basis.
Mr Irving added, "I am sure that everyone involved with the breeds in the
pilot scheme will understand that the judge’s role is crucial in achieving
progress. The reputation of the breeds concerned can only be further enhanced by
focusing on health issues in this way. Judges who recognise this have nothing to
fear from this project."
Article courtesy of the Kennel Club.
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