Role Of Judges Crucial To Canine Health

The interpretation of some dog breed standards can lead to potentially harmful breed traits becoming more common in those breeds. In response to concerns about the problem, the Kennel Club, (KC) has announced a new pilot scheme. The scheme will monitor dog show judges to discover whether or not they are taking note of specific concerns about potentially damaging exaggerations found in some breeds.

The Club announced the scheme under the title:

"Breed Health Monitoring - Judge Observation Pilot Scheme Announced."

The announcement says:

"The Kennel Club recognises, as one of its key objectives, 'the importance of canine health and welfare' in the general improvement of dogs."

"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."

KC says that judges, especially those awarding Challenge Certificates, are crucial to the success of this work. It is therefore initiating a pilot scheme introducing the random observation of judges awarding Challenge Certificates in certain breeds.

Kennel Club Chairman, 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 will involve 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
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    The selection of which dog shows and judges will be observed has been made on a completely random and impartial basis says the Club.

    Mr Irving adds:

    "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."

    He ends:

    "Judges who recognise this have nothing to fear from this project."