Review of Breed Standards

In recent months the Kennel Club has, with veterinary assistance, undertaken a detailed review of its Breed Standards to ensure that the descriptions given always promote the breeding and exhibition of dogs where health welfare and temperament are of paramount importance and where the dogs have the best chance of being fit, healthy and happy. Breed Clubs and Breed Councils have been consulted throughout this initiative, and have been given the opportunity to submit feedback on proposed amendments. The Kennel Club wishes to have the revised wording in place prior to Crufts and so the changes have now been agreed by the General Committee and are effective immediately.

We will of course continue to review feedback received from Breed Clubs, Breed Councils and the veterinary profession, over the next few months and as a result of this, further changes may be made. In the meantime however, the amendments agreed by the General Committee at its meeting on 6 January 2009 are listed below and have been brought into effect. These amended standards will be referred to as ‘Interim’ to denote that they could be subject to further review. The use of the term ‘Interim’ in this case bears no reference to a breed’s CC status.

We are sure that Breed Clubs, dog owners, breeders and exhibitors will support the steps taken by the Kennel Club in reviewing Breed Standards and recognise that this is entirely in the interest of the future welfare and health of pedigree dogs.

Introductory Paragraph

All Breed Standards will now include the following introductory paragraph:

A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed. From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Kennel Club website for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure.

Specific Breed Standard Amendments

Any underlined text indicates a change or addition. Square bracketed text indicates a deletion.

Hound Group Breed Standard amendments

Gundog Group Breed Standard amendments

Terrier Group Breed Standard amendments

Utility Group Breed Standard amendments

Working Group Breed Standard amendments

Pastoral Group Breed Standard amendments

Toy Group Breed Standard amendments