A UK exhibitors' guide to competing overseas

Irish Kennel Club Green Star status

The Pet Travel Scheme allows dogs and cats from certain countries to enter, or re-enter, the United Kingdom without quarantine as long as they comply with the requirements of the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). This scheme has made it easier for UK exhibitors to compete overseas and a number of enthusiasts have already done so. The Kennel Club has compiled this information sheet as a guide for exhibitors wishing to find out more about competing overseas.

What you need to do and when?

You will need to have your dog microchipped with an ISO approved chip. This must be done before any of the other PETS scheme requirements. For more information about microchipping and indentification visit the Petlog web pages on this site.

After your dog is microchipped it will need to be vaccinated against rabies.

Approximately 30 days after the vaccination, you will need to arrange for your dog to have a blood test to check that the vaccine has taken effect.

Six months after a successful blood test you can apply to your vet for a pet passport. Full details can be obtained from the PETS Helpline 0870 2411710 (Monday to Friday 8.30 am – 5pm UK time) or the DEFRA website: www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index.htm

How to enter shows

The Federation Cynologique International (FCI) is a world-wide organisation set up with the aim to promote purebred dogs. Contrary to widespread belief, the FCI is not a registry and nor does it have records of breeders addresses. One of its functions, however, is to set up the calendar of international dog shows. A list of shows is available from the FCI,13 Place Albert I, B-6530, Thuin, Belgium. Website: www.fci.be

If you require details about any of the shows on the list you will need to contact the Kennel Club of the country concerned or alternatively, obtain a copy of ‘Info Expos’ magazine (Jean Wastiaux – 24/2 Rue v Rousseau, B-7181, Feluy, Belgium – e-mail info.expos@wanadoo.fr). This magazine, published 8 times a year, includes judging lists, schedules, regulations, calendars, entry forms and other general information on about 1000 dog shows in more than 40 countries.

When choosing which shows to enter, it is very important to bear in mind the specifics of exhibiting in certain countries. For example, in order for a gundog to become a champion in Belgium the dog will require hunting certificates. Another point to remember is that the docking of dogs’ tails is illegal in some parts of Europe and therefore not all countries allow the exhibition of docked dogs. Similarly, in some countries it is not permissible to show a dog which has been neutered. You will also need to familiarise yourself with the group system and breed names, which may both differ considerably from that in the United Kingdom.

You are advised to make yourself aware of any breed specific legislation which might exist in the country you intend to visit. You should be able to obtain such information from the relevant embassy in the United Kingdom or Kennel Club overseas.

You should also be aware that many countries have particular rules about dogs being carried in cars. These range from the use of cages and dog guards to leaving a dog in a car parked in a public car park. More information about this, together with details about where you can obtain some helpful leaflets, is available from the AA’s website on www.theaa.com

How to obtain a title

Awards are given overseas at both national and international level. A CAC is generally considered to be the national equivalent of the breed CC awarded in Britain. A Certificate d’Aptitude au Championnat International de Beauté or CACIB is an international challenge certificate. There are also awards for other disciplines such as working trials (CACIL), Obedience (CACIOB) and Agility (CACIAG). The relevant overseas kennel club will provide information on how to obtain a national title in all these disciplines .The FCI will provide information on how the obtain the International Beauty Champion (Int Ch) title.

Exhibitors should be aware that claims for an International title for UK based dogs should be made via the Kennel Club and that a British Champion or Show Champion title is required. For breeds which do not have Challenge Certificate status, there are other requirements which will need to be met before the claim can be put to the FCI. Exhibitors should note that under FCI regulations, a number of breeds are required to pass a working test before the Int Ch title can be awarded. Exhibitors should contact the FCI for further information about this.

If you are interested in exhibiting in any countries which are not listed you will need to contact the FCI for details of the relevant kennel club.

Overseas qualification for Crufts

It is now possible to qualify overseas for Crufts. More information about this is available on the Crufts website – click on the Dog Exhibitors’ link and then on the overseas qualification link.

The Kennel Club, 1 – 5 Clarges Street, Piccadilly, London, W1J 8AB
Tel no: 0844 463 3980
Fax No: 020 7518 1058
Email: info@thekennelclub.org.uk

Do you know that the Kennel Club Healthcare Plan will cover your dog under the Pet Travel Scheme?

For further details contact: The Kennel Club Healthcare Plan, 4A Alton House Office Park, Gatehouse Way, Aylesbury, Bucks HP19 8XU.
Tel: 01296 390617
Email: healthcare@thekennelclub.org.uk

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Exhibiting 

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