The Kennel Club has announced the reclassification of the Basset Hound, from the category three (high profile breeds) to category two of its Breed Watch system, with effect from 1st January 2017.
The reclassification, which follows a recommendation from the Kennel Club Dog Health Group, means that Basset Hound best of breed winners or those winning their third challenge certificate will no longer require a veterinary health check at championship shows.
The health of the breed will continue to be monitored by the Kennel Club, and the Breed Health Co-ordinator for the breed will still be required to submit a comprehensive annual breed health report each year. In addition they will work with the Kennel Club as a key contributor to the Breed Health and Conservation Plan for Basset Hounds. Judges will also continue to submit mandatory health monitoring forms after each championship appointment.
The reclassification will be reviewed in twelve months’ time and progress of the breed will be continually monitored via the Kennel Club’s Breed Watch system.
With the development of the Breed Health and Conservation Plans, the Kennel Club will work collaboratively on health with Basset Hound breed representatives. This will take a holistic view of breed health with consideration given to known hereditary conditions (both simple and complex), conformational concerns and population genetics.
The decision to reclassify the Basset Hound from category three was made by the Kennel Club Board following a recommendation from the Kennel Club Dog Health Group, which has been following the health of the breed and discussing the health initiatives with the Breed Health Co-ordinator, Tina Watkins, who said: “I am sure I can speak on behalf of Basset Hound owners that we are delighted with the news that the breed has been reclassified from category three to category two.
“The Basset Hound Health Group is committed to working on the health of the breed, supporting research and health education. We are encouraged that these efforts have been recognised. The real work begins now and I am sure this will continue with the dedication developed within the breed to progress.”
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “We would like to commend the dedication, passion and commitment of those Basset Hound owners and exhibitors who have participated in the Basset Hound Health Scheme and other health testing.
“The Basset Hound Clubs and their Health Group have worked hard to ensure their community have been involved in all health initiatives undertaken by the breed. The Kennel Club will continue to work closely with breed representatives and offer support and advice with ongoing health and welfare initiatives.”
The Basset Hound is the fourth breed to be reclassified from category three to category two on Breed Watch. There are now 11 breeds which remain on the Kennel Club’s list of category three breeds: Bloodhound, Bulldog, Chow Chow, Dogue de Bordeaux, German Shepherd Dog, Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Pekingese, Pug, St Bernard and Shar Pei. For more information on Breed Watch and the guidance given to category three breeds, please visit this web page.
For more information on Basset Hound health and welfare initiatives, please visit the Basset Hound Health Group website.