Terms & conditions for the RFG Scheme

Terms and conditions

1. The Kennel Club operates and administers the respiratory function grading scheme supported by the University of Cambridge who have approved the assessment protocol for the scheme.

The aim of the scheme is to detect the presence and severity of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) using a clinical assessment and exercise tolerance test

2. The objectives of the scheme are as follows;
  • To identify dogs at risk/subject to BOAS to allow for the best care and treatment for managing such conditions
  • To give the breeder/owner the best available information in terms of the appropriateness of using a dam/sire in a breeding programme
  • To give other breeders the information resource of dogs affected and unaffected by BOAS to allow for the selection of the most suitable stock for breeding purposes
  • To provide data and statistics in terms of BOAS to monitor the frequency and progress in the breed affected for ongoing research for the overall improvement of the relevant breeds

The assessor agrees;

3. To use reasonable endeavors to provide The Kennel Club with the assessment form promptly for Kennel Club health records and publication where appropriate and as specified in the procedure notes relating to the scheme

4. To use reasonable endeavors to notify The Kennel Club of any errors or omissions relating to the grades and/or clinical results as soon as reasonably practicable

5. To provide notice and details of any appeal as soon as practicably possible

6. To notify The Kennel Club as soon as reasonably practicable when a grade or assessment form is being requested to be withheld from The Kennel Club and/or publication

7. To provide a copy of the assessment form which indicates the grade to owner(s) at the time of assessment and provide copies of supporting materials produced by The Kennel Club with the support of the University of Cambridge

8. To make available results of non Kennel Club registered dogs to The Kennel Club

9. Not to make any public announcement or press release in respect of any matter relating to the scheme without prior written approval and consent from The Kennel Club such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed; including all proposed communications by the appointed representative of The Kennel Club and the University of Cambridge

10. To pay an administration fee (per assessment) the amount to be reviewed from time to time to The Kennel Club

11. To securely dispose of owners' personal data, as defined by the GDPR, once the assessor has provided that data to The Kennel Club

The Kennel Club agrees;

12. To record the grades for the participating dogs on The Kennel Club database

13. To publish the grades as agreed as appropriate in one or more of the following: breed records supplement; registration certificates; website (Health Test Results Finder and health pages) and such other methods as may be agreed between the parties from time to time

14. To record where the participating dogs were identified with permanent identification (as verified at the time of examination)

15. To produce annual summary data obtained from the assessment forms (anonymised) and to undertake statistical analysis at various intervals including sharing with third party academic organisations to undertake such analysis

16. To publish and notify the relevant breed clubs and breeders of changes to the scheme

17. To promote the scheme through The Kennel Club media and at Kennel Club licensed events throughout the year including Crufts and Discover Dogs

18. To manage the administration of the scheme including information and queries from dog owners

19. To be responsible for organising the drafting, printing and publishing of all written material produced for the scheme in consultation with the University of Cambridge as appropriate

20. To review and update as necessary all written material published for the scheme

21. To submit to the assessor written material relating to the scheme including but not limited to assessment forms, procedure notes, breeding guidance, information leaflets, articles and press notices

Grade definitions

GradeO

Your dog is clinically unaffected and is currently free of respiratory signs of BOAS. If your dog is under 2 years old, we suggest they have an annual health check with their own vet, as BOAS can develop later in life.

Grade1

Your dog is clinically unaffected but does have mild respiratory signs linked to BOAS. These signs do not affect their exercise performance. If your dog is under 2 years old, we suggest they have an annual health check with their own vet, as BOAS can develop later in life.

Grade2

Your dog is clinically affected (moderate) and has moderate respiratory signs of BOAS that should be monitored and may require veterinary treatment.

Grade3

Your dog is clinically affected (severe) and has severe respiratory signs of BOAS and should be seen by your own vet for a thorough veterinary examination with treatment. We do not recommend that you breed from your dog.

For more details please visit  Health (The Kennel Club)

Your dog's data including registered name, registration number and health results will be used for canine research and statistical purposes and shared for that purpose with the University of Cambridge, for the sole purpose of undertaking research to improve dog health and welfare.