KC visits 2,200 breeders in a yearWelcome to the first 2015 edition of the Assured Breeder Newsletter. 2014 was undoubtedly the busiest year in the history of the ABS. More than 2,200 KCABs were visited, surpassing our annual target. All these members were assessed in accordance with practices accepted and verified by UKAS and most of these breeders have now been issued with a UKAS certificate, which will normally last for three years.

All UKAS certified members are indicated on the KC website and are provided with exclusive access to the ABS/UKAS logo, which they may use on their own websites, providing additional assurance to puppy buyers. KCABs can download the logo from their MyKC account, or email abs@thekennelclub.org.uk to request one to be sent to them. All KCABs must have received a visit before they can register a litter under the ABS. We intend to visit even more breeders in 2015 and in order to help prioritise visits, we ask anybody planning a litter to inform us as soon as possible on abs@thekennelclub.org.uk or 020 7518 1015, so that we can arrange to come and see you at the earliest opportunity. Not sure what to expect from a KCABS visit? Watch this short video on how the process works.

The Assured Breeder Newsletter

Meet The Team Breeders’ Letters Health News Puppy Buyer Feedback Feature - Nutrition

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Our network of Regional Breeder Assessors (RBAs) expanded considerably in 2014 with additional RBAs being recruited. Currently, we have a team of six full-time assessors supported by 13 volunteer RBAs. A number of formal training days were held during the year for these RBAs, to ensure a consistent standard for our members. The KC passed another audit carried out by UKAS. This involved not only UKAS representatives visiting the KC offices, but also attending visits alongside RBAs.

The ABS had a presence on the KC stand at both the Manchester Championship Show in January and the Midland Counties Ch Show in October. This was designed to answer queries about new fees and visit protocols. The ABS was represented at all KC Question Times in 2014, again providing an opportunity to engage with not only members of the Assured Breeder Team but also with senior KC representatives.

The Dog Breeding Advisory Council issued a breeding standard after extensive consultation with the ABS, endorsing much of the good practices already contained in the standard adopted by KCABs. The KC’s Puppy Awareness Week, which is underpinned by the ABS, provided hundreds of items of coverage in the national, specialist and regional press. The KC also supported Pup Aid during Puppy Awareness Week, which was attended by the ABS Team. The Pup Aid campaign achieved a parliamentary debate on puppy farming and also helped to raise awareness of the ABS.

Useful links

Useful links • Refer a friend to join the ABS and

receive a FREE gift.• Download your puppy buyer advice sheet templates here.• Click here to remind yourself of the

scheme requirements. • Download your ABS logo to add to your

website by logging in to your MyKC account.

Meet The Team

www.assuredbreederscheme.org.uk

What a difference a year makes Shaun Nield MBE, Assessment Manager

To say 2014 was challenging is an understatement. The visit list looked like the Andrex puppy had got hold of it and run off, wagging its tail in delight at the mischief it had caused. But over 2,000 visits later, the calm of Christmas arrived with a sense of achievement that appeared impossible in January, when I walked through the doors at the Kennel Club. That said we did not manage to get to all the requested visits within the timeframe we hoped, which was disappointing for all involved but wherever possible we looked at each individual case to make sure that breeders were not disadvantaged by the delays. The winter flooding did not help and neither did the lack of assessors, which became the main focus of the early part of the year. Interviews and intensive training took place, not only to take on additional assistance but to ensure they were all trained to an acceptable standard, to follow the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) assessment protocols.

The individual demands on the assessors are extremely high and the role is challenging. Each assessor, who are all experienced with dogs and welfare, attend refresher training and have to qualify annually during an individual assessment. While they must assess carefully and objectively against the ABS standard to determine an appropriate outcome, they do so in a professional yet relaxed manner. Not everyone is suited to the role of an RBA. We have to ensure that they are right for the job and we

now have a team of highly skilled assessors, all of whom find the role extremely rewarding. Providing improvement feedback to breeders is probably the most daunting aspect for the assessors but it is done in a balanced and constructive manner. The aim is for everyone to meet the Scheme Standard. Fortunately, the vast majority of Scheme Members are doing a fantastic job achieving very high standards. The dialogue we have with breeders at the visit is often very constructive and the office is available to assist with any improvements identified. Naturally nobody wants any negative feedback, which is why we only assess against the ABS standard.

It is far from tick box and where a difference in opinion occurs with an assessment we have a mechanism to address those concerns fairly and appropriately. Dispelling the myths about the visits has been interesting, so much so that I was forced to go in front of the cameras and make a film about the visit process. Not quite 007 but nevertheless, informative and representative of the visits we do. The vast majority of breeders who we visit have their dogs living in the home. Each visit is different and we take a variety of factors into consideration. We understand that breeding will be approached in different ways and under different circumstances. Any welfare issues will be addressed but the vast majority of observations are with regard to record keeping, which are easily resolved. Of course there is a wealth of information available on

Meet The TeamContinued...

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Thinking of becoming an RBA Volunteer?

Caron Bell

I responded to an advert for a volunteer Regional Breed Assessor for the Kennel Club. Reading the requirements I felt I was perfectly suited for the role. I was a Quality Control Laboratory Manager actively working with ISO 9001, I have lived with dogs all my life as a breeder, exhibitor and pet owner. My passion now is in Keeshonds and recently Finnish Lapphunds. This was an ideal job.

CV and covering letter submitted, I was accepted for an interview and travelled to Newcastle, as a group we had an overview of the scheme, the job and what would be required of us. We were given an assignment to do, with scenarios of kennels and we had to report on what we saw. The interviews were then carried out by Bill Lambert and Shaun Nield. There was a wealth of experience among the group I was in, so I was thrilled to receive the news a few days later that I had been selected.

Training began at Stoneleigh in May, the new recruits met up with the full time RBA’s who would be our mentors and the existing volunteers. We covered the whole system, the reporting and conducting visits. It was overwhelming! After being assigned to a

the KC website about the visits and documentation. This is available to assist breeders and includes the rules and requirements to be a member of the scheme, which can often be more informative than an hour or so on Social Media. Does anyone really believe that we look in sock drawers or have puppy farmers on the scheme?! In fact 98% of the scheme members breed no more than 1 litter a year. There will always be doubters about the scheme but one has to question the real motives, which are not always apparent. However, if anyone has any questions, the assessors and the office staff are available to answer queries and questions honestly and factually, in fact we want to hear from you (abs@thekennelclub.org.uk). The ABS Team will be at Crufts and would welcome a visit from our members or those who may wish to join the scheme. The team will also be at various dog shows and events during the year, as we recognise the importance of engaging with our membership, listening to views and acting on those views where appropriate.

There is a significant amount of work that goes unnoticed where the Team work tirelessly to improve the Scheme and the Service we provide. Is it perfect? Well of course not, but the scheme is evolving and moving in the right direction for the sole purpose of improving the overall standard of breeding, regardless of whether we are vastly experienced or starting out. It is the only scheme of its type in the

mentor we accompanied them on visits to existing members of the scheme. After a couple of visits of us watching, it was now time for us to do the visits. My mentor Tony Foulston travelled to Cumbria and assessed me doing two visits. The visits are only part of the story, after each visit we have to fill in reports, scan all documents that we are given from the breeder and send them all off in a timely manner. My first two visit reports were checked by Tony and went back and forth until I understood and corrected all the errors. It was daunting to say the least, 7 hours later success for the first report and off it went into the office to be reviewed. Next stage

UK that assesses breeders against a common standard, not only to provide a sense of recognised achievement but to provide confidence to the puppy buying public that the breeders on the scheme are demonstrating that they are breeding appropriately and responsibly.

This is why we are planning to hold the first ABS Seminar on Saturday 13 June 2015 at Stoneleigh, where breeders can come and learn about the scheme, listen to some guest speakers and contribute in discussions about how you wish to see the scheme develop. Of course it would not be complete without a panel taking questions about the scheme. Maybe a coffee and a biscuit thrown in for good measure. The Scheme has changed in 2014 and for the better. It is far more professional, transparent and independently assessed by UKAS. Of course there are glitches and you are very good at pointing them out, which is hugely important so that we can improve the quality of the Service we provide. So we are now in a good place for 2015 to take the scheme forward for the betterment of all dogs. Thank you for supporting the Scheme and all the best for 2015.

Meet The Team

The ABS teamFirst Year with the Kennel Club, Lucy Carter

Useful links• We have a host of free information

guides which can be downloaded here.• Register a litter by clicking here.

www.assuredbreederscheme.org.uk

All of us in ‘the dog world’ have heard of the Kennel Club, but not many have been inside the mysterious 1-5 Clarges Street. As you would expect, it is completely dog orientated from the second you walk through the doors.

I have been extremely lucky to have been able to gain and develop a career that is so in line with my main love, dogs. I have always been involved with dogs, from the family home, showing, my degree in Animal Science and training to be a Canine Hydro therapist. I was lucky enough to look on the Kennel Club website to find my perfect job waiting for me, even when this means a 7am start to drive into the depths of the South West or South Wales, negotiating snow and tractors, often arriving home late at night to finish off the day’s reports.

Working for the Kennel Club, as with any job, has its frustrations and hurdles. However, the positives far outweigh them. Being involved in the Assured Breeder Scheme as an Assessor is very rewarding. The recent changes to the ABS have made The Kennel Club become more engaged with the breeders, and thus put a face (and a smile) to the organisation. Many breeders have been extremely pleasant and welcoming to the newest mission of the ABS, which are the home visits. Each visit is completely different from all of the others and this can become challenging when faced with so many different scenarios and environments, but this also means that it becomes exciting and varied.

is to be approved by THE BOSS, we went to the visit together and I conducted the assessment while being assessed by Shaun. This was akin to going for your first driving test, was I really suited to the job? Visit done, feedback received, reports filed and I was approved.

Since passing out I have conducted over 40 visits now across the country, Cumbria, Dumfries and Galloway, Lancashire are my usual areas, but I have also travelled to other areas in the UK to assist. We undergo continual training and are kept abreast about all changes to the scheme. On visits the breeders are usually unsure even nervous about what to expect. I am a ‘normal’ person who loves dogs and have found my perfect role, which I am able to do around my family life. It is a joy to visit breeders who are doing their best for their dogs and are keen to learn and improve. I have visited breeders with one dog

Continued...

living in a family home up to a kennel high volume breeder with 20 dogs. Every visit is different, but everyone has to achieve the same standard. We also get the opportunity to assist at events such as the presence the ABS had at Midland Counties Championship Show. It appeared to be well received by ABS members with queries, and non-members wanting more information. It is a demanding role but extremely rewarding and enjoyable to be involved in something so important to breeding and dogs in general.

The great thing that has come from my role within the Assured Breeder Scheme is that I am talking to and working with people with the same passion and love for dogs, when discussing dog showing, health screening and all other things dogs related. The passion I have felt from the breeders and the ABS team is incredible and I am very lucky to be a part

of a revolutionary scheme, whose main purpose is to increase the health and welfare of dogs and

puppies and allow the general public to feel assurance that they are making the

correct choices when selecting their new family member.

There is nothing to worry about during the visit and very little for the breeders to prepare in advance, as

we provide information before the visit about what will happen and then we

guide the breeders through the process. It is not dissimilar to the way puppy buyers

come to a breeder to choose a new puppy. In fact the assessment is very similar, and what we ask is probably what a new owner would ask and want to observe. In the majority of cases it is all done over a nice cup of coffee in a very relaxed manner.

Meet The TeamMeet an assessor

I joined the Kennel Club in February 2014 as a volunteer; I have always had a passion for dogs this coming from childhood when my parents bred Whippets, to me being involved in working and breeding of Foxhounds. During my time as a volunteer I also had a career in the Army serving in The Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery.

My career expanded over nine years of which I served in many different roles, majority of my time was spent in the Kings Troop RHA as part of the ceremonial saluting battery to Her Majesty The Queen, this consisted of firing a salute for any Royal or State occasion and also escorting and guarding Her Majesty and all other Royals. During my time in the Army I became a fully qualified Equitation instructor, of which I spent the later part of my career teaching New recruits how to ride.

As a keen horse man the Army gave me plenty of opportunities to compete at show jumping, which is a great passion of mine. I have competed all around the world show jumping with the Army and being commended by Her Majesty the Queen when I became the leading rider in show jumping throughout the Armed Forces, as well as leading international Armed Forces Rider. One of my highlights of my career whilst in the Army, was being able to get heavily involved with the only military pack of Foxhounds left in the Army, where I whipped in and helped work the pack of hounds in the hunting field.

I was a volunteer until November 2014 and at this point I left the Armed Services and became a full time assessor for the Kennel Club having gone through the selection and interview process; I am now the Regional Breeder Assessor for the East of England. Moving from a volunteer to a full time member of staff

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was quite a smooth transition as I had gained the experience of the assessment process and knowledge of the vast number of dog breeds, coupled with a career of animal welfare and husbandry. With any role there are always challenges along the way, mainly to do with the amount of report writing we have to do after the visits, not to mention the manager who is constantly reviewing the standard of our work to make sure the assessments are done in a consistent and timely manner.

Useful links• Show your potential puppy buyers why they should

buy from a Kennel Club Assured Breeder by adding this short video to your website.

• Always choose a microchip associated with Petlog. Find your local implanter here.

Did you know?

The Animal Health Trust’s DNA testing facility tests around 12,000 dogs each year.

Assured breeder scheme seminar

News Want to receive more news from the Kennel Club? Sign up to the KC news here.

Joe Sutcliffe

The ABS Team will be holding a day seminar to promote responsible breeding on Saturday 13th June 2015 at The Kennel Club Building Stoneleigh and is open to all breeders but will be focussed towards existing and those considering joining. The seminar will be an opportunity to learn about the scheme and its requirements, including specialist guest speakers but also an opportunity to be fully engaged in developing the scheme through focus groups and an ABS specific question time. This is a great opportunity to become involved in the scheme with like-minded responsible breeders. Further details and how to obtain tickets will be available on the Kennel Club website in March 2015.

The Countdown to Microchipping

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NewsThe Microchipping of Dogs Regulations for England were announced in October 2014, and outlined the responsibilities of breeders once microchipping becomes compulsory in England from 6 April 2016.

The Welsh Government is working towards bringing in compulsory microchipping in the spring of 2016, in line with England. The regulations from the Welsh Government have yet to be announced and the Scottish Government has yet to confirm if they intend to make microchipping compulsory.

Key points to remember for England• Everyone has until 6 April 2016 to microchip their dog and register with an approved microchip database • From 6 April 2016 puppies must be microchipped and registered with an approved microchip database such as Petlog by the time they are 8 weeks old (prior to leaving the breeder)• Full details need to be recorded on an approved database for the dog and the keeper. This includes the name and address of the keeper, and if the keeper is the breeder and has a local authority licence this will also need to be recorded • Anyone who does not have their dog microchipped after 6 April 2016 will have 21 days to have the dog microchipped, and failure to do so may result in a fine of up to £500

FAQsIs the breeder considered to be the first keeper of a dog?As the breeder, you will be the first recorded keeper of the puppy. It will be an offence for you not to be listed on a microchipping database that is compliant with the regulations, such as Petlog.

You must also provide microchipping documents to the puppy buyer so that the transfer of keepership on the microchip database can be completed and to ensure the new owner can update their details in order to comply with the law.

Are there any exemptions to the microchipping regulations? Yes, there are two exemptions.The first exemption is where a veterinarian has certified the dog as a working dog and docked its tail in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act 2006. In such cases the time limit for the dog to be microchipped and details recorded with a database is extended to 12 weeks. The second exemption is where a veterinarian certifies that a dog should not be microchipped because it would adversely affect its health. In such cases a vet would have to certify that this is the case and state when the exemption expires. In such a case a breeder may pass the puppy on with a copy of the veterinary exemption certificate.

Is it legal to microchip my own puppies? As part of the new regulations if you are implanting yourself you must be trained on a government approved course. Currently the only approved course in England is run by Lantra. Any person that has already received training on implanting microchips before 2016 will be exempt from this - however, they will need to be able to provide proof of training.

Visit the Assured Breeder Team at Crufts We’re at the Kennel Club Stand in Hall 3. Come and pick up your free goody bag…

This year at Crufts, the Assured Breeder Scheme has a host of information, knowledge and giveaways for all of our members. You will be able to pick up your free goody bag full of ABS branded items. Plus if you know anyone who is interested in joining the Scheme then fill in our ‘Refer a friend’ form at the show to receive a free ABS holdall.

In addition to various resources for you to take away, including information on our successful Breeder Education Seminars and everything you need to know about Compulsory Microchipping, our expert team will be on hand to answer any questions or concerns you may have, plus we love to meet our members!

Other initiatives you can find out about on the Kennel Club Stand:

• Mate Select • Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs)• Health Screening• DNA Tests• Breeding & Registration Services• BVA/KC Canine Health Schemes• Petlog – Compulsory Microchipping • 5 weeks Free Puppy Insurance Cover

Don’t forget to redeem your 50% discount off Crufts tickets which can be accessed via your MyKC account – www.mykc.org.uk.We look forward to seeing you all there!

New DNA testing scheme for Alaskan MalamutesFollowing consultation with the Alaskan Malamute Health Co-ordinator on behalf of the breed club, the Kennel Club has now approved a new official DNA testing scheme for Alaskan Malamute Polyneuropathy (AMPN).

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Useful links

AMPN is a neurological disease that causes a lack of

stimulation of the peripheral nervous system followed by nerve and muscle

degeneration

Health News

Alaskan Malamute - The Kennel Club Picture Library©

Did you know?

The Kennel Club Charitable Trust granted over £140,000 to support charities in 2014, including £20,000 to Medical Detection Dogs.

The Kennel Club has now approved a new official DNA testing scheme for Alaskan Malamute

Polyneuropathy (AMPN).

What is Alaskan Malamute Polyneuropathy (AMPN)?

AMPN is a neurological disease that causes a lack of stimulation of the peripheral nervous system followed by nerve and muscle degeneration. Clinical signs include exercise intolerance, inability to move limbs, abnormal gait and loss of reflexes. Signs can occur during the first two years of a dog’s life.

Which laboratories send AMPN test results to the Kennel Club?

Copies of all future test certificate results issued by the laboratories Laboklin and Animal DNA Diagnostics will be sent directly to the Kennel Club. Results from other laboratories can be recorded upon owner submission.

Where will the test results be published?

Test results will be added to the dog’s registration details, which will trigger the publication of the result in the next available Breed Records Supplement. The result will appear on any new registration certificate issued for the dog and on the registration certificates of any future progeny of the dog, and also on the Health Test Results Finder on the Kennel Club website.

Q

Q

Q

How do breeders submit their dogs’ results if they were tested before January 2015?

Results for dogs already tested can also be recorded, but owners will need to submit copies of the DNA certificates themselves. Please send any DNA test certificates to Health & Breeder Services, The Kennel Club, 1 – 5 Clarges Street, Piccadilly, London, W1J 8AB or scan and email copies of the certificates to hbs@thekennelclub.org.uk

Q

Kennel club Assured Breeder Scheme changes announced

2014 Pedigree Breed Health Survey

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The Kennel Club has announced the following changes to its list of breed-specific requirements and recommendations including health screening:

Health News

DACHSHUND (MINIATURE WIREHAIRED) Change from a recommendation to a requirement – DNA test for Lafora’s Disease.

EURASIER Add requirement of hip scoring. Add recommendation of elbow grading. Add recommendation of patella testing.

NEWFOUNDLAND Change from a recommendation to a requirement – elbow grading. Add recommendation of ‘Bitches over seven years not to produce a litter’.

PARSON RUSSELL TERRIER Change from a recommendation to a requirement – DNA test for Primary Lens Luxation (PLL). Add requirement of DNA test for Late Onset Ataxia (LOA). Add requirement of DNA test for Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA).

TIBETAN TERRIER Add requirement of DNA test for rcd4-PRA. Add requirement of DNA test for PRA3.

These changes came into effect on 1 January 2015. As with previous changes, existing Assured Breeders have a period of grace of six months in order to comply with any new requirements and recommendations. For the full list of current requirements and recommendations please click here.

Please note – Assured Breeders are also hereby advised that it is now a requirement of the ABS that members must have a veterinary health plan for their dogs, as agreed with their veterinary surgeon. Rule 4.2 of the ABS Standard refers. To access the entire ABS Standard please click here.

The Kennel Club recently ran the Pedigree Breed Health Survey (PBHS) between 8th November 2014 and 31st December 2014, with the aim to collect information on the health status of all Kennel Club registered breeds. The PBHS was successfully sent by email to 546,836 Kennel Club registered pedigree breed dog owners, as well as being publicised on Kennel Club social media pages and available from the Kennel Club website. Over 36,000 responses were received, representing over 47,000 live dogs and over 9,500 dogs that have passed away since 2004.

The survey was divided in to five sections, concentrating on different types of information, including general information of the dog(s), health, breeding, behaviour and causes of death (if relevant). Due to the large amount of information collected, statistical analyses and the

production of breed specific reports is likely to take some time. Analysis will be carried out alphabetically by breed, with the aim to have all reports available by late spring 2016. This information

will be able to be compared against results of the Kennel Club’s 2004 Purebred Dog Health Survey, helping to pinpoint

areas that have seen improvement and areas in which further work is still required. This information will help in prioritising health concerns for both Breed Clubs and the Kennel Club, by highlighting the prevalence of health concerns within the current population of pedigree dogs. Once the reports

have been completed they will be made freely and publically available on the Kennel Club website.

If you have any queries regarding any of the above, please contact mateselect@thekennelclub.org.uk, or if you would like to view the results of the 2004 Purebred Dog Health Survey please click here.

Photo credit: Cheryl Murphy/The Kennel Club©

Ask AimeeBreeders’ letters

Dear Labrador breeder,

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I can understand why this would be very tempting. Inbreeding, or undertaking close matings, has traditionally been a way that many farmers selected their livestock for breeding to try to ‘fix’ traits that they found desirable. This method was, of course, adopted by dog breeders, and it can seem to be a faster way to promote traits in a dog that are likeable or important. However, this is only a short-term gain, and the effects on both your own breeding lines and the whole breed population can be a huge problem.

When you mate two closely-related dogs together, you might get the traits you want, but you will also be getting all the other genes that are common in both dogs – good and ‘bad’. In the short term, you could be lucky and not see any obvious problems, or you could be unlucky and end up duplicating genes that lead to a disease. In the long term, you would be contributing to something called inbreeding depression. And, it really is pretty depressing! Inbreeding depression is a reduced genetic ‘fitness’ in a given population. This means that the ability for a population (or breed) to survive and reproduce can be compromised – so some populations might see the animals developing more and more diseases, or having reduced fertility. Selection in itself isn’t bad – it is important to select away from traits that aren’t healthy, or to select to avoid passing on inherited diseases. But, selection for closely-related dogs could lead to problems.

So, what are your options? Well, the Labrador breed is pretty large, so it might be worth asking around your Club or having a look at Club Shows or events for dogs that seem to have the traits you want, but that aren’t so closely related. You can also use the Kennel Club’s predictive mating COI (coefficient of inbreeding) calculator to see what the hypothetical puppies’ results are of any matings you have in mind. Sometimes the results can be rather surprising – so it is worth a try! This COI calculator is called Mate Select and can be accessed by visiting the KC website at: www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/mateselect/

If you are interested in using a dog that has an individual COI that is a lot higher than the breed annual average (in other words, a highly inbred dog), it is still worth trying the COI mating calculator as two individually inbred dogs won’t always produce a high COI litter of puppies. The best thing to keep in mind is to try to breed for traits, not relatedness, if you want to watch out for inbreeding.

Best of luck!

Aimee Llewellyn is the current Health Information Manager for the Kennel Club. She previously spent over 7 years in research primarily in metabolomics and genomics before coming to the Kennel Club to provide support, and expertise in health and genetics. Her interest in animal breeding first started on her grandparent’s farm, in Oregon, USA, where they raised beef cattle. Her love of dogs started with her first “nanny” – an Old English Sheepdog named Nana, and carried on through her childhood and young adult life with companions of Welsh Pembroke Corgis, and several breed and non-breed rescues. In her current role, she enjoys the diversity of experience she gets of the dog world working with the public, breeder community, and the veterinary, welfare, and research professionals. She approaches breeding advice with what she hopes is a practical, but science-based method, and really encourages considering the whole of the dog and improvement of the breed when making breeding plans. Aimee is also “Aunty” to several of the in-house dogs at the Kennel Club – which has nothing to do with the dog biscuit jar on her desk!

Dear Aimee,

I am hoping to breed from my Labrador bitch and a number of fellow breeders have suggested I mate her with her uncle. In many ways, this seems like a good match both physically and mentally, but I am a little concerned that this mating is rather close, despite senior breeders telling me it is not. Can you advise please?

Labrador breeder, Scotland Questions for Aimee...Do you have a question for Aimee for a future issue of this newsletter? If so, please write to Ask Aimee, The Kennel Club, 1 – 5 Clarges Street, Piccadilly, London W1J 8AB or email abs@thekennelclub.org.uk.

FeatureAn extraordinary coat with up to 80% less shedding*

Out with the old, in with the newFor most dogs shedding is a perfectly normal, periodic process. Unlike humans, dogs shed mature hair as new hairs grow through and depending on their breed, they can produce 60 to 180g per kg of body weight of new hair per year!

When the days get longer in spring time, a dog will shed his ‘winter coat’ and develops a ‘summer coat.’ This happens because extended sunlight causes increased follicle activity, which means he grows and replaces hair at a much faster rate. As winter approaches dogs will shed their summer coat to make way for a fuller winter coat, to protect them from the cold.

The importance of skin and coat healthYour dog’s skin has a huge role to play in his overall health – protecting his body from injury and infection, helping control his temperature and acting as his first line of defence.

His hair has complementary duties – insulating the body and protecting the skin from trauma and damage due to heat, sunlight and irritants.

Its more than just aesthetics. It is essential to ensure that your dog has a healthy coat and skin – so he has the protection he needs, as well as making him look and feel his best. Excessive shedding can be a sign that your dog’s coat and skin might not be in optimal condition**.

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The role of nutritionOne of the first steps to promote healthy skin and a radiant coat is feeding your dog a diet with high quality ingredients. A recent study looking at the impact of high quality nutrition on excessive shedding, saw a reduction of up to 80%** for dogs fed a Eukanuba diet. That’s because, Eukanuba’s range of premium nutrition is formulated with exactly the right amount of high quality animal proteins, omega-6 and omega-3 oils and fats, vitamins and minerals, to help your dog maintain a healthy, extraordinary coat.

The essential nutrients for healthy skin and coat

• Proteins – A dog’s coat is 95% protein and a third of your dog’s daily protein requirement is needed for coat and skin maintenance alone. Proteins from foods such as chicken, lamb, fish and egg, provide essential amino acids to support healthy structure and function.

• Fats – Omega 6 and 3 fatty acids are needed for the production of oils and waxes, preventing dryness and maintaining a visibly healthy coat.

• Vitamins and minerals – Vitamin A, vitamin E, B-vitamins, zinc and copper all play a vital role in the upkeep and regeneration of your dog’s skin and coat – from processing protein, helping fast and effective wound repair and cell protection.

Regular tender loving careWhilst you cannot stop a healthy dog from its normal shedding cycle, regular grooming and brushing can reduce the amount of hair in your home, in the car or on your clothes.

* Study conducted by Eukanuba. Difference seen over one year of use, compared to a diet with lower protein, lower fat and non-optimal Omega 6:3 ratio. Results in your dog may vary. Excludes puppy and weight control diets.

** If your dog seems prone to allergies or specific skin sensitivities, please consult your vet

Useful links• Click here for more information on

Eukanuba’s specially formulated nutrition• Looking for your nearest BVA/KC eye panellist?

Click here for a full list.• Click here to find your dog’s perfect mate. • Find any available health records of any dog

on the Kennel Club’s breed register by clicking here.

Health Seminars for breeders

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Dog breeders will be able to find out more about health issues, breeding practices and scientific developments from leading experts, thanks to a new series of health seminars.

Run by the Kennel Club and Royal Canin, the seminars will offer breeders the invaluable opportunity to hear from highly regarded professionals in the world of canine health. The expert panel will include Professor Ed Hall from the School of Veterinary Sciences at Bristol University, Dr Penny Watson from the Department of Veterinary Medicine at Cambridge University and Dr Cathryn Mellersh from the Kennel Club Genetics Centre at the Animal Health Trust.

Health News

The seminars, which will take place throughout the year, are open to novice and experienced breeders alike. The panel will guide breeders through health topics such as bloat, canine pancreatitis and how to identify a good DNA test.

The seminars cost £30 per person, which includes morning refreshments, a buffet lunch, afternoon refreshments and a delegate pack. Assured Breeders will receive a £5 discount which they can redeem by visiting www.mykc.org.uk.

DATE VENUE

21st March 2015 Malone Lodge Hotel, Belfast

19th April 2015 National Sussex Golf Club

19th April 2015 Swansea Urban Village Resort Hotel

16th May 2015 Headland Hotel Newquay

17th May 2015 Exeter Racecourse

13th June 2015 Chester Urban Village Resort Hotel

14th June 2015 Solihull Holiday Inn

8th November 2015 Norwich Holiday Inn

15th November 2015 Royal Veterinary College (RVC), London

21st November 2015 Royal DICK Vet School, Edinburgh

28th November 2015 Newcastle Urban Resort Village Hotel

29th November 2015 York Aldwark Hotel

Did you know?

2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme.

Puppy Buyers Assured Breeders get feedback!The Kennel Club receives ABS puppy buyer feedback questionnaires by the score each day, the overwhelming majority of which make incredibly complimentary remarks about Assured Breeders. Take a bow… and read a few examples here.

www.assuredbreederscheme.org.uk

Mr P & Mrs D Halley, Diavanas

Lhasa Apsos, Poulton-Le-Fylde,

Lancashire“Wonderful breeder who made the whole

process fun, memorable, happy and

easy. Diane sent me updates and photos

almost daily (at my request) and this

personal touch was much appreciated.”

Mrs J E & Dr D A Wellings,

Bluecap German Shepherd Dogs,

Northwich, Northwich

“We have only great things to say

about Don and Jean. They were very

knowledgeable and pleasant people.

Whilst visiting my puppy for the first

time, the love and care they showed their

dogs was very clear.”

Miss A G Cooper, Dikeadaze Golden Retrievers Bewdley, Worcestershire“Angie was very rigorous in ensuring I could provide a good

home for one of her puppies and made sure I realised what I was taking on. She provided a really useful information pack which I have referred to on many occasions. A fantastic and caring breeder.”

Mrs K E Copley-Holland, Katabatic Alaskan Malamutes, Belper, Derbyshire“Breeder is a credit to the ABS. She has

given us a lot of advice and support well before the breeding took place, and she continues to do so. We have gained a lifelong friend as well as a beautiful puppy she has carefully bred for us. Couldn’t have asked for any better.”

Mrs E P Pearce, Ockingham

Welsh Terriers

Fordingbridge, Hampshire

“Our puppy is wonderfully

well-adjusted, sociable, in

a great

routine which we have continued

and he is thriving. We have

been back to visit th

e breeder w

ho

maintains an interest in

dogs she

has bred. I cannot speak highly

enough of her and her care.”

Mrs A M Sutton,

Shirepark Cocker Spaniels

Blackburn, Lancashire

“Very professional breed

er with

her first concern for

the dogs,

mum and puppies and where they

would be living as a future home.

Very pleased with my beautiful

puppy who is now six months

old.”

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