Recently, The Kennel Club and James Evans MS met at an event held in the Oriel at the Welsh Senedd to find out more about the dog welfare organisation’s health testing initiatives, as well as the wider work being done to help improve overall dog health.
The Kennel Club offers over 100 DNA tests and health screening schemes, including The Kennel Club/University of Cambridge Respiratory Function Grading scheme, which enables vets to assess Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs, for breathing issues, detect disease and provide advice for owners. Last year, the organisation also launched the report, ‘Play Your Part: Breeding, Buying and Bringing Up Brachycephalic Dogs Better’, which details the collaborative measures that need to be taken by the puppy buying public, breeders, vets, Government and The Kennel Club to protect and improve the health of current and future generations of brachycephalic breeds.
The report, and more information about what The Kennel Club is doing to improve brachycephalic health, is available at thekennelclub.org.uk/playyourpart
The Kennel Club also supports responsible breeding and puppy buying, and is calling on the Welsh Government to support low-volume, responsible home breeders and invest in more education around buying a dog and responsible ownership. Recent data released by the organisation revealed that a third (32%) of owners in Wales spent less than a day researching their puppy buying decision – with thousands then being duped by rogue breeders.
James Evans MS said:
“We are a nation of dog lovers, and as a dog owner myself, knowing our pets are being given the best start in life is vital. It is therefore so important that home breeders breeding in low volumes continue to be supported, in order to remain trusted sources of family pets.
“Puppy buyers should always look for a breeder that prioritises health, and The Kennel Club’s health schemes are fantastic resources that provide peace of mind to both breeder and owner.”
