British Heritage Dog Breeds

Certainly two suggestions to bear in mind.

The aim of this site really is to bring our different breeds together rather than separate everyone into their own breeds.

As far as the health of our breeds is concerned, we wouldn't get very far in preserving our breeds for the future if we ignored this important aspect and you are quite right to bring this subject up. But it is a specialised requirement for breeding and any problems with each breed are diverse and being addressed individually. Our unequivocal message would be simple - if there is a genetic test or health test for your breed - take it! Before breeding and in accordance with expert advice.

The Kennel Club now requires every Breed Council and Club to have a Health Representative - let's make use of them and encourage open dissemination of Breed Health information, particularly to breeders as they are in a position to do something about any problems.

Hils

Hi Hils,

I entirely agree that we need to bring the breeds together, our heritage breeds need all the help they can get, but my main reason for suggesting breed specific subjects is because all the breeds have their own variations. I just thought it might be easier if people wanted to discuss these little idiosyncreses(?) and knew where to look, as well of course as using the rest of the forum, after all a lot of their needs are very similar too.

I also agree that health screening should be done before breeding, and that the breed clubs themselves are the best people to speak to, but this forum can help so much too, not all breed clubs have their own forums, some people might be reluctant to contact people for what they might think is trivial advice or even just for a chat with someone in their own breed to compare 'notes' so to speak.

Chris

Agree with all that's been said. I do very much agree that if there is a DNA test it should be done, I wish the KC would make that aspect compulsory to be honest!
Becky

The KC insist that they can't enforce compulsory testing. They say that if they tried they'd lose any legal challenge. I say do it anyway!! Face down anyone foolish enough to challenge health focused reform through the courts. If the KC lost in the law court s then take it to the court of public opinion and see who gets support there.

I am not, however, expecting the KC to take this view anytime soon! So I've suggested a compromise proposal. Let the winner of a third CC go through comprehensive health screening, including testing for all issues known to effect that breed, before the Champion title is awarded. If they pass they become champions if they fail no title is ever awarded. Surely the KC is entitled to "raise the bar" for awarding its own titles!!

Of course this would only directly effect a very small number of dogs but it would set a precident that many breeders would follow. The show scene has been said to have led to various negative developments in dogs, let's change that around and use it to promote good health.

It always makes me laugh when they say they can't insist on health testing as that is exactly what they do with irish and Irish Red and White Setters! Agree the awarding of a championship should include the dogs health before the title is awarded. I wonder how many would be champions then!
Becky