Kennel Gazette October 2017 - Dogs

October 2017 £ £5.00

The aristocratic and elegant Borzoi

Don’t miss London’s biggest dog event – Eukanuba Discover Dogs The official publication of the Kennel Club 1 KC Oct NF.indd 1

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Luisa Scammell/The Kennel Club ©

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Contents Opinion The best for breeds

4

Graham Hill’s passion for Borzoi can provide inspiration for breeders and breed clubs of all pedigree dogs

6

Viewpoint

7

Political progress

Simon Parsons reflects on the ninth International Congress of Kennel Clubs, held at the Kennel Club recently

How the Kennel Club is helping to shape political policy

Personality profile Rosemary and Bernard - a life with dogs

8

The varied and impressive careers of two Kennel Club members

Special features Crash, bang, wallop!

14

Take the stress out of Bonfire Night for your pets

Congress of 17 International Kennel Clubs

Contents

October 2017

34 Eukanuba Discover Dogs Get set for a fun day out for all dog lovers

Health matters Sweet dreams

12

How advances in anaesthesia have impacted on animal health and welfare

8

Rosemary R o and B e Bernard Hall

Art & culture The Borzoi in art and history

20

This aristocratic breed has strong cultural roots

Judges’ choice

24 Borzoi

The breed standard, an anniversary to remember, breed experts pick their three favourite Borzoi, plus Reg Bassett, of Colhugh Borzoi, recalls how it all began

20

34

Eukanuba Discover Dogs

The Borzoi in art and history

A coming together of the great and the good of the dog world

18 The Russian Borzoi

A symbol of imperial Russia and an elegant hunting dog

33 Cycling for the clinic

It’s all for a worthwhile cause

The Kennel Club, Clarges Street, London W1J 8AB www.thekennelclub.org.uk Chairman: Simon Luxmoore Vice Chairman: Steve Croxford Chief Executive: Rosemary Smart Secretary: Caroline Kisko

Customer services: 01296 318540 Petlog Main Number: 01296 336579 Petlog Lost & Found: 01296 737600 Library/Gallery: 020 7518 1009 Insurance Enquiries: 0800 369 9445

Editor: Carrie Thomas Editorial Co-ordinator: Sara Wilde

Editorial Panel: Bill Moores (Chairman), Ian Gabriel, Philippa Gilbert, Robert Greaves, Revd. Bill King, Gay Robertson Editorial enquiries: kennel.gazette@thekennelclub.org.uk The Kennel Club, Clarges Street, London W1J 8AB Subscriptions: 020 7518 1016 subs@kennelgazette.org.uk

Kennel Gazette is published monthly on behalf of the Kennel Club by BPG Media www.bpgmedia.co.uk To advertise contact Andrea Walters a.walters@bpgmedia.co.uk Printed by Warners Midlands Plc Kennel Gazette is the monthly publication

of the Kennel Club. Views and opinions expressed within the Kennel Gazette are the personal opinions of the original authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Kennel Club.

Cover photo: Borzoi breed record-holder Ch Colhugh Caminickers, bred and owned

by Reg Bassett.

Photographer: Diane Pearce Collection/ The Kennel Club ©

The Kennel Club

@Kclovesdogs

@Kclovesdogs

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On my mind

The best for breeds

Borzoi fanatic Graham Hill reflects on how by working together enthusiasts can secure a better future for all pedigree dogs Photos courtesy of Graham Hill

By Graham Hill

A small part of Graham’s Borzoi collection

W

hen you love a breed with a passion, as I do with the Borzoi, you are submerged in thoughts of that breed and in my case, become fanatical about all things Borzoi.

From the time of acquiring my first Borzoi, a bitch purchased from Gladys Harrison of the Greenhaven kennel back in 1965, I was intent on achieving success in the show ring and breeding the most perfect Borzoi.

Combined with this, I became obsessed with collecting anything related to the Borzoi breed. From the early days of collecting cheap chalk figurines, sketches or any other item related to Borzoi, to later, when my tastes became more discerning, quality ceramics and oil paintings joined my collection.

Anyone who visits cannot fail to notice the enormous collection of Borzoi ceramics, paintings, sketches and all the miscellaneous items of Borzoi memorabilia on view around my home. All are of great value to me and give me enormous pleasure, but when the time comes to downsize, difficult decisions will have to be made.

However, despite all the side issues of the Borzoi passion, the development and state of the living breed itself is a primary ‘on my mind’ subject. From when I became engrossed initially in showing Borzoi, I was continually aware of efforts to improve the breed. I feel that the breed was in a better overall state in type and soundness in the 1970s and 1980s, when there were many more established Borzoi kennels which had larger numbers of Borzoi than today.

The ‘old’ kennels were dedicated to breeding Borzoi stock to their own admirable interpretation of the breed standard. There were numerous styles of Borzoi being produced and each kennel stamped an individual identity of their kennel. But there was a common line in breed characteristics and efforts for sound conformation with each Borzoi exhibited in the show ring.

Today, it is apparent that breeding plans are sadly lacking and thoughts of ‘if it is imported from Russia or any other country it must be good’, seem to prevail.

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On my mind

Every one of the delegates who attended will have expanded their thoughts and knowledge, in some way, about the subject of Borzoi. However, to achieve something more specific, like unifying the breed standard, requires co-operation, dedication and intent by the general Borzoi fraternity. Changes to any breed standard must not be prompted by the wish to accommodate untypical specimens that happen to be in the show ring at that time.

For any change, the way forward is to make representation to the individual countries’ governing kennel clubs to act in the co-ordination of a global agreement on the breed standard. Without the Borzoi clubs being in agreement about what the breed standard should be, then the governing kennel club will have no basis for change.

The recent International Conference of Kennel Clubs hosted by the Kennel Club, made huge strides in establishing common grounds for the good of pedigree dogs in particular. There is agreement and intent to work together to promote and improve the enjoyment of pedigree dogs and the dog sport in general. One item in compliance with this is the amalgamation of breed standards; the one on my mind is the Borzoi breed standard.

Hopefully, international co-operation will continue between the UK and overseas Borzoi clubs and Borzoi fraternity so that future international conferences will continue with ‘the international Borzoi standard’ being top of the agenda. There must be education and communication, not only in Borzoi, but by all breed clubs, so that our future breeders and judges understand soundness in conformation and individual

breed characteristics with the old adage of ‘fit for function’ being foremost in their mind.

Let all of us Borzoi lovers keep this on our minds so that at last we are all pulling in one direction for the good of the breed across the world. ● Photo: ©David Yeo

Interestingly enough, while in discussions with a long-standing Borzoi breeder, we agreed that the dog scene has become a society of exhibitors, intent on instant success, rather than breeders, attempting to improve their breed and ensure its future.

Attempts have been made over the years to convene meetings of Borzoi enthusiasts from around the world to discuss the breed and breed standard.

An inaugural international Borzoi conference was held in Sweden in 1981 with, at that time, intent to internationally unify the Borzoi breed standard. Subsequent international Borzoi conferences have taken place all around the world, with the most recent being here in the United Kingdom at the beginning of August. This coincided with the 125th anniversary of the formation of the Borzoi Club in the UK, (see page 26 for a full report).

On every occasion there have been many expert and interesting speakers presenting their chosen subjects knowledgeably to those delegates in attendance, instigating thought provoking debate. However, little progress on unifying a breed standard has been achieved. Although, I am sure, all who have attended have gone away a little more enlightened and more open minded about the Borzoi.

There is something progressive and commendable in endeavours to unite thoughts and ideas on any subject. Any meeting of like-minded people is bound to achieve some progress in unifying opinions, which I think was achieved in some way at all the international Borzoi conferences and, not least, the most recent here in the UK.

GRAHAM HILL Graham was born in rural Wales and has lived with dogs all his life. With a special interest in breeds within the Hound, Gundog, Working and Pastoral groups, his love of Borzoi began in 1965. Since then he has exhibited and bred 12 Borzoi champions, several group winners with many CC winners and overseas champions.

The owner and MD of a national construction and development company, he has managed to combine dog and business interests successfully throughout his life.

He has served on numerous canine and breed club committees, being a Welsh Kennel Club committee member for over 35 years.

He is presently trustee and joint secretary of the Welsh Kennel Club and president of the Gundog Society of Wales, the Working & Pastoral Breeds of Wales and the Rottweiler Club of Wales.

Graham is also a member of the Kennel Club Board, a Trustee of the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, a member of the Breed Standards and Stud Book Committee, the Show Executive Committee, a member of the Crufts commentary team and was involved with the Young Kennel Club from its inception.

Awarding his first Challenge Certificates in 1979, he is approved to award CCs in all Hound breeds and a further 14 breeds across three other groups together with Best in Show, Hound, Working and Pastoral groups.

He judged the Hound group at Crufts this year and has judged throughout the UK and around the world at championship level.

Painting by Jessica Holme

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Viewpoint

Viewpoint

By Simon Parsons

M

embers will by now be aware of the topics which were discussed at the ninth International Congress hosted by the Kennel Club in London at the end of June. Let’s hope the gathering proved mutually useful and that delegates were able to exchange notes on solutions to the issues which affect dog people everywhere.

One subject mentioned more than once was the need to persuade young people to become more involved in our sport. Our governing body has of course long been one of the leaders here through its junior organisation, today known as the Young Kennel Club. Its success can be measured in the number of former members who are still part of our world sometimes many years on, as successful breeder/ exhibitors, administrators and so on; indeed Gerald King when talking about the YKC was able to introduce two of its alumni who are now on the staff of the club.

Not only in the UK, one reads of dog clubs which are folding for lack of support; I often wonder if this could have been avoided had the officials taken care to encourage young

enthusiasts to take on more and more tasks so that a ‘succession plan’ could be put in place.

Not unconnected with this was Christofer Habig’s contention that ‘knowledge transfer’ is essential to the progress of the dog world. Do we do enough to ensure that breed expertise and traditions are handed down to the next generation; for that matter, is the next generation always interested?

This is an area where the new requirement for up and coming judges to be ‘mentored’ can really make a difference – a good mentor will explain the breed nuances and priorities that go beyond the breed standard. One

hopes the fact that each judge will have to be mentored by three different people will ensure that they get a broad appreciation of these nuances rather than just one person’s view.

Similarly the breed videos on the Kennel Club Academy can be an opportunity for experts to pass on the subtleties of type. There are many other ways for knowledge on all aspects of the dog world, not just from a judge’s perspective, to be passed on and it’s something we can all do more to put in place. As other speakers pointed out, social media can play a part here if used responsibly.

Other aspects of the congress seem to have been equally valuable and I was interested in the ‘canine centre’ being set up at Nottingham Trent University.

Its aim ‘to improve and inspire the human/dog interaction’ can only be welcome to us all.

SIMON PARSONS Simon Parsons has owned a variety of breeds but his first loves are the Corgis.

He worked for Dog World newspaper for 39 years and awards Challenge Certificates in 13 breeds. In 2014 he instigated the revival of the Kennel Gazette

Photo: ©Laura Kolbach/The Kennel Club

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Political progress

Political progress An update on how the Kennel Club are helping shape political policy

By Melissa Cradock and Ed Hayes Scotland tail shortening legislation In the August edition of the Kennel Gazette we reported on the Scottish Parliament considering changing the law to permit tail shortening for working spaniels, Hunt, Point Retrievers (HPRs) and their crosses. At that point the draft regulations were about to be considered and voted on by the full Scottish Parliament. We are very pleased to say that the Scottish Parliament voted in favour of allowing tail docking for working dogs.

Breeders of working spaniels, HPRs and their crosses in Scotland are now legally able to have their puppies docked in Scotland for the first time since 30th April 2007. Breeders in Scotland wishing to have their puppies docked should consult with their vet.

Meeting with policymakers in Wales Prior to the Summer Recess, the Kennel Club held a number of meetings with Welsh Assembly Members and Welsh government civil servants, to discuss potential amendments to breeding regulations in Wales. The Kennel Club is seeking to get the Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme formally incorporated into the local authority licensing framework, in the same manner we are in England. The Assembly Members were supportive and have gone on to table parliamentary questions on the topic. Work will continue on this and we will provide updates in future issues of the Kennel Gazette.

Westminster Dog of the Year While MPs are on their holidays, we are busy planning our flagship political event Westminster Dog of the Year, this year will be its 25th birthday. From inviting MPs and Lords, liaising with our event co-hosts the Dogs Trust, to arranging dog biscuits, there is plenty to keep us occupied. We hope once again, to engage with a large number of politicians and take the opportunity to raise the profile of canine related issues.

Shock collar event in Scottish Parliament We have previously covered our concerns that proposals to restrict the use of electronic shock collars in Scotland will not provide sufficient protection for dog welfare. As a ban on their use and sale does not currently appear likely, we intend to continue to make the case for more stringent restrictions on their use. We are arranging an event in the Scottish Parliament to highlight our concerns with MSPs. We will also be inviting representatives from the veterinary and dog behaviourist fields to attend the event and provide their expert opinion. We will review the event in a future edition of the Kennel Gazette.

Dog Control Orders consigned to history In October 2014, new legislation was passed that replaced Dog Control Orders (DCOs) with Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs). The legislation provided a threeyear transition period whereby pre-existing DCOs would continue to exist until October 2017. There has been some confusion as

to whether councils need to take action to convert their remaining DCOs to the new PSPOs, or whether this process is automatic.

It appears many councils have taken the view that they need to proactively replace their existing DCOs with PSPOs. This has resulted in a significant upsurge in the number of councils consulting on dog walking restrictions that we are responding to.

All readers are encouraged to visit www.kcdog.org.uk to see if there is a consultation in your local area.

Sefton PSPO Last month the Kennel Club Dog team were able to help protect the areas where dogs can go in Sefton. As regular readers of this column will know, the Kennel Club runs the dog owners group, KC Dog. This team actively campaigns against restrictions on dogs and their owners. In April Sefton council consulted on introducing restrictions which would have severely impacted where people could exercise their dogs.

We spoke with the council during the consultation period because we were concerned that the consultation document produced was not clear and that there would be too many areas where dogs were restricted. We also submitted a formal response which detailed our concerns.

We are extremely pleased to say that the council listened to our concerns and decided to reduce the amount of restrictions that they were initially considering. â—?

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Special feature

Crash, bang, wallop!

Firework season can be terrifying for dogs and a nightmare for owners. Ease the stress with these tips

By Carolyn Menteith

I

t’s that time again… summer is rapidly becoming a distant memory, the leaves are falling and most of us have our heating back on as we hunt out our winter clothes, dig out the wellies, and plan cosy winters huddled by the fire as the long nights draw firmly in.

With that however comes something far less cosy – certainly for our dogs. As October draws to an end, the tell tale bangs and crashes slowly start to echo across the country, getting increasingly louder as the days pass, as the firework season gets underway for another year. While for some a time of joy and excitement as the night sky explodes into a seemingly endless sound

and light show, for almost half the nation’s dogs and their owners, this is the stuff of nightmares.

For dogs who suffer from noise phobia, this time of year brings untold fear, panic and misery, and a whole range of distressing symptoms that can include panting, salivating, drooling, an inability to settle, pacing, whining, hiding under furniture, anorexia, loss of toilet training, attempts to escape and even aggression.

Owners who are more in tune with their dogs may however see even more subtle signals that indicate their dog isn’t happy with these seasonal explosions. These can involve, lip licking, yawning, nibbling or

chewing paws, or just being a little clingier to their owner. Even if owners think these symptoms aren’t anything to worry about, they should take these warning signs seriously as noise phobias won’t just go away – in fact they progress in well over 90 per cent of cases with the dog becoming reactive to even more sounds.

Noise phobia affects a huge percentage of the UK’s dogs – and once established, it can be difficult, if not almost impossible, to cure because the first step in dealing with behaviour problems is to prevent the dog from being in a situation where the unwanted behaviour or reaction presents. In these cases however the events that provoke

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Special feature

the fearful reaction (fireworks, thunder storms and so on) can’t be controlled by the owner, and so putting an effective behaviour modification programme in place is seriously problematic.

Curing a noise phobic dog needs help from a behaviourist who is skilled in these cases – and should start just after the New Year when the firework season is over and you can control the sounds your dog hears.

Far too many owners don’t seem to even think about it until the autumn starts to roll around but the 5th November happens every single year so it really shouldn’t come as a surprise! The end of October is not the time to remember that you really should have done something about it!

The good news however is that for most dogs, noise phobias are fairly easy to prevent and we should be focusing on this with every single dog.

1 Get your dog from a breeder who has habituated their puppies to unexpected noises from the very start of their lives. This is why it is important to find a puppy from a breeder who knows how important this early work is 2 From the minute you bring your dog home (either as a puppy or as a rescue) use a sound CD or app to play noises such as fireworks and thunder storms at a very low level at times when your dog is doing positive things

“The end of October is not the time to remember that you really should have done something about it!”

(such as playing, doing some reward-based training, or eating treats). It should be quiet enough that you can only just hear it. If there is any reaction from the dog at all, it is far too loud! Slowly you can raise the volume over several weeks but always remember that your dog’s hearing is much more sensitive than yours 3 This should only be done for short periods of time (5-10 mins) a few times a week, at different times every day – remember you are trying to get your dog use to unexpected noises – not ones that go on all the time or at the same time every day!

4 Do this in lots of different locations around the house and even in the garden 5 Never play it too loud or shock your dog with these noises. Things that cause a strong emotional response (such as fear) will not habituate, and you run the risk of causing the very problem you are trying to prevent 6 Continue to use the CD once or twice a week 7 Have the puppy around you while you are doing general household chores to get them used to strange and unexpected noises – but watch for any signs of stress or fear 8 If you have any worries, get professional help

Tips for surviving 5th November and other loud nights!

1 Look at the media and local posters and make sure you know the times of any local displays 2 Make sure your dog is safely inside from just before dusk onwards so he will not be outside when fireworks are going off. This means making sure he has had a chance to go to the toilet beforehand too – you don’t want to be having to do a toilet run when you are in danger of hearing fireworks (nor do you want your dog to have an accident in the house) 3 Make sure your dog has had plenty of exercise during the day, as he will be more

relaxed if he has had the chance to use up some of his energy 4 Switch on the TV, radio and/or have music playing in every room your dog may go into 5 Look at natural products such as Adaptil and Pettura that may help 6 Build a den for your dog where he feels safe and where he can hide if he needs a place of sanctuary 7 If he chooses to go into his den, let him have a treat like a stuffed Kong or a favourite chew – although he will probably be too stressed to eat it 8 Stay close by him for comfort and company but don’t try to encourage him to come out until he is happy to do so himself The out-dated view that you shouldn’t comfort your dog if he is behaving fearfully is thankfully something that people are gradually realising is both wrong and can make a terrifying situation even worse for your dog. If he needs your comfort, give it to him in a quiet and reassuring way. Forget the old fashioned opinion that comforting a scared dog will just make him more fearful as thankfully we now know that is not the case and fear can’t be reinforced - and let’s face it, would you ignore a scared child? Once again however this must be your dog’s choice – don’t offer this comfort unless your dog wants it. ●

CAROLYN MENTEITH CApBT, KCAI, apdt Carolyn is an accredited dog trainer and behaviourist with over 20 years experience. She specialises in companion dogs, puppies and rescue dogs, and is a member of the leading professional organisations, all of which promote positive, reward-based methods

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Useful products ANXITANE Brought to you by Virbac, Anxitane™ is a highly palatable tablet containg L-Theanine, the natural ingredient that helps to calm and reduce anxiety in environmentally induced stressful situations. Especially helpful during the fireworks season, Anxitane is supported by extensive research and is also proven not to cause drowsiness. It helps to increase mental focus and can therefore be used to support dogs in training or at a busy event where they may need to perform. Anxitane is available from your vet or online.

For more information visit www.virbac.co.uk/anxitane or call Virbac, manufacturers of leading veterinary products for over 45 years, on 01359 243243.

SERENE-UM One of the most stressful times of year for pets is the fireworks and festive season.

Serene-UM helps calm and soothe pets in a totally natural way, without causing drowsiness. It works by controlling the underlying emotional state, calming the pet, so that behaviour learned from a stressful situation can be corrected through retraining.

Serene-UM treats the source of the problem, not the symptom.

It is also suitable for longer term problems such as general nervousness, anxiety, stress, mood swings, and hyperactivity.

Serene –UM is available in three different strengths from pet shops; prices start from £6.49. For stockists call 01582 583888.

VetSpec Calm & Focused Formula Complete Food This super premium dog food contains 60 per cent chicken with added vegetables and herbs and no added colours, preservatives or artificial flavours.

It is cereal-grain-free and the formulation includes tryptophan, prebiotics, and magnesium, together with biotin and other associated nutrients.

It is ideal for dogs that get anxious and overexcitable or suffer from separation anxiety or fear of loud noises like fireworks. It is also very helpful when training young dogs to improve their focus and obedience.

VetSpec Calm & Focused Formula is available in 2kg (£13.94) and 12kg (£49.94) bags.

For further information about VetSpec call 01845 565630 or visit www.vetspec.com

VetSpec Calm & Focused Supplement This supplement can help improve a dog’s concentration and obedience, reduce nervousness, and fear of strangers, travelling, separation anxiety, and loud noises such as fireworks.

It is formulated with scientifically proven ingredients including tryptophan — a natural precursor of serotonin — and the yeast products FOS and MOS to help maintain a healthy gut environment, and is wheat gluten-free.

Simply add to your dog’s normal feed. A 500g tub will last a 20kg dog for 12 weeks. Also available in a 200g tub (four weeks’ supply for a 20kg dog).

For further information about VetSpec call 01845 565630 or visit www.vetspec.com

CALM DOWN! CSJ’s natural herbal supplement has been developed specifically for dogs who have aggressive or nervous tendencies, suffer with car sickness, have an aversion to noise, or anxiety complexes.

As one satisfied customer says: “I have used this for a while now with my SBTs, after stumbling across it at the vet’s. I have now recommended it to several of my behaviour clients and they have seen a massive improvement in their dogs. I would not be without this for my dogs and will continue to recommend it to friends, family and clients.”

For more information visit www.csjk9.com or call 01745 710470.

Pet Remedy Fireworks and the party season are fast approaching and Pet Remedy helps pets avoid becoming stressed during this busy period.

Pet Remedy works with your pet’s natural calming mechanisms and is a clinically proven blend of valerian-based oils, which help calm the nerves of anxious or stressed pets. It is suitable for all pets, including cats, dogs, rabbits, and even parrots, and a great advantage is that it starts to work instantly.

Available as a plug diffuser, battery-operated atomiser, calming spray, and individual eco-friendly calming wipe, Pet Remedy can also help with separation anxiety, travel, and training, or in any potentially stressful situation.

Available from your vet’s or local pet shop, or direct from Pet Remedy; call 01803 8612772; www.petremedy.co.uk

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London’s biggest dog event

The canine meet and greet returns!

T

The Kennel Club has also invited the Metropolitan Police to attend this year, bringing some of their new recruits — puppies! Discover Dogs will be hosting for the first time a ‘pop-up puppy pawty’ where visitors can meet these gorgeous puppies for some special cuddles. The aim of the new feature is to demonstrate to the visitors the huge health benefits holding and stroking puppies and dogs can bring.

The Metropolitan Police will also be carrying out a display in the main ring with some of the hero dogs that have been instrumental in the work done following the London Bridge terror attacks and Grenfell Tower fire.

There will be two breeds at the show for the first time, the Russian Toy which was registered in April and the White Swiss Shepherd which has gained registration this month.

Finally, new for 2017 is the Young Kennel Club interactive activity ring providing the opportunity for younger visitors to have a go at agility, learn to train a dog and take part in an obstacle course with some of the ‘professional’ dogs at the event. These

young visitors will be assisted by volunteer handlers to guide them and give them advice with whatever they try.

Eukanuba Discover Dogs is such an important educational opportunity for the Kennel Club to reach out to the dog-loving public, creating a fun, family event that celebrates the unique relationship with dogs, in addition to educating people about the importance of choosing the right breed for their lifestyle and making sure they buy a puppy responsibly. It is also an important competitive event which includes the Junior Warrant semi-finals, Scruffts semi-finals and the Good Citizen Dog Scheme Pre-Beginner Obedience stakes, making the event a very worthy run up to Crufts.

Kennel Club members, associates and affiliates receive discounted tickets to all Kennel Club events. For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.discoverdogs.org.uk ● Photo: ©Yulia Titovets/The Kennel Club

Photo: ©Laura Halfpenny/The Kennel Club

he Eukanuba Discover Dogs event returns to ExCeL on the 21-22 October. The event allows the Kennel Club to offer thousands of dog lovers the opportunity to meet and greet almost 200 different pedigree breeds and to educate members of the public on how to choose the right breed for them, to tell them about the many joys dog ownership can bring and how to look after a dog. Last year’s event welcomed over 26,000 visitors through its doors over the course of the weekend.

The event, now well established in its 22nd year has been held at ExCeL in London for the last three years. This year the Kennel Club is introducing some new features to the show. The first is a special area dedicated to the Kennel Club’s vulnerable native breeds such as the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and Otterhound, whose numbers are declining and whose status within the world of dogs has diminished over the years. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the issues that these breeds face and it is hoped that giving them extra profile will encourage some of those looking to buy a new dog to consider these more unusual breeds.

Photo: ©Yulia Titovets/The Kennel Club

Eukanuba Discover Dogs takes place this month and provides a fun and educational day out for all dog lovers

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We take great care in handpicking the most responsible breeders to join the Assured Breeder Scheme. Together we can raise awareness of good dog breeding, offer buyers a trusted source of happy, well-socialised puppies and ensure the highest standards of health and welfare.

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