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THE KENNEL CLUB INTRODUCES NEW JUNIOR AWARD AND RALLY VETERAN WARRANT

As part of our commitment to recognising and encouraging participation in canine activities, The Kennel Club is pleased to announce the introduction of two new awards for the dog showing and rally communities: the Junior Award (JA) and the Rally Veteran Warrant (RVW).  

For the showing community, the Junior Award (JA) will be available to all breeds not allocated championship status (non CC breeds and those breeds on the Imported Breed Register). A dog can achieve a JA through winning awards at open and championship dog shows, when the dog is aged between 6 and 18 months of age. Once achieved, the dog can be entered with the title ‘JA’ after its name on show entries. 

To achieve a Junior Award the dog must gain 20 points – A minimum of 3 points must be won at championship dog shows and a minimum of 3 points from open shows, the rest of the points can be gained from either open or championship dog shows. Points are achieved by winning classes with at least one other dog competing. Any award points gained from 1st July 2025, whilst the dog is between 6 and 18 months will count towards the Junior Award.  Points for this award will begin in July to provide advance notice for exhibitors to plan their show calendars if this award is of interest to them.  

For the rally community, the Rally Veteran Warrant (RVW) is for veteran dogs aged seven years and over. Points can be accumulated from any veteran rally class only, where qualifying scores are achieved. Upon receipt of the award, exhibitors may enter their dogs with the title ‘RVW (B/S/G)’ depending on the level they have achieved, Bronze (B), Silver (S), or Gold (G) this can be added after the dog’s name in competition entries.  

The requirements for the three levels of warrant, Bronze, Silver, and Gold are:    

  • Bronze 9 qualifying scores in Veteran classes    
  • Silver 12 qualifying scores in Veteran classes,    
  • Gold 18 qualifying scores in Veteran classes, of which at least 3 must be Excellent 

Any awards gained in rally veteran classes can be backdated to 1 January 2024 when the veteran classes were first introduced.

Helen Kerfoot, Chief Operations Executive, Events and Activities said; “As part of our focus on our grassroots communities, these new awards are designed to celebrate achievements within dog showing and rally and provide additional goals for competitors to strive forwards in their chosen disciplines.  

In line with our other awards, competitors will be able to apply for these new accolades through the awards application forms. Once an application is approved and processed, the dogs record will be automatically updated with the appropriate letters, and a digital certificate will be issued by email. For those who also desire a hard copy alongside the digital certificate they will be available to purchase through The Kennel Club shop.” 

For more information on how to win points and to apply, please visit The Kennel Club website Certificate types | Events | The Kennel Club or use the award application forms.  

If you have any questions, please email: awards@thekennelclub.org.uk

Hertfordshire dog and owner become Crufts Obedience champions

Fuddle, a Golden Retriever/Border Collie cross and his owner Sue Monk from Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, took home the top obedience prize at Crufts on Sunday 9 March, after winning the Obedience Championship (Dog) final. The judge was Sarah Delany.

Four-year-old Fuddle (Ob Ch Janjelly Fuddled Boy), came first in the final held at the world’s greatest dog show, Crufts, after competing against some of Britain’s best dogs for the coveted title.

All competitors at the championships had made it through to the final after qualifying at one of the championship shows that were held last year.

Proud owner Sue said: “I am absolutely over the moon with my special boy. Fuddle is a beautiful dog with a fabulous nature, who worked his socks off and enjoyed every minute of competing at Crufts. I’m still on cloud nine and keep reliving the special moment of being called as the winners. It’s a huge honour and a dream come true.”

Helen Kerfoot, Crufts Show Manager, said: “A huge congratulations to Fuddle and Sue for their impressive display in the ring today and their well-deserved win. Fuddle demonstrated excellent obedience skills, and the strong bond and teamwork between them was clear to see. 

“Obedience competitors travel from all over the UK to showcase their skills at Crufts, and the standard of dogs and handlers continues to be incredibly impressive.” 

Crufts took place between 6-9 March 2025 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit Crufts website.  

BELGIAN SHEPHERD MALINOIS FROM CHESHIRE CROWNED GOOD CITIZEN PRE-BEGINNER OBEDIENCE STAKES WINNER AT CRUFTS 2025

Havoc, a one-year-old Belgian Shepherd Malinois from Altrincham, Cheshire, and his owner Sarah Kelly, has triumphed at Crufts by winning the Good Citizen Pre-Beginner Obedience Stakes Competition on Saturday 8 March.

Havoc beat 30 other talented dogs to be crowned the winner of the 2025 Good Citizen Pre-Beginner Stakes competition at the world’s greatest dog show, with the final overseen by highly experienced judge, Frank Herron. This was the 20th year the final has been held at Crufts.

Speaking after their win, delighted Sarah said: “We’re absolutely over the moon to have won! We didn’t expect it at all – he has been competing for less than a year as he still isn’t two yet so I wasn’t sure how he would handle it. He wasn’t fazed at all though and wagged his tail the whole time – I’m not sure which of us enjoyed it the most!”

The Good Citizen Dog Training scheme (GCDTS) competition was first held in 2005 to encourage owners of dogs who have passed their GCDTS Bronze Award to take part in obedience competitions as a potential gateway into dog exhibition. The exercises included in the test are a combination of current GCDTS exercises and the Pre-Beginner Obedience test. Building on the basic training skills learnt through the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme, this stakes class helps to bridge the gap between basic training and entering a competition. Dogs must have obtained their Good Citizen Bronze Award prior to the closing date of the show.

Dogs competing in the final had to qualify at one of the 31 heats held across the country last year with the winner from each heat qualifying for the final.

Sue Garner, Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme Working Party Chairman, added: “Congratulations to Havoc and Sarah who performed a first-class round, and demonstrated the skills they have learnt through the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme.

“The standard of competitors was very high so the pair should be proud of their achievement. The Pre-Beginner Stakes are a great way for dogs and owners to enter the obedience world and strengthen their bond – something that was clear to see with Sarah and Havoc, and I wish them luck in the future.”

To find out more about the Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme visit the website gcds.org.uk

Crufts took place between 6 – 9 March 2025 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.   

LABRADORS HAILED NATION’S MOST OBEDIENT BREED AFTER WINNING ‘OBREEDIENCE’ FINAL AT CRUFTS

A team of Labrador Retrievers won the Obreedience competition at the world’s biggest dog event, Crufts, on Thursday 6 March.

The Labrador team, named The Labrapaws, proved themselves more obedient than the nine other breed teams that made it to the final at Crufts, held at the NEC in Birmingham, which was judged by Jen Wyatt. The other finalists were as follows:

  • MRU – Manchester Terriers
  • The Golden Acorns – Golden Retrievers
  • Cool Cockers – Cocker Spaniels
  • The Supernovas – Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers
  • The Russellers – Jack Russell Terriers
  • Spring It On – English Springer Spaniels
  • The Wagtails – Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
  • Dashastic – Dachshunds
  • Stafford Stars – Staffordshire Bull Terriers

Obreedience, an exciting team obedience competition, was introduced at Crufts 2014 as a special display event. Now in its eleventh year as an official competition, Obreedience continues to grow and entertain the crowds that come along to support their favourite breeds.

The winning team members were:

  • Alexandra Turner (team captain) with Tau (Tau Bonnievale at Jakkalsrooi) from Evesham, Worcestershire
  • Tracey Hinsley (team captain) with Purdey (Purdey Christmas Pudding) from Evesham, Worcestershire
  • Samantha Woods with Harley (Quinn Jet) from Bicester, Oxfordshire
  • Kaye Littlehales with Richie (Kaliture Appollo of Kayendor) from Wrexham, North Wales
  • Jane Hudson-Evans with Nell (Bredonedge Kite) from Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
  • Faith Woods with Raven (Raven Wings) from Bicester, Oxfordshire

The team’s captain Alexandra Turner said of the team win: “It’s amazing, we had amazing teamwork. All of our friends and fellow competitors were also brilliant and the camaraderie with us all was great. It’s a whole family here so it’s nice. This has been a long time coming, and I couldn’t even look at the scores, it was great.”

Helen Kerfoot, Crufts Show Manager, said: “Congratulations to all the owners and dogs of the Labrapaws team on their impressive win at Crufts! The team showcased an exceptional level of training and obedience, and the bond between each dog and their owner was evident.”

Each Obreedience team comprised four handlers and dogs, who took part in two rounds.  The first was a heelwork round completed as a group, with the dogs being assessed on their ability to complete different moves whilst remaining synchronised with their teammates. The second round featured four set exercises and each member needed to successfully complete one of the four different exercises. Points were deducted for any faults and the team with the most points won. The exercises were a retrieve (handler’s own article), a send to bed, stop the dog, and scent over articles.

For further details about Obreedience, please visit The Kennel Club website: thekennelclub.org.uk/obreedience.  

Crufts took place from 6 – 9 March 2025 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.

KC News release: Border Collie from Warwickshire becomes Crufts Obedience champion

Lyric, an 11-year-old Border Collie and her owner, Mary Ray from Rugby, Warwickshire, took home the top obedience prize at Crufts on Saturday 8 March, after winning the Obedience Championship (Bitches) final. The judge was Sarah Delany.

Lyric (Ob Ch Sarkam Sings The Blues) came first in the final held at the world’s greatest dog show, Crufts, after competing against some of Britain’s best dogs for the coveted title. This is the second time the pair have won the Championship, having previously been awarded the title in 2022.

Proud owner Mary said: “Lyric is my very special girl, so I was thrilled to win with her for the second time. She is always happy and gives me her all.”

All competitors at the championships had made it through to the final after qualifying at one of the championship shows that were held last year.

Helen Kerfoot, Crufts Show Manager, said: “A huge congratulations to Lyric and Mary for their impressive display in the ring and their well-deserved win. Lyric demonstrated excellent obedience skills, and the strong bond and teamwork between them was clear to see.

“Obedience competitors travel from all over the UK to showcase their skills at Crufts, and the standard of dogs and handlers continues to be incredibly impressive.”

Crufts took place from 6-9 March 2025 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.

CRUFTS INTERNATIONAL ENTRY AT ALL TIME HIGH

Crufts 2025 is set to welcome over 24,000 dogs at the NEC Birmingham from 6-9 March showcasing a wide variety of competitions and displays. The entry this year is over 18,500 dogs participating in breed, agility and obedience championship competitions over the four days of the event. 

Over 200 pedigree breeds will compete for the prestigious Best in Show title, which will be awarded live on Channel 4 on the evening of Sunday 9 March in the BP Pulse LIVE arena. This year there will be more TV coverage than ever before, with 19 hours of Crufts action broadcast across Channel 4 and More4.

Crufts continues to maintain its international flavour and this year has attracted more overseas entries than ever before – 3,952 dogs – with France leading the way with 475 dogs, just ahead of Germany (407), Netherlands (376) and Italy (360). Other countries to attract entries of 150 dogs or more are: Ireland (327), Poland (259), Belgium (213), Spain (174), Czech Republic (218) and Sweden (168).

For the first time, the Polish Hunting Dog will feature in the Discover Dogs area of the show as a newly recognised Kennel Club breed. The Golden Retriever has the largest entry for an individual breed with 509 dogs making 619 entries. The Labrador Retriever follows closely with 485 dogs making 586 entries.

The highest number of dogs in a single breed set to compete in each group are:

  • Terrier: Staffordshire Bull Terrier – 338
  • Hound: Whippet – 376
  • Utility: Dalmatian – 260
  • Toy: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – 290
  • Gundog: Golden Retriever – 509
  • Working: Bernese Mountain Dog – 159
  • Pastoral: Border Collie – 300
     

Additionally, the following breeds have dogs exceeding 250; Cocker Spaniel (418), Flat Coated Retriever (309), Irish Setter (266) and Shetland Sheepdog (257).

Celebrating 75 years of being televised, Channel 4 and More 4 will broadcast over 19 hours* of the event across the show’s four days; the details of times and channels are as follows:

THURSDAY 6 MARCH:

1500-1600 – Channel 4

1830-1930 – More4

1930-2100 – Channel 4

FRIDAY 7 MARCH:

1500-1600 – Channel 4

1830-1930 – More4

1930-2100 – Channel 4

SATURDAY 8 MARCH:

1400-1800 – Channel 4

1900-2100 – Channel 4

SUNDAY 9 MARCH:

1400-1800 – Channel 4

1900-2100 – Channel 4 Crufts 2025: Best in Show live.

(*Please note, times subject to change)
 

In addition to breed class judging, visitors can enjoy watching some of the world’s finest dogs and handlers in action across a range of disciplines including agility, obedience, heelwork to music, flyball and the popular hoopers display, returning for its second year.

The Obedience Championships for bitches will be held on Saturday, with dogs competing on Sunday. In Agility, the Intermediate and Large Championships take place on Thursday while the Small and Medium Championships are on the Sunday.

Other highlights in the BP Pulse LIVE arena include The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award, celebrating dogs that provide lifetime service, support, love and devotion, and the final of the nation’s favourite crossbreed competition, Scruffts.

Tom Mather, Crufts Chairman, said: “We are delighted that the show continues to draw a large overseas entry, proving its worldwide appeal.

“Crufts would not be Crufts without our exhibitors. We thank everybody who has entered the show and look forward to welcoming all dogs and their owners who make Crufts such a wonderful event, whether it is those who have been loyally returning year after year, or those who are experiencing the show for the first time.

“Crufts offers something for everyone and the show is set to be a wonderful showcase of our much loved dogs, exciting canine activities and our fantastic and committed community.”

Click here to view a full list of entries in each breed.

For daily and Best in Show tickets, visit the Crufts website.

For details of TV coverage and live streaming from the show visit the how to watch Crufts page.

THE FUTURE OF THE PROVISION OF TRAINING FOR DOG TRAINING INSTRUCTORS

Following a comprehensive review of The Kennel Club Accredited Instructor scheme (KCAI), The Kennel Club has gained valuable feedback from its members through questionnaires and focus groups. While the KCAI scheme has proven valuable, the review identified opportunities to enhance instructing standards to better serve the wider dog training community. Consequently, the current KCAI scheme will close in its current format by September 2025 for members who have not achieved accreditation.

The closure of the scheme for new accreditations is part of The Kennel Club’s ongoing work to overhaul its dog training programme, aiming to improve standards across a broader range and ensure consistency and compliance. Accredited KCAI members who are currently active will remain part of the network and retain their qualifications, provided they stay up to date with their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).  Members working towards accreditation who have completed any of the online modules before 15 January 2025 will be given the opportunity to complete their accreditation within a set timeframe, subject to meeting the required accreditation criteria. Those members who have not completed any online modules by this date will retain their annual membership until their subscription expires.

Helen Kerfoot, Chief Canine Health, Activities and Events Officer, commented: “The Kennel Club is deeply committed to providing the best training through our network of Kennel Club Accredited Instructors and dog training clubs.

“Our objective is to support these instructors and enhance their skills and knowledge, ensuring they maintain high standards and provide good quality training for dog owners. Dog training and its provision by instructors is something that The Kennel Clubremains strongly committed to.

“We greatly value the commitment and dedication of our current KCAI scheme members. We know that within the scheme our members are strongly committed to their work, and we look forward to working closely with them in the future.”

The Kennel Club continues to hold valuable discussions with Defra and other UK administrations to help safeguard and maintain high standards in the dog training industry. 

The decision, although difficult, has been made to ensure its services provide a clear standard for both instructors and dog training clubs to support dog owners.

The Kennel Club will be contacting all KCAI members in due course with further details.  For any enquiries, please contact kcaiteam@thekennelclub.org.uk.

THE KENNEL CLUB HOSTS FREE BLOAT WEBINAR FOR DOG OWNERS

As part of its health webinar series, The Kennel Club is hosting a free webinar for owners, breeders and veterinary professionals who would like to find out more about gastric dilation-volvulus syndrome (GDV), otherwise known as bloat, in dogs.

The webinar is taking place via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday 12 November, from 7:00pm to 8:30pm, and will explore what research has told found to date including causes, breed susceptibilities, symptoms, diagnostic approaches, possible treatment options, and what future research could teach us. Those interested in attending the webinar can register here.

The webinar will include a one-hour presentation from Professor Mark Dunning, an expert from the University of Nottingham, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session, giving attendees a chance to put forward their queries and experiences for discussion (questions can also be pre-submitted at the time of registration).

Bloat is an acute, life-threatening condition where air accumulates rapidly in the stomach, causing a sharp rise in pressure that can lead to shock. There are many risk factors associated with the development of bloat, including breed or type, with large and giant breeds more commonly affected. More information about bloat in dogs can be found at thekennelclub.org.uk/bloat.

The Kennel Club’s health-focused webinar series has so far explored other canine conditions such as epilepsy, colour dilution alopecia, osteosarcoma and haemangiosarcoma, as well as the science of DNA testing for health, with experts, researchers, owners and breeders. The webinars aim to raise awareness of various canine health concerns, explore research and future studies, improve diagnosis and outlook, and support dogs affected with the condition, and their owners. Past webinars can be watched on The Kennel Club’s YouTube channel.

The Kennel Club takes insights from its health data and feeds them into its Breed Health and Conservation plans, so that it can work with breeders to give information and guidance about how to ensure the future health of pedigree breeds. These plans, which enable The Kennel Club to track progress and make meaningful changes to breed health, have been developed as a result of reviewing more than 4,000 research papers, making the project the most comprehensive review of pedigree health data anywhere in the world. More information about what the organisation does for dog health is available at thekennelclub.org.uk/health.

FIREWORKS SEASON SEES 81% INCREASE IN DOGS GOING MISSING

Three in five dog owners say they want Government action or a ban, as a third of our nation’s canines ‘terrified’ of fireworks

Statistics released today (27 October), by dog welfare organisation The Kennel Club, show a sharp increase in dogs going missing during fireworks season, and highlights the significant stress and negative impact that fireworks displays cause for thousands of UK canine companions.

The research also reveals that three in five (60%) dog owners believe fireworks should be banned if the Government fails to take action on reducing the harmful effects that these can have on pets, while as many as four in five (80%) owners notice significant changes in their dog’s behaviour during fireworks. These behaviour changes, which are a common sign of stress, include unusual, excessive barking (29%), shivering and trembling (28%), hiding under various surfaces and avoiding contact (27%), howling and crying (18%) and excessive panting (18%).

And it is not just concerning behavioural changes, as 80% of owners also notice changes in their dog’s mood:

  • 30% of owners believe their four-legged friend is terrified of fireworks
  • 40% of owners notice their dog is scared
  • And 52% say fireworks makes their dog anxious

Missing pet data from Petlog, one of the UK’s largest lost and found pet databases run by The Kennel Club, also shows 81% more dogs were reported missing by their owners during the two weeks of November 2023 which saw Bonfire Night and Diwali (30 October – 13 November), compared to the previous two weeks.

This year sees Diwali celebrations beginning this week, from 31 October and over the weekend – followed by Bonfire Night on 5 November. Both of these celebrations can be accompanied by bright and loud fireworks displays, which can negatively affect the behaviour of the UK’s pets, causing some to escape or run away due to distress and fear, with more than one in ten (13%) owners reporting their dog has attempted to flee during fireworks.

Because of the ongoing negative impacts of unregulated fireworks on the nation’s pets, The Kennel Club, alongside other welfare organisations, is urging Government to conduct a review of legislation with an event in Parliament this week. The organisation will recommend to MPs and decision-makers that fireworks be restricted to licensed events only, that the maximum decibel limit of fireworks is lowered in order to reduce harm cause to animals and vulnerable groups, and suggest the introduction of a fixed penalty notice system for the misuse of fireworks.

Charlotte McNamara, Head of Health at The Kennel Club, said: “The unfamiliar sights and sounds of fireworks, including loud bangs, flashes of light and strange vibrations can be really distressing for dogs, as this research shows. Alongside thousands of dogs showing clear signs of fear during displays, there are also devastating longer-term consequences, with pets going missing and running away.

“The element of surprise is a key issue for owners and dogs. If owners can anticipate fireworks, they can manage their pet’s distress in a way that works for their dog, and we’re asking Government to recognise this and review legislation to better control their use.

“Whilst we urge policy-makers to consider our recommendations to protect dog welfare, we are also urging caution from owners this fireworks season. Every dog will react differently to fireworks and it is really important that owners know what do to and how they can help their four-legged friend, and keep them safe.”

To try and help dogs to get through fireworks season, The Kennel Club has created a Spotify playlist for owners to get their dogs used to the unusually loud noises. This can be played at home on a very low volume for a short amount of time to start with, and owners can slowly build up to avoid causing any distress. If your dog does start showing signs of distress, stop immediately, and seek help from a qualified dog trainer or behaviourist.

Of course, owners should also remember that there are multiple elements of fireworks which can trigger fear, from cracks and whistles to loud bangs, vibrations, flashing lights and the strong smells in the air. Whilst playing these sounds may help most dogs, it is not the complete remedy, and further advice from experts at The Kennel Club includes:

  • Making a safe space for your pet filled with their favourite toys and blankets. You could drape a thick duvet over the top of it to make it more soundproof, but make sure that it’s secure and can’t fall on to your dog
  • Shutting all the doors and windows, and keeping curtains closed to block the flashing lights
  • Distracting your dog or trying to drown out the sounds by keeping the TV or radio switched on, or a washing machine or tumble drier which gives off vibrations
  • Checking where and when displays are being held in your local area.  Also ask your neighbours to let you know if they are planning a private display 
  • Quietly and affectionately acknowledging your dog’s calm and settled behaviour during fireworks
  • Keeping your pet’s microchip details up to date makes it easier to reunite you with your dog, in case they run away or escape
  • Trying to act and behave as normal – your dog will pick up on any unusual behaviour. Remain calm, happy and cheerful as this will send positive signals to your dog
  • Think about walking your dog when it’s light during fireworks season, so it’s easier to avoid any nearby displays frightening your dog whilst you’re out.

More information and advice on how to help dogs to stay safe and comfortable during the fireworks season, as well as the organisation’s policy recommendations, is available via The Kennel Club’s website. To check if your pet’s microchip details are up to date, visit the Petlog website.