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CHANGES ARE COMING TO LIAISON COUNCILS

The Kennel Club has announced a change to its liaison council structure and application process as part of its ongoing commitment to improve representation across canine activities, and it has been agreed that there will be seven dedicated liaison councils moving forward. Each council will represent one of the following activities: Dog Showing, Agility, Obedience, Field Trials, Working Trials, Heelwork to Music, and Rally. Each council will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of their respective area.

In a significant development, The Kennel Club will be transitioning from a nomination-based process to an application-based process for the selection of Liaison Council representatives (with the exception of Field Trials that will remain on a club nomination system). This shift is designed to improve transparency, promote inclusivity, and allow for the appointment of individuals based on relevant skills, experience, and expertise. We believe this approach will result in stronger, more effective representation across our activities.

The Kennel Club will be dissolving the Breed Liaison Council.  Additionally, the current Show Liaison Council will be dissolved, with a new Dog Show Liaison Council established later this year.

Breed-related issues that were previously managed through the Council will be handled through more direct and efficient channels.  Where appropriate, Kennel Club teams can now respond to queries and resolve issues more quickly by phone or email, providing faster outcomes and a better service for the community.

The Kennel Club is also continuing to look at ways to understand the experiences of dog breeders across our community and we hope to be able to share further updates on this shortly. Breeders are welcome to contact us via hbs@thekennelclub.org.uk or Breeder.Development@thekennelclub.org.uk. To find out where to direct breed-related queries, please visit the release on the website thekennelclub.org.uk/liaisoncouncilchange.

Helen Kerfoot, Chief Canine Officer at The Kennel Club said, “The decision to evolve our structure is to reduce overlap and ensure the right voices can represent each activity. 

“The restructure and new application process are just the first steps. While we pilot the new approach, we will keep working on improving how we do things and supporting our representatives so they can connect and communicate well with their communities.

“We believe this new structure will result in more responsive, informed, and effective governance, helping us support the continued growth and success of dog activities.”

The Kennel Club will begin the process with a pilot program for heelwork to music which will help test and refine the application processes. Those involved in the HTM activity will be approached directly and it is hoped that this pilot will provide valuable insights before a full-scale rollout to other areas later in the year.

For further information please contact activities@thekennelclub.org.uk.

KENNEL CLUB WELCOMES RETURN OF PET PASSPORTS

The Kennel Club has welcomed the announcement that pet passports will return, as part of the UK-EU trade deal.

Dr Ed Hayes, Head of Public Affairs at The Kennel Club said: “We thoroughly support the reintroduction of the pet passport system, meaning that dogs travelling from the UK will no longer need animal health certificates for every trip – which have proved to be both costly and burdensome for pet owners, and something we have continued to raise concerns about with Government officials in the UK.

“This is a very positive step and we thank all those MPs who have kept pet travel high on the agenda with the EU, and helped to deliver a solution for dog owners.”

Further information about The Kennel Club’s campaign to ensure smooth pet travel post-Brexit is available on the organisation’s website: thekennelclub.org.uk/brexit. 

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.