The Kennel Club has announced the reclassification of the Basset Hound, from category three to category two of its Breed Watch system, with effect from 1st January 2017.
The reclassification follows a recommendation from the Kennel Club Dog Health Group, and means that Basset Hound best of breed winners or those winning their third challenge certificate will no longer require a veterinary health check at championship shows.
The Kennel Club will continue to monitor the health of the breed, and the Breed Health Co-ordinator for the breed will still be required to submit a comprehensive annual breed health report each year. In addition they will work with the Kennel Club as a key contributor to the Breed Health and Conservation Plan for Basset Hounds. Judges will also continue to submit mandatory health monitoring forms after each championship appointment.
For more information on Breed Watch and the guidance given to category three breeds, please visit The Kennel Club website. Alternatively, more information regarding Basset Hound health and welfare initiatives can be found on the Basset Hound Health Group website.