Breed Watch serves as an 'early warning system' to protect the health and welfare of show dogs. It raises awareness of specific concerns, helps breed show judges prioritise health and welfare in their decisions, and collects vital data to monitor and address visible health issues effectively.
Category 1 breeds are those with no visible health concerns linked to conformation. These breeds require standard monitoring but do not currently exhibit exaggerated features that raise concerns in the show ring.
Judges should continue to assess dogs against the breed standard while remaining vigilant for any emerging health or welfare issues. Regular monitoring helps ensure the ongoing well-being of these breeds.
For judges with upcoming appointments, the Judges’ Health Monitoring Form Tally Sheet can be downloaded here. This tool is designed to assist judges in tracking any concerns observed during their appointment, however, it does not need to be returned to The Kennel Club.