- Learn online at home 24/7, including with new films for 7 extra breeds!
- Wealth of resources including judge education in a number of disciplines. Other areas cover canine health, breeding and training
The most recent of the breed-specific films to be launched is the Bedlington Terrier, which is now live, with the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Lagotto Romagnolo, Afghan Hound, Polish Lowland Sheepdog, Australian Shepherd and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel having also been added in recent months. This brings the total number of breeds with films on The Kennel Club Academy to 37.
The Kennel Club Academy has a wealth of resources covering not only judge education in a number of disciplines, e.g. agility, obedience and working trials, but also other areas of the dog world including health, breeding and training.
All the breed-specific presentations and films have been developed by experts in their breeds in collaboration with The Kennel Club and offer users an insight into their knowledge and experience. The learning resources provide a thorough introduction to the breeds, including their history, breed standard, a ‘nose to tail’ overview and movement in the show ring.
Giving her personal observations of the breed for the Bedlington Terrier is breed expert, Jacqui Hurley; for the Chesapeake Bay Retriever it is Christine Mayhew; the Lagotto Romagnolo, Gael Stenton; the Afghan Hound, Roberta Hall; the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, Diane Mottram; the Australian Shepherd, Angie Challenger; and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the late Rob Sansom.
The resources provide pre-course learning ahead of attendance at a breed appreciation day and undertaking an assessment. It also provides Academy users with an opportunity to update their knowledge of breeds from breed experts.
Other breeds currently available to view online include: the Beagle, Bloodhound, Border Collie, Border Terrier, Boxer, Bull Terrier, Chow Chow, Dachshund, Dalmatian, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, English Setter, Eurasier, Golden Retriever, Griffon Bruxellois, Italian Greyhound, Japanese Shiba Inu, Keeshond, Labrador Retriever, Manchester Terrier, Norwegian Buhund, Otterhound, Pekingese, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Pomeranian, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Schipperke, Scottish Terrier, Siberian Husky, Tibetan Spaniel and Whippet.
Pam Marston-Pollock, well-known dog breeder and judge, said: “I eagerly await each breed film release, as where else can you access such specialised breed information? We are fortunate our breed experts are willing to share their depth of knowledge as well as their obvious love for their breeds, thus encouraging a high quality and unique learning opportunity. The experts have something for everyone and each presentation is delivered in a practical way and it’s free of charge! Whether you're starting out, experienced, an owner, exhibitor, breeder, judge or just simply interested to learn more, this is for you.
“As a breed speaker and Kennel Club Accredited Trainer, it is so reassuring to have the Kennel Club Academy's support with such resources. Prior to seminars the film can be viewed by candidates who now have the benefit of a firm grounding to build further knowledge and understanding. I'm not technically-minded but even I can access the films online very easily. I dip in and out of the resources at my own pace and I often watch the films over and over to absorb as much as possible or pick up on different points. The new releases will be an excellent addition to the collection.”
Among the breeds planned to have films released in the coming months include: the Basset Fauve De Bretagne, Basset Hound, Cairn Terrier, Curly Coated Retriever, Finnish Lapphund, Finnish Spitz, German Pinscher, German Shorthaired Pointer, Gordon Setter, Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla, King Charles Spaniel, Lancashire Heeler, Newfoundland, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Tibetan Terrier and Weimaraner.
Led by The Kennel Club’s Training Board, The Kennel Club Academy is an online learning resource for breeders, judges, The Kennel Club Accredited Instructor scheme members and anyone with an active interest in dogs. A range of learning resources, films and assessments is available, sharing insight and guidance from professionals and experts in their respective fields.
Gerald King, Chairman of The Kennel Club Training Board, said: "We are happy to announce the addition of another seven breed films to The Kennel Club Academy, with more to follow in the coming months. These films are a valuable resource for those within the breed, judges and those working towards becoming a judge as well as dog breeders.
“The Training Board is keen to develop this area into an online library of films with multiple films for a breed, so breed clubs are invited to give serious consideration to collaborating with The Kennel Club for the creation of a film on their breed. Thanks to all those involved in the development processes, aiding in a proactive and full approach to their judges’ education and the future of the breed. We hope to resume filming towards the end of 2022, following a break caused by the pandemic, so we look forward to adding many more breeds to this long-term project.”
To access The Kennel Club Academy, please log into your account on The Kennel Club website. Then simply select ‘Academy’ from the list of tasks on your dashboard.
Please direct any queries regarding The Kennel Club Academy to (Academy) The Kennel Club