Following Crufts entries opening last week, The Kennel Club has provided an update regarding the Respiratory Function Grading (RFG) scheme entry criteria for Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Pugs.
To continue to ensure that dog shows remain an effective platform to monitor and improve dog health, the new health-related entry requirement for Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Pugs will apply as follows:
- Mandatory RFG scheme assessment for entry: All Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Pugs exceeding 14 calendar months on the first day of the show (6 March 2025) will require an RFG scheme assessment to attend. This requirement applies to all dogs attending the show, not just individual classes. Dogs assessed as Grade 3 will be excluded and not allowed to attend the show.
- Age requirement: Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Pugs exceeding 14 months on the first day of the show will require a valid RFG scheme assessment certificate issued within 24 months prior to the show’s start date. Dogs aged 7 years or older will not require an RFG scheme assessment dated within the last 24 months, provided they have undergone at least one RFG Scheme assessment in their lifetime.
- International exhibitors: Overseas exhibitors must also meet the same RFG scheme requirements as UK exhibitors. Assessments conducted in RFG scheme licensed countries by approved assessors will be accepted. If an overseas RFG scheme certificate is unavailable, exhibitors must arrange for an assessment before the show. Testing facilities will be provided at The Kennel Club Building, Stoneleigh Park on Wednesday 5 March and Thursday 6 March 2025. Exhibitors must book an appointment in advance by contacting Health (The Kennel Club)
- Certificate upload: All exhibitors of Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Pugs must upload an RFG scheme certificate for dogs exceeding 14 calendar months to their Fosse Data account. Certificates must be valid and up-to-date for the day of the show. Once uploaded, the certificate will be sent to The Kennel Club for validation. Exhibitors will be notified as soon as possible if their certificate has been approved or rejected.
- Entry process: Once a certificate is approved, exhibitors may proceed with their entry.
The criteria is included within the show schedule and the certificate validation system is available on the Fosse Data website. The Kennel Club would like to urge exhibitors to upload certificates as early as possible to avoid delays. While it aims to review all certificates within 24 working hours, approval times may vary depending on demand closer to the entry closing date.
The Kennel Club is pleased to offer free Respiratory Function Grading (RFG) scheme assessments for Bulldog, French Bulldog, and Pug exhibitors at Crufts again this year. While RFG assessments are not mandatory for dogs aged between 12 to 14 months on the day of the show, The Kennel Club strongly encourages exhibitors to utilise the free testing facilities available during the event. The free RFG scheme assessments for these breeds will be available on Friday 8 March, and appointments will be booked on the day on a first-come, first-served basis. For further information, please contact
Health (The Kennel Club)