THE KENNEL CLUB has written this week to the German Shepherd Dog breed council, following a letter from the council asking for a chance to negociate a resolution to the 2012 CC allocation withdrawal.

In the same letter, the breed council also asked for an extension to the March 31 deadline, when the contract between clubs and the KC must be signed.

The KC has ruled that to be considered for 2012 CCs, all GSD breed clubs and general and group championship show societies previously allocated CCs have to sign a formal undertaking to abide by certain conditions for all future shows with immediate effect.

A total of 25 breed clubs were represented at a breed council meeting recently, at which there was open discussion on the KC’s directive.

Immediately following the meeting, chairman John Cullen wrote to the KC saying that the vast majority of the clubs felt that item nine of the contract – that clubs would not hold events under the rules or regulations of any organisation other than the KC – was ‘an unreasonable and disproportionate restriction’. It is understood that clubs would like the option of holding events under the auspices of the World Union of GSD Associations (WUSV).

In the letter, mr Cullen wrote: ‘Our clubs have asked the breed council to try to negotiate a resolution. The breed council is sure that we can come to a satisfactory solution for all parties with a little give and take.

‘We realise that more time may be needed for you to discuss this with your General Committee and that they will be busy with Crufts. The breed council would like to ask for an extension to your deadline of March 31 to allow for more discussion.’

In a letter from Kathryn Symns, KC Executive – Canine Activities, the KC expressed its concern that the council was unhappy with Clause 9 of the Undertaking which states as follows: “The Club confirms that it will act in good faith with the Kennel Club on all matters including confirmation that it will not, without the express permission of the Kennel Club, run any events under the rules or regulations of any organisation other than the Kennel Club.”

Justifiable

In her letter, Ms Symms said of the Clause: ‘This was, we believe justifiably, inserted in the light of the fact that at least one Kennel Club registered GSD breed club which enjoys the privilege of awarding Kennel Club Challenge Certificates had, without even the courtesy of discussing this with the Kennel Club, already agreed to hold a regional show in the style of the SV.

‘You will be aware that the Kennel Club has a record of having worked in the past to accommodate breed clubs and lend its support to the British Sieger Show on a moderated basis, as well as approving Branches wishing to specialise in SV type training. This was done in conjunction with clubs working in good faith with the Kennel Club.

‘We would like therefore to understand why the Breed Council expects the Kennel Club to allocate its Challenge Certificates to clubs which a) are reluctant to act in good faith with it, or which b)might wish to go off and work with another ‘ruling body’ without let or hindrance.

‘The Kennel Club’s current position is that it appreciates that clubs may indeed wish to work with the SV or the WUSV but believes that in doing so unilaterally such clubs choose therefore to relinquish the privilege of benefitting from the Kennel Club’s own top award – the Kennel Club Challenge Certificate.

‘In view of the above comments we do not see any reason to extend the current 31st March deadline.

Education

The letter continued: ‘We are aware that the Council intends to organise a Judge’s Seminar and we have offered available dates at the Kennel Club Building direct to Sheila. The education of GSD judges on unsoundness in the hindquarters and in particular the hocks is paramount to improving this aspect of the breed’s conformation. The Undertaking requires each club to satisfy itself that the education provided to its judges covers these particular points properly and with clarity. All judges whether previously approved or new must understand the part they play in improving the soundness of the GSD through only rewarding dogs in the show ring which have the soundest hindquarters and hocks. The show ring is recognised as the most effective way of improving any breed’s conformation.

‘During this education, judges will need to understand the importance of basic dog conformation and movement in the first instance and then apply that to the conformation of the GSD with particular reference to the hindquarters and hocks.

‘The details of this part of the judges’ education will also be of use to clubs when briefing judges prior to each show on their health and welfare responsibilities particularly in regard to soundness of conformation; which is as you are aware another condition included in the Undertaking.
‘The Kennel Club has a great deal of experience in organising judges’ education seminars and as previously stated would be pleased to assist the Council.’

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