| Shar Pei reclassified on KC Breed Watch
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Issue: 01/12/2017
The Kennel Club has announced the reclassification of the Shar Pei, from category three to category two of its Breed Watch system, with immediate effect.
The reclassification follows a recommendation from the Kennel Club Dog Health Group, which is made up of independent vets, dog experts, canine researchers and welfare organisations, and means that Shar Pei BOB winners or those winning their third CC will no longer require a veterinary health check at championship dog shows.
The health of the breed will continue to be monitored by the Kennel Club, and the health co-ordinator for the breed will still be required to submit a comprehensive annual breed health report. In addition they will work with the Kennel Club as a key contributor to the 'Breed Health and Conservation Plan' for the Shar Pei. Dog show judges will also continue to submit mandatory health monitoring forms after each championship appointment.
The reclassification will be reviewed in twelve months' time and progress of the breed will be continually monitored via the Kennel Club's Breed Watch system.
The decision to reclassify the Shar Pei from category three was made by the Kennel Club Board following a recommendation from the Kennel Club Dog Health Group, which has been following the health of the breed and discussing the health initiatives with a Shar Pei representative.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: 'We would like to commend the dedication, passion and commitment of Shar Pei breeders, owners and dog show exhibitors for their enthusiasm and engagement in improving health. Their efforts have had a very real impact on the health of the breed.
'The Shar Pei community has sufficiently demonstrated to the Kennel Club their dedication in ensuring involvement in all health initiatives undertaken by the breed. The Kennel Club will continue to work closely with breed representatives and offer support and advice with ongoing health and welfare initiatives.'
Heather Morris, health coordinator for the Shar Pei breed, said: 'It is fantastic news for Shar Pei breeders and owners who have been, and are still continuing to improve the health and wellbeing of this wonderful breed.
'We are thankful to the Kennel Club for its support and we appreciate knowing that it will be there in the future to help support us in improving the health of Shar Peis.'
The Shar Pei is the sixth breed to be reclassified from category three to category two on Breed Watch. There are now nine breeds which remain on the Kennel Club's list of category three breeds: Bloodhound, Bulldog, Dogue de Bordeaux, German Shepherd Dog, Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Pekingese, Pug and St Bernard. For more information on Breed Watch and the guidance given to category three breeds, please visit www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breedwatch.
