A Welfare Standard for breeders and owners
Ensuring the wellbeing of dogs: The Kennel Club Welfare Standard
The Kennel Club has recently published a comprehensive Welfare Standard to ensure that all dogs and puppies are raised in safe, healthy, and caring environments. This blog post delves into the key elements of the Kennel Club's Welfare Standard and its implications for breeders and dog owners.
Purpose of the Welfare Standard
The Kennel Club's welfare standard aims to provide a framework for breeders to follow, ensuring that they adhere to legal and ethical breeding practices. By using the Kennel Club's registration services, breeders agree to comply with this standard, which is based on the five freedoms outlined in the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The 5 Freedoms apply to all dog owners, not just breeders. These freedoms are:
1. A Suitable Environment: Dogs must be provided with a clean, safe, and comfortable living space.
2. A Suitable Diet: Dogs should receive a balanced diet appropriate for their age, breed, and activity level.
3. The Ability to Exhibit Normal Behaviour: Dogs must be allowed to engage in natural behaviours and activities.
4. Socialisation with or Isolation from other Dogs: Depending on the dog's needs, it should have opportunities for socialisation or isolation, as appropriate.
5. Protection from Pain, Suffering, Injury, and Disease: Dogs should be safeguarded against any form of harm and receive prompt veterinary care when needed.
Legal Requirements
Breeders must comply with all relevant laws, including the Animal Welfare Act 2006, compulsory microchipping, consumer protection regulations, and specific dog breeding regulations that vary across the UK. Breeder licensing requirements also differ by country, and it is the breeder's responsibility to ensure they follow local rules. Key regulations from the Kennel Club include:
1. No Breeding from a Bitch That Has Had Two Caesarean Sections: To prevent health complications, bitches that have undergone two caesarean sections should not be bred again.
2. No Breeding from a Bitch Over Eight Years Old: Breeding older bitches can pose significant health risks, so they should not be bred past this age.
3. No Mating of a Bitch Under 12 Months Old: Young bitches are not physically or mentally mature enough for breeding.
4. No Close Inbreeding: Breeding between close relatives, such as father-daughter or brother-sister, is prohibited to prevent genetic disorders.
5. A Bitch Must Not Give Birth to More Than Four Litters in Total: Limiting the number of litters helps ensure the health and well-being of the bitch.
Welfare Expectations
The Kennel Club outlines several "do's" and "don'ts" for breeders to follow:
Do’s:
- Ensure All Healthy Puppies Are Placed in Suitable Homes: Breeders should carefully vet potential owners to ensure they can provide a loving and suitable environment for the puppies.
- Avoid Inbreeding: Using best practices and the inbreeding coefficient (COI) calculator can help maintain genetic diversity.
- Plan for Whelping: Proper housing and whelping facilities, along with adequate nutrition and monitoring for complications, are essential for the health of the bitch and puppies.
- Provide Suitable Accommodation: Dogs should have access to a clean, comfortable, and safe living space, with regular opportunities for exercise.
- General Care: Regular grooming, parasite checks, fresh water, appropriate exercise, and prompt veterinary care are crucial for the well-being of the dogs.
- Socialisation and Habituation: Puppies should be socialised and habituated to various environments and situations before being sold.
Don’ts:
- Don’t Create Demand for or Supply Puppies with Illegally Altered Ears or Tails: Ear cropping and tail docking are illegal and unethical practices.
- Don’t Breed Dogs Likely to Pass on Detrimental Health Traits: Responsible breeding involves selecting dogs with good health and temperament.
- Don’t Keep More Dogs Than You Can Properly Care For: Breeders should ensure they have the resources to provide adequate care for all their dogs.
- Don’t Allow a Bitch to Whelp More Than One Litter Per Year: Overbreeding can negatively impact the health of the bitch and her puppies.
- Don’t Allow Euthanasia to Be Performed by Any Person Other Than a Qualified Vet: Euthanasia should only be carried out by a professional to ensure it is done humanely.
In summary
The Kennel Club Welfare Standard sets a clear expectation for dog breeders, emphasising the importance of legal and ethical breeding practices. By adhering to this standard, breeders can ensure that their dogs and puppies are raised in environments that prioritise their health, well-being, and happiness. As dog lovers and responsible breeders, it is our duty to uphold these standards and contribute to the betterment of canine welfare.
For more information or assistance with any part of the Welfare Standard, visit the Kennel Club's website. You can read the full Welfare Standard here (https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/about-us/about-the-kennel-club/the-kennel-club-codes/welfare-standard/).
DHUK Supporting Breeders
Dachshund Health UK is dedicated to supporting breeders and owners in their efforts to improve the lives of all Dachshunds. We offer guidance, resources and support to help breeders and owners comply with the welfare standard and raise puppies in healthy, loving environments.
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