THE   NORTHERN  KING  CHARLES  SPANIEL  CLUB

Established 1907

HON. SECRETARY :                                                PATRON ;   MR JOHN CASTLE                                         HON. TREASURER :

MRS PAMELA HEALY-GATES                                PRESIDENT;  MRS GILLIAN SMITH                              MRS MEA KENDALL

THE COACH HOUSE                                               CHAIRMAN ; MR STEPHEN SMITH                              2A ALCESTER ROAD

CHACOMBE PRIORY                                                                                                                                         LICKEY END

BANBURY, OXEN OX17 2AW                                                                                                                        BROMSGROVE B60 1JX

TEL  :  07805 542839                                                                                                                                          TEL; 07973  539478                                                                                                   

December 2023

                                                  

NOTICE  OF 

ANNUAL  GENERAL MEETING

Dear Member,

It is intended to hold the Annual General Meeting for 2024 at Grenoside Community Centre, Main Street, Grenoside Sheffield on Saturday 16th March 2024 at 10.30 a.m. Renewal subscriptions are due on the 1st January 2024, and should be sent to the Hon. Treasurer.     Membership subscriptions are as follows:  

 Single  –  £10.00           Joint  –  £12.00    Overseas  –  £16.00.

   No business shall be conducted at the A.G.M. unless notice thereof appears on the agenda or at the discretion of the Chairman.  The Hon. Secretary must receive items for inclusion on the Agenda for 2024 in writing no later than Saturday, 3rd February 2024, otherwise they will not be accepted.  Nominations are invited for committee members who must have been a fully paid up member of the Club for at least two years.

The Hon.Secretary must receive written nominations for Officers and Committee no later than Saturday, 3rd February 2024.  Nominations must be proposed and seconded in writing and be accompanied by a letter from the nominee stating that he/she would be willing to serve if elected.   All nominees must have been a member of the Club for at least two years.   Voting papers will only be sent to fully paid-up members as at the 1st February 2024.   

The following committee members are due for re-election by rotation but are willing to stand for a further period.  

Officers           –     Pam Healy-Gates                 

Committee      –     John Goodwin, Trish Potter                                        

Yours sincerely

Pamela Healy-Gates

Pamela Healy-Gates

Hon. Secretary         

PLEASE NOTE THE NEW BANK ACCOUNT DETAILS
CHEQUES SHOULD BE MADE OUT TO
THE NORTHERN KING CHARLES SPANIEL CLUB AND SENT TO ;
MRS MEA KENDALL (HON.TREASURER)
2A ALCESTER ROAD, LICKEY END
BROMSGROVE B60 1JX

OR BY BANK TRANSFER TO
LLOYDS BANK
SORT CODE. 30-99-50
ACCOUNT NUMBER. 60355768

KING CHARLES SPANIELS – THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE CHAMPIONS

The Northern King Charles Spaniel Club, in collaboration with Paul Bennett, have put together a booklet highlighting the relationship between the King Charles Spaniel Champions. It takes each significant sire progenitor, from whom it shows all its descendent champions and the relationship between them, carrying on up to, for the longest line, nine generations. They will be available for sale at Crufts on the Club Stall and at the Championship Show on Sunday the 30th April for the price of £2. They can be purchased in advance but if postage is required then that will need to be paid in addition to the £2.

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THE 2024 AGM IS TO BE HELD AT GRENOSIDE COMMUNITY CENTRE , GRENOSIDE, NR SHEFFIELD, S35 8PR

DATE: SATURDAY 16TH MARCH 2024 AT 10.30 A M

WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT

 

The Club accounts will be available on request from the Treasurer, Mea Kendall, by email or post fourteen days prior to the AGM

Data Retention Policy- click here

If members have any items for sale please contact the secretary in the first instance.

 2) Letter from the KC about brachycephalic breeds

Dear Mrs Smith

Following the news from the Netherlands about brachycephalic breeds, we wanted to get in touch with the relevant breeds clubs to let you know the Kennel Club’s position on the matter, and what we are doing to improve brachycephalic health. Much of this is about working together, as we have done with many of the brachycephalic breed clubs already, and hope to continue to do so to monitor, protect and improve the health of dogs.

The Kennel Club shares many of the concerns that we know you will have and does not believe that the blanket approach taken by the Netherlands government is the solution. We know from the Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome (BOAS) research that was commenced around ten years ago by the University of Cambridge (funded by the Kennel Club Charitable Trust), that there are multiple factors that lead to BOAS in some of the brachycephalic breeds, and that this condition is far more complex than has been suggested.

There is currently no evidence that just creating a longer nose, even if possible in the way proposed, would solve the problems and could potentially introduce other health and welfare concerns. The University of Cambridge research shows clearly that other issues, for example, soft tissue, neck girth and length and nostril opening, can have a greater influence on BOAS than simple nose length. We hope that this research can be extended to other brachycephalic breeds – where necessary – to build the evidence-base on the condition so it can be better understood, and to enable us to find effective solutions.

We also know that breed bans do not work – we have seen this in the UK where attempts were made in 1991 with the Dangerous Dogs act. This has simply served to drive the breeding of these dogs underground, leading to large numbers of unregistered animals where it is impossible to reach the breeders or buyers of these dogs and attempt to influence them. It also can further fuel the health and welfare crisis of illegally bred and imported dogs. While a full breed ban hasn’t been accepted in the Netherlands, we do have some similar concerns regarding the current approach which may force  away the very breeders that are trying to make improvements, and  could instead encourage more irresponsible underground breeding as such laws can be hard to enforce. The outcome could see an increase in the very issues the legislation seeks to address.

The Kennel Club believes the most effective approach is to continue to work collaboratively to find evidence-based solutions. For example, the Kennel Club/University of Cambridge Respiratory Function Grading Scheme, which was launched by the Kennel Club last year, enables vets to identify Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs at risk of BOAS, provides breeders and owners with the best available information and advice to make informed decisions, and informs ongoing research into BOAS. This Scheme is the strongest mechanism we have to demonstrate our commitment to tackling BOAS within the breeds, and further to demonstrate that this community as a whole is committed to the health and welfare of its dogs. It also can provide evidence that brachycephalic dogs can lead happy, healthy lives when their health and welfare is made the priority when breeding.

Participation in the RFG scheme is compulsory for Kennel Club Assured Breeders and we urge all breeders of Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs, regardless of whether they register their dogs with the Kennel Club, to participate in the scheme. We are also working internationally and are developing a license agreement so the Respiratory Function Grading Scheme can be used by overseas Kennel Clubs and organisations – with the aim of helping to improve the health of BOAS-affected dogs globally whilst collecting further data on the condition. We are working hard to make this Scheme available to more brachycephalic breeds and would expect this to be discussed with each individual breed as part of its Breed Health and Conservation Plan.

Collaboration is vital, The Kennel Club instigated the Brachycephalic Working Group (BWG) in 2016, which is made up of vets, BOAS academics and researchers, welfare organisations and breed clubs. The BWG recognises the complex nature of the issues faced by brachycephalic breeds and aims to research, understand and take evidence-based action to reduce and ultimately eliminate the health problems that these breeds can face, and to educate uninformed puppy buyers and breeders who place looks over health. Attempting to clamp down on breeding is not the best approach, and the group seeks to work with those both inside and outside of the breeding “industry” and the Kennel Club registration system to help solve these multifaceted issues.

The Kennel Club continues to urge those who are committed to improving their breed’s health to make informed choices when breeding, and to use the tools and facilities available to them, such as the RFG Scheme or Breed Club health schemes. These health schemes are vital to create a strong evidence-base on the health conditions which can be related to brachycephaly, so that effective solutions can be found to improve and protect the health of our much-loved dogs.

If you have any questions about the Kennel Club’s work to improve brachycephalic health, or want to discuss what your breed club can do, please email health@thekennelclub.org.uk.

Together we really can make a difference for dogs.

Best wishes, Bill Lambert, Head of Health and Welfare at the Kennel Club

3)

CLARIFICATION OF ‘GRANDFATHER RIGHTS’ FOR ESTABLISHED JUDGES

  • Recognition of judging and assessments already undertaken
  • A2 and established approval routes available for whole of transition period
  • Grandfathering available as of 2021
  • Judges may self-submit questionnaires for CC, Group and BIS status
  • Judges of non-CC breeds included

Further to the announcement made on 1 May 2020 regarding ‘grandfather rights’ for established judges during the transition phase of the initiative now known as the Judges Education Programme (Breed Shows), the Kennel Club wishes to clarify a number of issues.

The current A2 and established approval routes will continue for the entirety of the five-year transition period, with a review of their comparative uptake and success, taking place once the current routes and the Judges Education Programme (Breed Shows) have been run in tandem for three years.

The other key points to note are as follows:

  • The aim of both the A2 and grandfathering routes is to create a pool of pre-approved CC judges to enable the selection and appointment of judges and reduce the perceived uncertainties inherent in the other aspects of the established approval route.
  • The current A2 process will continue to operate for those who choose to use it during the five-year period during which it has been agreed that the established approval route and Judges Education Programme (Breed Shows) route will run in tandem.
  • For progression by the A2 route candidates must have a minimum of three positive judging assessments on file, be nominated by a Breed Club/Council and be listed on the nominating club/council’s A3 list. Full guidance on this route can be found at bit.ly/2JpDwGW.
  • From 1 January 2021 eligible judges who are seeking pre-approval to award CCs will be able to select from either the current A2 route or the new grandfathering approval route on a per breed basis.
  • For progression to award CCs via grandfathering candidates can self-nominate provided they are included on at least one Breed Club/Council A3 list and/or have a pre-existing JDP Credit Pass for the relevant breed. Each judge must also meet all the Kennel Club’s mandatory requirements for approval to award CCs (see below).

Judges of non-CC breeds are advised that they too will have grandfather rights which may make it possible to achieve Level 4 status in such breeds. In those cases it is recognised that breed specialists will not have the three Stud Book Numbers (as required for CC judges), but the Judges Committee will take into account dogs owned and/or bred and any significant wins. Clubs catering for non-CC breeds and therefore not previously required to compile an A3 list are now encouraged to do so to include those judges which the club is prepared to support through the grandfathering route.

Once the grandfathering facility is available at the start of 2021, the Kennel Club will make a further announcement on the process, including details of the relevant questionnaires and how to access them.

It is strongly recommended that breed clubs bring their judging criteria into line with that of the Kennel Club as soon as they are able. A previous announcement regarding this can be found here: bit.ly/2WhfjaB.

Any queries regarding the Judges Education Programme (Breed Shows) should be directed to judges.education@thekennelclub.org.uk. Please also refer to the Frequently Asked Questions at www.thekennelclub.org.uk/jep.

GRANDFATHERING CRITERIA

Current statusCriteria requiredNotes
A3 list judge (breeds with CC status)
  • To appear on at least one breed club/council A3 judging list at the time of submission to KC
  • To have met all KC mandatory criteria regarding seminars, stewarding, Stud Book numbers
  • To have judged the required number of dogs set by the KC according to the relevant Stud Book Band1
  • To have passed a breed specific hands-on assessment held in accordance with the Kennel Club Code of Best Practice2
  • Submission after 1 January 2021
  • One submission per breed only permitted; if application rejected no further application can be made for that breed
  • If approved judge will appear in listings as pre-approved for relevant breed
  • No appeals will be accepted
A3 list judge (non CC breeds)
  • To appear on at least one breed club/council A3 judging list at the time of submission to KC
  • To have met all KC mandatory criteria regarding seminars, stewarding, listing dogs owned and/or bred with significant wins.
  • To have judged the required number of dogs set by the KC according to the relevant Stud Book Band1
  • To have passed a breed specific hands-on assessment held in accordance with the Kennel Club Code of Best Practice2
  • Submission after 1 January 2021
  • One submission per breed only permitted; if application rejected no further application can be made for that breed
  • If approved judge will appear in listings as pre-approved for relevant breed
  • No appeals will be accepted
Judge with JDP Credit
  • To have a JDP Credit for the relevant breed
  • To have met 50% or more of the KC required number of dogs judged for the breed
  • Submission after 1 January 2021
  • One submission per breed only permitted; if submission is rejected no further application can be made for that breed
  • If approved judge will appear in listings as pre-approved for relevant breed
  • No appeals will be accepted
Aspiring Group and Best in Show judge
  • Group submission – To have awarded CCs in the required number of breeds to be approved to judge the relevant group3
  • Best in Show submission – To meet the requirements for a Best in Show appointment, and be able to demonstrate a broad experience of judging across all groups4
  • Submission after 1 January 2021
  • Only one submission per group and/or Best in Show category permitted. If application rejected no further application can be made for that category
  • If approved will be appear in listings as pre-approved for relevant group or as Best in Show judge
  • No appeals will be accepted

1 Stud Book Band A (including non-CC breeds) – 40 dogs; Stud Book Band B – 70 dogs; Stud Book Band C – 120 dogs; Stud Book Band D – 180 dogs; Stud Book Band E – 250 dogs.

Note the following Stud Book Band A breeds require a minimum of 30 dogs judged: Australian Cattle Dog; Australian Terrier; Basset Griffon Vendeen (Grand); Bloodhound; Bouvier Des Flandres; Brittany; Finnish Spitz; Glen of Imaal Terrier; Ibizan Hound; Kerry Blue Terrier; Lakeland Terrier; Mastiff; Norwegian Buhund; Norwich Terrier; Otterhound; Pharaoh Hound; Polish Lowland Sheepdog; Retriever (Chesapeake Bay); Sealyham Terrier; Skye Terrier; Spaniel (Irish Water); Swedish Vallhund; Welsh Terrier.

Breeds with varieties require the following criteria (automatic approval is given for a further variety or varieties once approved for a CC appointment in an initial variety): Bull Terriers – 80 dogs of any variety; Chihuahua (Long Coat & Smooth Coat) – 200 dogs of any variety; Belgian Shepherd Dogs (Groenendael, Tervueren, Laekenois & Malinois) – 70 dogs of any variety; Fox Terrier – 70 dogs of any variety; German Spitz (Mittel & Klein) – 70 dogs of any variety; Poodle (Toy, Miniature & Standard) – 150 dogs including at least 30 of each variety; Dachshund (all varieties) – 250 dogs any variety.

2 Mandatory for approval to award CCs in first three breeds and desirable for subsequent breeds

3 Current criteria – First time group judges must have carried out CC appointments to a minimum of four breeds (three in the working group) in the relevant group.  For second and subsequent groups, three breeds are required. The Judges Committee will take into account the diversity and Stud Book Bands of the previously approved breeds together with the number of dogs judged in the breeds for which the judge is not yet approved and any JDP Credits obtained.

4 Current criteria – Judges must be approved to judge one group and to award Challenge Certificates to at least one breed from two other groups. Judges will be expected to have experience in judging across all groups and all relevant experience will be taken into account.

4)

JUDGES COMPETENCY FRAMEWORK TO BE KNOWN AS JUDGES EDUCATION PROGRAMME (BREED SHOWS)

The Judges Competency Framework (JCF) underwent an independent review in 2019 which recommended that a new name be adopted by the framework, without using the word ‘competency’. This view was also supported by the findings of the Kennel Club survey on the JCF.

The Kennel Club Board has recently approved a change of name for the JCF. It is now to be known as the Judges Education Programme (Breed Shows).

Kathryn Mansfield, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “In reaching this decision, the Board was mindful that, as the Kennel Club offers education for all judges, this new name can be adopted across all its licensed activities, for example Judges Education Programme (Agility Shows).”

All queries related to the Judges Education Programme (Breed Shows) should be directed to judges.education@thekennelclub.org.uk. All documentation for each activity will be updated with the revised name in due course.

For a current list of FAQs and other information related to the Judges Education Programme (Breed Shows), please visit www.thekennelclub.org.uk/jep.

5) A message from Royal Canin re redemption of gift certificates

“Don’t forget that you can still redeem your gift certificates won at shows sponsored by Royal Canin by contacting their Area Business Manager. To find out who the Business Manager is for your area, click here: https://bit.ly/3b6yjOr

6)

Statement Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

Reflecting on the legislative changes regarding the brachycephalic breeds in the Netherlands, please be informed about the following: Even though, last August, the FCI – among many canine stakeholders – had been informed about the preparation of the current legislation, we have since then not heard -nor have we been consulted- of any final step or decision being taken or made. No professional assistance or guidance was sought at that time by the Raad van Beheer (RvB-Dutch Kennel Club), which “ ”. Once the rumours about the legislative change have started on social media, we immediately contacted the RvB for official further details. Under the current sanitary circumstances, face-to-face meetings are not possible to be held but we will arrange a personal meeting between the FCI General Committee’s representative and the RvB in order for us to understand the practical situation, the plans and the standpoint of the RvB following this domestic legislative change. As previously announced, the FCI had proactively started to establish a cooperation frame with the professional BOAS working group led by Dr. Jane Ladlow and The Kennel Club in order to implement their new system of functional tests and to apply even more professional methods for the health of brachycephalic breeds. Due to the current pandemic situation, it was impossible to launch the program so far, but we shall do our best to introduce this new approach worldwide as soon as the circumstances are appropriate. Our priority is the preservation of these endangered brachycephalic breeds which all are National Heritages, and the protection of the interests of responsible breeders (vs individual puppy-producers, who are not falling under any regulations in the country). One of our biggest concerns – besides ignoring the National Heritage of the countries of origin of the affected breeds – lies in the fact that such legislation puts into advantageous situation those unmonitored and unregistered puppy farmers who are now given the tools to avoid any control, functional test, genetic test, and professional supervision of their activities. “Banning” breeds this way will result in making it impossible for the professionals (registered kennel club’s breeders) to operate correctly and in the interest of the breeds in question. A huge percentage of the dogs will be produced in individual households with no official affiliation to a registered entity, having as a final consequence that the overall health status of these dogs will be dramatically and negatively impacted in a near future. Keep in mind that once we lost the registered gene pool, the quality control gets lost forever. Obviously, the FCI is also strictly against registered breed-crossing, which boils down to simply cheating hundreds of years of history. Due to its simplicity and advantage to produce results in the short run, outcrossing is a popular concept for refreshing the gene pool, but it also bears unforeseeable consequences on the gene pool of the breed(s). All that is causing me a serious personal problem as well as the fact that this situation will affect only breeders related to national canine organisations and will protect those who are not providing any pedigree along with their puppies. Those dogs will indeed not fall under this regulation. I am inviting all the national canine organisations, especially those which operate in the country of origin of the aforementioned 12 breeds, to express their official reaction about a decision, taken by a foreign government, which tends to ignore an important part of their National Heritage without any previous consultation with the professional authorities of the involved counties. I am calling for an international campaign and action related to this cultural matter ! The FCI General Committee will be able to take further actions and measures once we get first-hand information (from the Raad van Beheer) about the facts and circumstances.. Dr. Tamás Jakkel President of the FCI