Dogs NZ update
Respiratory function grading scheme announcement Dogs New Zealand (previously known as the New Zealand Kennel Club) are collaborating with Cambridge University and the UK Kennel Club to take action to improve and protect the health of brachycephalic breeds worldwide by agreeing to operate under license the Kennel Club/University of Cambridge Respiratory Function Grading (RFG) Scheme. We are extremely fortunate to have secured Dr Kat Crosse as our Chief Assessor with Dr Richard Jerram working alongside in support. This RFG tool enables breeders and owners of Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs to make informed decisions and aims to create a healthier future for these breeds. This move also enables further and international data collection on complex health conditions related to brachycephaly which is vital for ongoing research to provide evidence-based solutions. Dogs NZ President Mr Brian Harris says that adopting the RFG scheme was part of an evidence-based approach for Dogs NZ Breeders to improve the health of Pugs, Bulldogs and French Bulldogs in NZ. “The RFG scheme will be one of the compulsory health tests available for these three brachycephalic breeds should they adopt our Litter Registration Limitation (LRL) Health schemes” said Mr Harris. “In addition, the RFG Scheme will be immediately designated as a mandatory test for the three breeds under our Accredited Breeders Scheme. We look forward to all Pugs, Bulldogs and French Bulldogs in New Zealand having the opportunity to participate in this evidencebased scheme.” Indeed, since the announcement of the RFG scheme collaboration in New Zealand, Dogs NZ Pug breeders have voted in favour of compulsory brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) screening using the RFG scheme once it is established here. At that time, each pedigree pug dog that is bred must have had this test done. This is wonderful news for the health and welfare of this breed. Dogs NZ have encouraged other Kennel Clubs across the world who are committed to improving the health of brachycephalic dogs globally to follow New Zealand’s lead and contact the Kennel Club’s health team. By working together, we can make a difference for dogs and we look forward to collaborating with other Kennel Clubs and organisations internationally to license the Respiratory Function Grading Scheme. Unfortunately, there have been ongoing difficulties in getting the scheme up and running in New Zealand, and all other countries who have signed up to operate it, due to the COVID-19 situation in the UK.
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Brochure produced by UK Kennel Club to inform breeders of the Respiratory Function Grading Scheme.
The Kennel Club have advised that they are developing a comprehensive online training resource for Chief Assessors, which will replace the immediate need for face-to-face training, allowing it to be delayed until international travel is deemed appropriate. The UK lockdown restrictions will slowly ease and providing these are lifted then filming of the training course can begin with resources being available to our Chief Assessors in due course. Once our Chief Assessors are trained up in the scheme, we can begin a National roll-out so that Regional Assessors can receive their training and begin performing assessments (see next page for assessment protocol). This will be advertised in Companion Quarterly and expressions of interest can be submitted to caninehealth@dogsnz.org.nz.
Companion Quarterly: Official Newsletter of the Companion Animal Veterinarians Branch of the NZVA | Volume 32 No 3 | September 2021
