20th September 2025

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL RKC JUDGES

All judges must be registered on the Royal Kennel Club’s Find A Judge / JEP platform otherwise you CANNOT judge.

To be eligible to judge/accept a judging appointment at all from 1st January 2025 you MUST have completed a minimum of all elements of Level 1 on the JEP system.

From 1st January 2026 you MUST be registered and showing on the RKC ‘Find a Judge’ site at a minimum of JEP Level 1.

Level 1:

• Minimum of five years proven interest in pedigree dogs

• Conformation and Movement seminar

• Two days stewarding

• Requirements of a Dog Show Judge seminar and pass associated exam (previously confirmation and movement hands on exam)

• Pass the Points of a Dog assessment

Before accepting any appointment, please ensure you meet the appropriate criteria AND are correctly registered on the RKC Find A Judge / JEP platform.

This is no-one’s responsibility except YOURS ALONE

Even if you are already on a Breed Club judging List, this will not count after 31st December 2025 and you MUST be registered on the JEP platform.

This will also go for anyone wishing to progress with Judging. You will not be able to take a Multiple Choice Exam if you have not completed at least all the elements of Level 1 on the Judges Education Programme and showing on the RKC Find a Judge /JEP Platform

 

1st September 2025

EASED TRAVEL RULES INTRODUCED FOR NORTHERN IRISH DOG OWNERS HEADING TO SHOWS

The Kennel Club has welcomed new changes to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) policy regarding the movements of animals travelling to shows, competitions, and events, which will simplify the process for Northern Irish dog owners.

Previously, anyone travelling to dog shows from Northern Ireland to Great Britain, were subject to the full requirements of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 as implemented by the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Regulations (NI) 2006, because it had been deemed that the transport was ‘in connection with an economic activity’. As part of this, Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 places a number of requirements on the ‘animal transporter’, including obtaining a valid transporter authorisation, and, potentially, certificates of competence and vehicle approval.

DAERA has now revised its policy position and, from 1 October 2025, the following will be exempt from the Regulation that has previously classed these as an economic activity:

Dr Ed Hayes, Head of Public Affairs at The Kennel Club, said: “We know that the current travel regulations have placed a significant burden on dog show exhibitors, and we have called on DAERA for a number of years to reconsider their policy. We are therefore delighted that DAERA has listened to these concerns and ensured that those travelling from Northern Ireland to Great Britain can enjoy their hobby without unnecessary, additional hurdles.”

Further information can be found by visiting https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/welfare-animals-during-transport

 

1st May 2025

THE KENNEL CLUB INTRODUCES NEW JUNIOR AWARD AND RALLY VETERAN WARRANT

As part of our commitment to recognising and encouraging participation in canine activities, The Kennel Club is pleased to announce the introduction of two new awards for the dog showing and rally communities: the Junior Award (JA) and the Rally Veteran Warrant (RVW).

For the showing community, the Junior Award (JA) will be available to all breeds not allocated championship status (non CC breeds and those breeds on the Imported Breed Register). A dog can achieve a JA through winning awards at open and championship dog shows, when the dog is aged between 6 and 18 months of age. Once achieved, the dog can be entered with the title ‘JA’ after its name on show entries.

To achieve a Junior Award the dog must gain 20 points - A minimum of 3 points must be won at championship dog shows and a minimum of 3 points from open shows, the rest of the points can be gained from either open or championship dog shows. Points are achieved by winning classes with at least one other dog competing. Any award points gained from 1st July 2025, whilst the dog is between 6 and 18 months will count towards the Junior Award. Points for this award will begin in July to provide advance notice for exhibitors to plan their show calendars if this award is of interest to them.

For the rally community, the Rally Veteran Warrant (RVW) is for veteran dogs aged seven years and over. Points can be accumulated from any veteran rally class only, where qualifying scores are achieved. Upon receipt of the award, exhibitors may enter their dogs with the title ‘RVW (B/S/G)’ depending on the level they have achieved, Bronze (B), Silver (S), or Gold (G) this can be added after the dog’s name in competition entries.

The requirements for the three levels of warrant, Bronze, Silver, and Gold are: 

• Bronze 9 qualifying scores in Veteran classes 

• Silver 12 qualifying scores in Veteran classes,

• Gold 18 qualifying scores in Veteran classes, of which at least 3 must be Excellent

Any awards gained in rally veteran classes can be backdated to 1 January 2024 when the veteran classes were first introduced.

Helen Kerfoot, Chief Operations Executive, Events and Activities said; “As part of our focus on our grassroots communities, these new awards are designed to celebrate achievements within dog showing and rally and provide additional goals for competitors to strive forwards in their chosen disciplines.

In line with our other awards, competitors will be able to apply for these new accolades through the awards application forms. Once an application is approved and processed, the dogs record will be automatically updated with the appropriate letters, and a digital certificate will be issued by email. For those who also desire a hard copy alongside the digital certificate they will be available to purchase through The Kennel Club shop.”

For more information on how to win points and to apply, please visit The Kennel Club website Certificate types | Events | The Kennel Club or use the award application forms.

If you have any questions, please email: awards@thekennelclub.org.uk

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5th April 2025

MINOR REVISIONS TO BREED STANDARDS AS PART OF STANDARDISATION OF TERMINOLOGY PROJECT

As part of the ongoing project to introduce standardised terminology across all Kennel Club breed standards, minor revisions have been made to the breed standards of over 150 breeds which came into effect on 1 April 2025.

The revisions form the latest part of a major project to ensure that the breed standards are used and interpreted consistently by judges, exhibitors and breeders.

The review came about, initially, as a result of feedback from those breed clubs which were consulted by the former Non-Breed Standard Colours Working Party. As a result, the majority of the latest revisions see new wording added to the colour clauses of breed standards to ensure that non-breed standard colour dogs are not rewarded in the show ring.

There continues to be a wider review of all breed standards, with a particular emphasis on ensuring consistency in the terminology used to describe features that can be detrimental to health or temperament.

The standardisation of terminology in breed standards is based on a table of definitions which has been produced to describe and align how words such as desirable, acceptable, permissible, tolerated, undesirable and unacceptable are used in Kennel Club breed standards.

The new table of definitions, which should be a useful guide for judges, is as follows:

Term	Definition
Preferable/Desirable	A feature that ideally one would wish to see in the exhibit, often a breed feature
Acceptable	A feature that is often found in the breed
Occurs/May occur/Permissible	A feature that may be present and is not to be faulted
Tolerated	A feature that ideally one would rather not have, but one that is not considered a fault
Undesirable	A feature that should be considered a fault
Highly undesirable	A feature that should not be present in an exhibit being awarded high honours
Unacceptable/Not acceptable	A feature that is a severe departure from the breed standard, sometimes associated with health or welfare and must not be rewarded in the show ring.

The revisions which became effective from 1 April 2025 have been agreed in consultation with the registered breed clubs across those breeds. The list of breeds whose standards have been revised can be found in the April issue of the Kennel Club Journal which is available at thekennelclub.org.uk/publications.

The Kennel Club remains in consultation with further breeds over potential revisions to be announced in due course.

Judges with appointments in these breeds after 1 April 2025 should consult the Kennel Club website to familiarise themselves with the minor revisions to breed standards.

 

3rd April 2025

Due to the popularity of champion classes at breed club shows, The Kennel Club is expanding the option to include them at all open and championship shows. This change, which will apply to single breed, group or general shows comes into effect immediately, though it remains optional.

The Show Executive Committee approved this expansion at a meeting recently. The introduction of champion classes at breed club championship shows dates back to 2018, following a recommendation from the Dog Show Promotion Working Party. These classes have been a popular addition to many breed club shows and it is hoped that it may help increase entries.

Including a champions class at any open or championship show is entirely at the society’s discretion and is not compulsory. The new option applies to single breed, group or general shows. The champion class is the same as any other class and the winning dog or bitch, provided it is unbeaten, can challenge for best of sex, relevant Challenge Certificate and Best of Breed. There is no requirement that a champion has to be entered in a champions class.

Any queries regarding the addition of champions classes should be emailed to dogshows@thekennelclub.org.uk. If a club or society has already issued and published a schedule – it cannot be amended to include this class.

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Changes to Dog Show F Regulations from 1 January 2025

The Royal Kennel Club has approved the following changes to the regulations for dog shows held under F Regulations with effect from 1 January 2025.

Scheduling Best in Show

Following a recommendation from the Royal Kennel Club Shows Liaison Council that Best in Show should be the last competition of the show the Board has approved an amendment to regulations to state that Best in Show may be the last event if the society wishes to schedule the events in that order.

F(1)26

“Where a Best Puppy in Show competition is scheduled the Best Puppy in Show is a puppy which has been declared Best Puppy in Breed or Best Puppy in Group. A puppy is a dog of 6 and not exceeding 12 calendar months of age on the first day of the show. The selection of Best in Show may follow the selection of Best Puppy in Show and Best Veteran in Show (if scheduled) respectively”.

(Additions in bold)

(Effective 1 January 2025)

F(1)26.c

“Consequently, selection of Best Puppy in Breed, Best Puppy in Group and Best Puppy in Show must follow the selection of Best of Breed, Best of Group and Best in Show respectively.”

(Deletions struck through)

(Effective 1 January 2025)

Time frame between Best Puppy in Show appointments

The Royal Kennel Club Shows Liaison Council recommended that the same time frame be introduced between Best Puppy in Show appointments as is in place for Best in Show appointments. These appointments do not need approval by the Royal Kennel Club and will not appear on The Royal Kennel Club’s Find A Judge service.

F(1)22.d.

“(4) Judges for Best Puppy in Show (excluding single breed championship shows)

(a) There must be an interval of not less than 9 calendar months between appointments to judge Best Puppy in Show at a championship show.”

(Additions in bold)

(Effective 1 January 2025)

Definition of Undergraduate class

The Royal Kennel Club Breed Liaison Council recommended an amendment to the definition of the Undergraduate class to help clarify which dogs are eligible for the class.

Regulation F(A) Definitions of Classes at Championship, Open and Limited Shows:

* applies to championship and open shows only

** applies to limited shows only

UNDERGRADUATE

* For dogs which have not won a Challenge Certificate/CACIB/CAC/Green Star or 3 or more first prizes at championship shows in Undergraduate, Graduate, Post Graduate, Minor Limit, Mid Limit, Limit or Open Classes whether restricted or not where Challenge Certificates were offered for the breed (Minor Puppy, Special Minor Puppy, Puppy and Special Puppy Classes excepted, whether restricted or not).

** For dogs which have not won 3 or more first prizes at open or championship shows in Undergraduate, Graduate, Post Graduate, Minor Limit, Mid Limit, Limit or Open Classes whether restricted or not (Minor Puppy, Special Minor Puppy, Puppy and Special Puppy Classes excepted, whether restricted or not).

(Additions in bold, deletions struck through)

(Effective 1 January 2025)

Penalties and Appeal Regulation

The Board has approved an amendment to regulations to state when an appeal may be lodged

F(1)34

Penalties

The Board shall have power to impose any of the following penalties upon any person for any breach of Royal Kennel Club Regulations subject to a right of appeal, notice of intention of which must be lodged within 14 days from the date on which the decision is given and subject to the prescribed appeals process as shall be determined by the Board from time to time.

1. Warn
2. Censure/Reprimand
3. Apology directive (Conduct Regulation or the Control of Dog Regulation)
4. Fine
5. Award disqualified

In addition, the Board may make the following directives;

1. A dog’s registration record may be marked ‘incident recorded’
2. A dog’s registration record may be endorsed ‘not eligible for entry in any

event held under Royal Kennel Club Rules and Regulations, nor any unlicensed event recognised by the Royal Kennel Club.’

1. For complaints of conduct whether at a licensed event or on social media, in addition to a warning issued - a short term fixed period of refusal of entry/attendance at Royal Kennel Club licensed events may also be imposed in accordance with procedures to be published from time to time to implement this regulation.

The right of appeal against directives f) and g) listed above extends to an appeal on the finding of fact of a deliberate dog bite only, but does not extend to an appeal against those directives f) and g) in terms of cancellation or modification of such directives if there is a finding of fact of an intentional dog bite.

In the event of any fine not being paid, or non compliance with any apology directive issued within the time stipulated by the Board, then that person may, at the discretion of the Board, be dealt with as if a complaint under Royal Kennel Club Rule A11 had been lodged and proved to the satisfaction of the Board.

(Additions in bold)

(Effective 1 January 2025)

Handler Details

A regulation has been introduced which requires an exhibitor to provide contact details of a handler on request.

F1.h

An exhibitor or competitor should ensure that contact details for any handler are available and must be provided upon request in any investigation of a breach of this regulation by such handler.

(Additions in bold)

(Effective 1 January 2025)

Licence Application timeframes

Societies are reminded of the following regulation amendments which became effective on 1 July 2024 requiring licences to be applied for and paid for at least 12 months in advance of the show.

Regulation F8: 

The application for a licence to hold a show must be made to the Secretary of the Royal Kennel Club at least 12 months before the proposed date of the show together with the appropriate licence fee. and must be accompanied by the appropriate licence fee. 

(Additions in bold, Deletions struck through) 

(Effective 1 July 2024) 

Regulation F(1)1.a

Application

Application for show licences must be submitted at least 12 months six weeks before the proposed date of the show, properly completed in accordance with Royal Kennel Club General Show Regulation F4.

(Additions in bold, Deletions struck through)

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KENNEL CLUB BREED STANDARDS REVIEWED TO ENSURE CLARITY AND CONSISTENCY

Engagement begins over new terminology that improves clarity of expectation around health, colour and temperament

The Kennel Club has produced standardised definitions for common terminology in breed standards, to ensure that they are used and interpreted consistently, and is now engaging with breed clubs about a number of amendments to individual standards that are proposed as a result. These include amendments to consistently describe any features that could be detrimental to a dog’s health as ‘unacceptable’.

The Breed Standards and Stud Book Committee [BSSB] has reviewed the usage of commonly occurring terminology in standards, used to describe the desirability or otherwise of a specific trait, in order to provide greater clarity of meaning and consistency across all breeds. A table of definitions has been produced to standardise how words such as desirable, acceptable, permissible, tolerated, undesirable and unacceptable are used in Kennel Club breed standards, which should be a useful guide to judges.

As a result of this work, amendments are proposed to many breed standards. This includes reviewing the terminology used to describe features that are detrimental to health or temperament, with ‘unacceptable’ being the consistent word now being used to describe such features.

Similarly, upon the recommendation of the Non-Breed Standard Colours Working Party, and following feedback from breed clubs, amendments have been proposed to the colour clauses of a number of breed standards, in line with the new table of definitions, to make it clear which colours are desirable and which are a departure.

The Kennel Club is now engaging with the relevant registered breed clubs about the proposed amendments. Breed clubs are being contacted directly and invited to give their initial feedback and raise any significant concerns with The Kennel Club, via their breed club secretary, by 31 January 2025. The earliest date at which any of the proposed amendments to the breed standards would become effective, would be 1 April 2025.

Additionally, the opening paragraph in all Kennel Club breed standards – which clearly underlines the importance of soundness and health when breeding and judging dogs – has been revised to align with the table of definitions as follows:

‘If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure. However, if a dog possesses a feature, characteristic or colour described as highly undesirable unacceptable, it must not be rewarded in the show ring.’

(Deletion struck through, Addition in bold)

(Effective from 1 January 2025)

Tim Hutchings, Chairman of the Breed Standards and Stud Book Committee, said: “We will be engaging with breed clubs over the coming months about the proposed amendments to the breed standards, which The Kennel Club has carefully reviewed to ensure the terminology used is clear and consistent across the board.

“This will also help those showing and judging dogs, so that there is absolute clarity and consistency in the terms used to describe features that are unacceptable, which include those that can be linked to poor health or temperament.

“We have proposed new wording to colour clauses to emphasise the importance of breed standard colours and to make a clear distinction between those colours which are desirable and those which are a severe departure from the breed standard.

“We look forward to engaging with breed clubs over the coming months and introducing amendments that will help to ensure that the terminology in breed standards is clear and consistent for judges and breeders alike.”

The new table of definitions, which has resulted in proposed amendments to a number of breed standards, is as follows:

 

KENNEL CLUB DIRECT DEBIT SYSTEM

The Kennel Club has been making some upgrades to its internal IT systems and website to improve its direct debit process, ensuring that it can better serve customers who choose to use this method of payment for Kennel Club services and publications.

This improved process will ensure that customers will be better able to manage their own subscriptions within their Kennel Club online account - this includes adding, editing and removing a direct debit. Some direct debit customers will be sent correspondence regarding a new customer reference number, however, they do not need to take any action, there will be no change to direct debits and all data remains safe. This correspondence is a compliance that The Kennel Club needs to undertake due to the upgrade.

In the event of any questions or concerns, please contact direct.debits@thekennelclub.org.uk.

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Kennel Club announces registrations model update and the future closure of the Assured Breeders scheme

Following an extensive review of its registrations model – which was underpinned by breeder research and the collation of data and feedback – The Kennel Club will close the Assured Breeders scheme by the end of the year and will be engaging with breeders about a series of forthcoming changes that will have a greater impact, across a larger number of dogs.

The two-year review showed that better support and education was needed for all breeders – regardless of their level of experience – and that changes are needed which will place an emphasis on supporting and highlighting good breeding practice across a much wider number of registrations.

Despite the value that the Assured Breeders scheme provided in terms of education to breeders and signposting for puppy buyers, just five percent of puppies registered with The Kennel Club are bred by members of the scheme. It was clear that all dogs, breeders and puppy buyers would benefit from a pragmatic new approach that would have greater impact, rooted in research about what hasn’t worked to date and what breeders would value more of in the future.

The Assured Breeders scheme will close on 31 December 2024 and there will be engagement that will help to shape the registrations initiatives that will be coming, both this year and into 2025.

Bill Lambert, Health, Welfare and Breeder Services Executive at The Kennel Club, said: “We thank Assured Breeders for being part of a scheme, whose principles will be central to how we move forwards in the future, and we thank those breeders whose insights during the research process have helped to shape the registrations review project.

“The decision to close the Assured Breeders scheme is not one we have taken lightly but it is clear that although we have excellent breeders within the scheme’s membership – and we will continue to incentivise good breeding practice and signpost towards our best breeders in the new registrations model – there were also many barriers to good breeders joining the scheme. Not least that breeders had to pay a membership fee to be recognised for their good practice, and to enable us to fund the inspection regime.

“The resulting impact has been that puppy buyers – who are seeking Assured Breeder puppies as the most esteemed and priority listings but are often unable to source one – and breeders who remain outside of the scheme yet are following good practice, aren’t able to reap the full benefits that the scheme was designed to create. Furthermore, the educational role that the scheme provided was limited to the small number of paying members, when it was clear to us that we needed to make education around good practice much more accessible to all.

“As a result, over the coming months, we will be engaging about a series of initiatives that will take the best elements of the Assured Breeders scheme and ensure that these are what we build on and focus on in the registrations model.

Foundations for the future

“Whilst there will be more engagement and detail about the changes in the months to come, an area we will focus on is improving how we incentivise good practice amongst breeders and how our Find a Puppy prioritises and signposts towards those who are health testing, making it easier for puppy buyers to find a well-bred puppy.

“Alongside this, it is fundamental that we increase awareness and understanding about the importance of health testing, to increase uptake across the board, and we have recently asked Breed Health Coordinators to preview the forthcoming Health Standard to this end – which is the first time there has been a set of guidelines about health testing for all breeders and buyers.

“Our aim is to help breeders and puppy buyers understand the importance of all tests listed in the Health Standard, whilst also helping those who aren’t currently testing to make the best decisions possible. We would like to underline that there is still engagement taking place about the Health Standard – and we continue to talk to breeders and take on board their valued feedback. We would also like to remind breeders that the categories that tests are placed into remain fluid, as new evidence and trends emerge.

“In addition to ensuring that education and signposting around health testing is improved, it is also crucial that puppy buyers continue to recognise and understand what buying a puppy responsibly means and what good welfare looks like, when selecting a breeder.

“We will be introducing initiatives to improve our education in this area at every stage of a breeder and puppy buyer’s journey. The recently launched online puppy pack is just one free tool that will help to put puppy buyers on the right path. We will also be engaging about a risk assessment and puppy buyer feedback system, which will give us a greater understanding and help us to tackle welfare issues, so that we can better support breeders and puppy buyers.

Thank you and next steps

“Embedding the best elements of the Assured Breeders scheme and raising the quality of puppies registered with The Kennel Club will be central to our evolution and will form part of an ongoing journey – but is driven by the need to incentivise and signpost to good practice without the barrier of a membership scheme fee.

“Those who have been part of the Assured Breeders scheme are thanked sincerely for their commitment and we look forward to continuing to support them and all other responsible breeders, so that we can connect good breeders with good puppy buyers, in the future. Our priority is to ensure that the principles that the scheme was founded upon – to celebrate, reward and educate about good breeding practice – are embedded into the broader registrations model, to the benefit of all.”

Assured Breeders are being communicated with directly about the forthcoming closure and are reassured that all membership services will remain in place until the scheme’s closure, including discounts, benefits and Find a Puppy listings. Further engagement with breeders and details about the changes being made to the registrations model will be announced in due course.

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Changes to Show Regulations 2024 (PDF Document)