The Kennel Club – Breed Health Plans

Due to the current publicity surrounding The Kennel Club – Breed Health Plans, The Neapolitan Mastiff Club, aware that some enthusiasts might be lost in the implications and connotations surrounding these plans, would like to provide all Neapolitan Mastiff enthusiasts with a recap on the chain of events which have brought us to the present situation, and an update on the direction in which the breed and breed club are subsequently heading.

As you are probably all aware, in August 2008 the BBC screened what has since been deemed: a controversial documentary ‘Pedigree Dogs Exposed’ and, as was the responsibility of the programmes researchers, unearthed and highlighted some very questionable praxis’s, policies, and procedures, practised by fellow canine enthusiasts and which have undoubtedly gone unmonitored, unchallenged, and unchecked, within the canine world for decades. As said, the documentary highlighted issues, which I’m sure we would all agree, need to be addressed as a matter of urgency by our Canine Governing Body, the BVA, Breeders and Breed enthusiasts, NOW and for the foreseeable future.

However, the documentary as heart-rendering as at points, it was, by virtue of implication, now has the public at large believing that: the Kennel Club was established by the Third Reich, all breeds of pedigree dogs are genetic mutations, all breeders are hell bent on creating monstrous mutants, all Judges & exhibitors are members of the genetic mutation appreciation society, and together, we are all taking over the canine world with our mutant muts!!!  And this is where the producers of said documentary crossed the boundaries, of documenting a very poignant and valid remonstration of specific conditions and diseases that affect the health & welfare of specific breeds, toward a witch-hunt fuelled by the desire to see us ALL, for we have ALL been tarred with the same brush, burned at the stake!!

The subsequent publicity created by the media frenzy, has placed enormous pressure upon our canine governing body to get its house into order, and although we all welcome urgent action of those major issues raised by the documentary, we also have to recognise that: during the last 20 or so years the KC have genuinely taken stock of the Kennel Club and its agenda, reviewing and revising its own ethics, ethos and persona, recognising the importance of understanding the canine & canine owner of the 21st century, opening its doors to all canines, pedigree, hybrid and mongrel.  The KC have encouraged the development of new canine activities and events, established and supported canine charities, sponsored veterinary research and veterinary schemes, embraced the concept of promotion and the age of technology, and in more recent years have become pro-active in the political arena, liasing with other canine governing bodies, canine organisations, and government appointed representatives from around the world, in a bid to view and monitor worldwide canine specifics including health & welfare, ultimately the KC has broadened its own horizons, securing its own future toward and beyond the 21st century.

We also have to recognise that, the KC have had in place since 1965 a hip dysplasia & eye scheme, with elbow dysplasia screening and DNA testing coming into play in the late nineties, but the fact of the matter is, the KC can not enforce screening (yet!) and due to the number of dogs of any one breed being screened at any one time in the UK, the scores for any one condition held on KC database, could not be relied upon to provide an accurate picture of any one condition in any one breed in the UK.  But, the fact that canine enthusiasts were and are encouraged to adopt screening indicates that the KC recognised that there are health problems amidst the canine population, and they have been slowly beginning to address them.

With the dawn of the new millennium came sweeping new reforms, in all areas of our lives and in all areas of our world, new legislation ensured that new policies and procedures designed to address specific issues were being implemented everywhere, including the canine world.  Across the waters, the momentum with which many pet health & welfare new reforms were being sanctioned, again prompted the KC to take stock, but as said, statistics held could not provide accurate analysis for the UK, and so in 2003/04 the KC sponsored and supported a nationwide purebred dog health survey, and in collaboration with Registered Breed Clubs, set about reviewing and revising Breed Standards as a portal for addressing the health & welfare of pedigree dogs. 

The Neapolitan Mastiff, having maintained its position as a Rare Breed on the KC Breed Register since1975, although not having gained CC Status, was recognised with ‘Interim’ Breed Standard, which had been reviewed & revised by the KC on a couple of occasions prior to the Approval of, The Neapolitan Mastiff Club Registration in 2002.  From this time, and in conjunction with our canine governing body, as the KC Registered ‘Parent’ Breed Club representing the interests of the Neapolitan Mastiff in the UK, TNM Club has worked very closely with the KC in its consideration of breed health & welfare issues and in review and amendment of the Breed Standard.

From 2004 to 2007, following concerns raised by the Breed Health & Welfare Strategy Group (Formerly the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals), TNM Club liased very closely with enthusiasts, exhibitors, breeders and owners, encouraged participation in the KC / BSAVA Purebred Dog Health Survey, and has undertaken an independent breed specific health survey, in order to provide the KC with a clearer picture of health & welfare issues relevant to the breed and breeding programmes in the UK.   In 2007 the final amendments to the Interim Breed Standard were announced in the Kennel Gazette and, having satisfied all concerned parties that the Breed Standard depicted the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of the breed, and in its consideration of health & welfare ensured that any exaggerations detrimental to health & welfare were discouraged, the final amended Interim Breed Standard was accepted as approved by all parties.

In October 2008, two months after the said documentary and the persisting ‘hang em high’ mentality provoked by the media frenzy which followed, the KC informed all Registered Breed Clubs that with immediate affect, the Breed Clubs own Code of Ethics was to be removed anywhere it was being utilised and was to be replaced with the Kennel Club Universal Code of Ethics. Obviously, The Neapolitan Mastiff Club complied.

In December 2008, 4 months after the said documentary, the KC issued to all Registered ‘Parent’ Breed Clubs - Breed Health Plans. The Kennel Club Breed Health Plans, in present format, are details of proposals including changes to Breed Standards of those breeds deemed to be in need of urgent review, put forward by the Breed Health & Welfare Strategy Group, designed to assist the KC in its address of the health & welfare of specific breeds. 

As said, The Neapolitan Mastiff Club appreciates that the Kennel Club are duty bound to address these issues more especially in the present climate but, can not comprehend why?, the Breed Health & Welfare Strategy Group, after 4 years examining the health & welfare of the Neapolitan Mastiff, and in review of the Breed Standard and subsequent approval of final amendments, have now decided that the Neapolitan Mastiff Breed Standard requires re-reviewing?

We have ourselves scrutinised the research papers, statistical information, and peer-reviewed scientific literature, utilised by the Breed Health & Welfare Strategy Group, and cited as source of validation for breed specific disease diagnosis.   And, can find nothing amongst this literature that, (a) was not evident in the previous 4 years analysis, (b) would validate diagnosis of predisposition to condition or disease within the breed in the UK, (c) would suggest that the health of the Neapolitan Mastiff gene pool in the UK has dramatically deteriorated, or (d) that there is reason for urgent re-review and re-amendment of the Breed Standard.

The overall health, soundness and temperament of the Neapolitan Mastiff in the UK has dramatically improved during the last 20 years and throughout the last 10 years, we have genuinely seen a stability of health and continuity of type developing within the gene pool.  During the last 5 years although more subtle, improvements have continued and the breed has progressed toward the healthy & sound canine we all aspire to breed.  The Neapolitan Mastiff Club recognises that there remain health problems that require continued attention, and that the breed has a long way to go before we could rest on our laurels but, in collaboration with our enthusiasts, breeders and canine governing body in its review and revision of the breed standard from 2002 to 2007 we believed that, that was already our modus operandi

Obviously once again, as per our KC directive TNM Club has complied and responded to the KC Breed Health Plans returning all completed relevant paperwork and forms but, due to the grave concern generated by the proposed changes to the Breed Standard, which would fundamentally change the overall appearance of the breed, the Officers & Committee, have respectfully requested that a meeting be scheduled at the Kennel Club’s earliest convenience, where representatives of both parties can meet to discuss these fundamental issues raised by the KC Breed Health Plans.  We will of course endeavour to keep everyone posted.

Kennel Club Breed Health Plans – Update 2009

August 2008 - As we are all aware a BBC Documentary, Pedigree Dogs Exposed, caused a major furore amidst the general public and a domino effect within the world of canines and, regardless of the pro’s & con’s of the documentary, ensured that the impact upon the canine world as a whole, assured the re-evaluation of the health & welfare of all canines.

October 2008 – The Kennel Club urgently requested that all Registered Breed Clubs adopt with immediate effect, the KC’s newly amended Code of Ethics as their own.  The KC actually apologised for enforcing this uncompromising request but felt that the ‘universal’ Code of Ethics was an important step toward the future of all breeds.

TNMC has recently made an application for several important specific clauses to be re-added to our Code of Ethics. We believe this will be addressed by the KC in July / August 09. 

December 2008 – The Kennel Club submitted to all Registered ‘Parent’ Breed Clubs, the KC Breed Health Plans, including proposed changes to Breed Standards for those Breeds deemed to be in need of urgent review, our own included.  And, as we are all aware, TNMC wrote to the KC with an initial response to the Breed Health Plans requesting consultation with the Breed Health & Welfare Strategy Group, which was immediately turned down by the KC.

December 2008 - TNMC responded in detail to the KC BHP drawing attention to the fundamental issues raised by the proposed changes to the Breed Standard, highlighting those initiatives undertaken by TNMC since 2004 where breed health was addressed, and again TNMC requested consultation with the Breed Health & Welfare Strategy Group.
Our thanks to Pamela Jeans-Brown for her invaluable support regarding our KC correspondence.

TNMC appointed a Breed Health Coordinator, Kim Slater, whom as per KC directives is tasked with ensuring that breed health matters are monitored, areas of concern identified, and reports relayed to the KC and TNMC annually. (please see Kim’s Breed Health Coordinator Report).

TNMC began an intensive research project, wrote to the Membership of the Club with a BHP Update, posted the BHP Update on the Website and submitted the BHP Update to the weekly canine Newspapers.

January 2009 – The KC revised Breed Standards became fully effective as Interim Breed Standards; pending feedback from Breed Clubs & Veterinary Profession thereafter final versions are to be published.

The news that the KC had granted TNMC an audience with the Breed Health & Welfare Strategy Group was absolutely fantastic but, the responsibility of ensuring that the health, welfare and interests of the Neapolitan Mastiff in the UK, were portrayed and presented in such a way as to recognise, protect and progress with the achievements our Breed & Breed Club pioneers had entrusted us with, was awesomely daunting.

TNMC submitted to all Members a breed specific Health Survey form and requested that Members complete (warts & all!) & return forms ASAP.  The response from our Membership was absolutely Brilliant, the participation and pro-active support of our Members made us proud.

February 2009 – With the assistance of our Breed Health Coordinator Kim Slater, research material provided by such enthusiasts as Nick Homfray, Jackie Critoph & Jackie Bunn, Survey Results supplied by our Club Members, and the facts, figures & statistics unearthed throughout the months of intensive research undertaken, the Club was able to collate relevant material & compile a comprehensive 10 page Presentation, with a 19 page Points of Reference Pack & a 23 page Supporting Evidence Pack.

On the 26.02.09 four representatives of The Neapolitan Mastiff Club attended a meeting with the KC Breed Health & Welfare Strategy Group at Clarges Street, London.  And although being initially overwhelmed by the number of KC BH&WSG Representatives in attendance, your Club Reps took full advantage of the audience granted them, were as prepared as preparation would allow, highlighted all issues concerning and of concern to our Neapolitan Mastiff enthusiasts, and answered all questions posed by the KC Board of Representatives, eloquently & poignantly.

The Neapolitan Mastiff Club Presentation included:

Introduction – Explanation of concern generated by the changes to the Breed Standard. 
Background – Highlighted all work & initiatives undertaken by TNMC & in collaboration with the KC since 2004 when concerns of Breed Health were raised by the European Convention - to 2007 when final amendments to the Interim Breed Standard were accepted by all parties. 
KC BHP Concerns – Listed the findings of TNMC research of: evidence cited by KC as source of validation for disease diagnoses in 2008.
Breed Health Surveillance -  Itemised all evidence researched & collated regarding Breed Health from 1970’s to 2009
Breed Health Surveillance Summary of Conditions – Listed those conditions of Health concerning the European Convention with Veterinary evaluation of each.
Breed Health Surveillance Summary of Conditions Associated with the Breed – Itemised those conditions it is acknowledged the Breed is susceptible or predisposed to – Evidence of occurrence within the gene pool in the UK - Evidence for conclusion of non-correlation with Breed features.

Breed Health Surveillance Summary -  Listed initiatives undertaken to raise awareness & address Breed Health since TNMC had represented the interests of the Breed in the UK.

In Conclusion & The Way Forward -  TNMC submitted a Proposed Breed Standard which strikes a balance between the KC Interim Breed Standard 2007 & 2009 and under which, TNMC is prepared to work toward eliminating outstanding Breed Health problems as a matter of urgency – Itemising those conditions the Breed is predisposed, with proposal of programme to address each. 

TNMC Presentation was very well received by the KC BH&WSG and although the Board went on to interrogate our Club Representatives, once the inquisition was over, were congratulated on a well researched, knowledgeable & informative presentation and a very positive & constructive Meeting.  The KC informed TNMC that, the Board had several more meetings with Breed Clubs to attend, but would be in touch in due course with conclusion & outcome. 
TNMC were absolutely delighted with the way the meeting had gone and the manner in which our presentation was received, in fact we would go so far as to say that we believe the KC were quite gob-smacked!! Our Thanks to everyone for your invaluable input & support. Sa’lute!.

March 2009 – TNMC received from the KC the draft Minutes of the Meeting, and were asked to make comment on the content.  Following perusal there were several issues TNMC noted that had been either incorrectly recorded or misinterpreted. TNMC responded to the KC highlighting those issues and included a copy of the Minutes recorded by TNMC.

As per recommendations suggested by the KC and welcomed by TNMC at the Meeting, the KC put forward 3 Action Points TNMC are required to address prior to 2010. The 4th Action Point is to attend a follow-up Meeting in 2010 which goes without saying, will be fulfilled.

April 2009 – TNMC received from the KC, a copy of the final version of the Minutes from our Meeting and most of TNMC comments had been incorporated.  TNMC has responded to the KC & expressed our appreciation for the opportunity of attending a positive and constructive Meeting.

Action Point 1: Following consultation with the Officers & Committee, TNMC has submitted our proposed Interim Breed Standard to the KC BH&WSG.  Supporting those KC proposed changes TNMC felt were not detrimental to the overall appearance of the Neapolitan Mastiff and were so inconsequential were compromised upon.  The re-inclusion of all words pertaining to breed features have each been succeeded with the stipulation ‘but not to be excessive’.

TNMC understands that the KC will be corresponding with all Breed Clubs in July / August 2009 regarding the Interim & Final Version Breed Standards.  And, although acknowledging & respecting our responsibility to protect, promote & progress with Breed Health & Welfare, we have our fingers crossed for all those Breed Clubs representing the interests of those Breeds that were unjustifiably targeted in the KC’s reaction to the said Documentary, that the outcome is favourable. We will keep our Members posted.    

Action Point 2: Health Screening.
With the help & support of our Membership, TNMC intends to provide information, promote, & publish the results for those Neapolitan Mastiffs that take part in health screening programmes. TNMC will endeavour through on-going surveillance to: identify and monitor conditions that affect our breed, and will thus be better equipped to address those conditions if and when they occur within the gene pool.

So what is Health Screening and why is it important?
Health Screening is utilised by breeders prior to mating, to detect inherited diseases. The results of health screening can be used to determine which sire is to be mated to which dam to produce a litter of puppies. Utilising health screening gives breeders a better understanding of the genes a particular dog carries and breeding programmes can be formulated to reduce the prevalence of diseases in future generations. There are two general types of health screening programmes that are available: Clinical Screening Programmes and DNA Testing Schemes. 

Clinical Screening Programmes: look for clinical signs of disease in an individual dog and identify clinically affected dogs.  The Kennel Club in conjunction with the British Veterinary Association (BVA) runs three such clinical screening schemes. The BVA / KC Hip Scoring Scheme The BVA / KC Elbow Grading Scheme. &  The BVA / KC / ISDS (International Sheep Dog Society) Eye Scheme. The latter of which although important, is not relevant to us as the inherited eye diseases currently tested for, are not known to affect our breed.

DNA Testing Schemes: can give results with a lot more clarity and directly read the genetic codes that make-up an individual dog. This enables breeders to not only identify the genes involved in the genetic make-up of each dog, but enables the identification of errors in a dogs gene code thus alerting to gene-mutation, disease-causing genes and inherited disease.  Again the inherited diseases currently being tested for are not known to affect our breed. However, the test for DNA Profiling (approx £31) or Canine Parentage (approx £21) is open to All Breeds.

The BVA / KC Hip Scoring Scheme: (Approx £35)
Has been designed to address the problem of hip dysplasia. The scheme evaluates radiographs (X-rays) that have been taken of an individual dog’s hips, generally from 12 months of age.  Each hip is evaluated by two experts who score nine anatomical features of the hip, and score each hip out of a total of 53. The two hip scores are then added together to give the dog’s overall hip score, so a dog’s hip score can range from 0 – 106, and the lower the hip score the better the anatomy of the dog’s hips.  Advice to breeders is to use dogs with hip scores that fall well below the breed mean score (BMS) for breeding.

The Neapolitan Mastiff BMS at 01.11.08 is 25.  But with only 32 Mastini ever having been hip scored ! and with scores ranging from 7 – 78, we are not able to conclude with any certainty whether we do, or we do not, have cause for concern with regard to the incidence of hip dysplasia in the Neapolitan Mastiff.  With the pro-active support of our enthusiasts we could not only monitor the incidence of hip dysplasia, we could assist breeders in their selection of stud dogs, achieve absolute certainty about the condition within the gene pool and thus reduce the risk of hip dysplasia in future generations.

The BVA / KC Elbow Grading Scheme: (Approx £35)
Has been designed to address the problem of elbow dysplasia. Again each dog is assessed from radiographs that are taken of the dog’s elbows. Each elbow is graded on a scale of 0 – 3, again by two specialists.  The lower the grade the better the elbows anatomy. In this scheme if the dog has two different elbow grades the higher of the two is used as the dog’s elbow grade.  Advice to breeders is to use only dogs with an elbow grade of 0 or 1 for breeding.

Unfortunately I have no records of any Mastini  which have been elbow graded, and as above are requesting the pro-active support of our enthusiasts to assist with surveillance. If you are having your Mastino hip scored under anaesthetic why not for a few quid more (pretty sure a lot of vets would offer reduced cost on both screening schemes together), your own peace of mind, and confidence in health of progeny, request elbow grading as well.

Action Point 3: Kennel Club Accredited Breeder Scheme.
The aim of the KC ABS is to encourage the breeding of healthy, well-adjusted puppies. It lays down a series of requirements & specific criteria dependant upon breed, that breeders must follow in order to participate in the scheme, and places health screening at the core of responsible breeding. New puppy owners purchasing from ABS Members gain assurance that the breeder has undertaken & fulfilled KC criteria requisite to Breeder Membership. Breeders achieving KC ABS Membership are afforded the privileges their membership entitles them to. TNMC in collaboration  with the KC, are working toward ABS Membership requirements specific to Neapolitan Mastiff Breeders, aiming to maintain the pro-active well informed health culture amongst our enthusiasts & breeders and believe this initiative would assist us all, with achieving those aims.   

Again, TNMC will keep all Members updated on all issues above, your thoughts are welcome.

Kennel Club Breed Health Plans – Update 2010

Our last KC BHP Up-date 2009, published in our Spring / Summer Edition Newsletter, concluded April 2009 and listed further to our meeting with the KC BH&WSG, recommended Action Points.
Action Point 1: Breed Club to re-review Breed Standard.
Action Point 2: Health Screening. We detailed in full:
So what is Health Screening and why is it important?  Clinical Screening Programmes
DNA Testing Schemes  The BVA / KC Hip Scoring & Elbow Grading Scheme
Action Point 3: Kennel Club Accredited Breeder Scheme. We detailed the aims of the KC ABS & reported that TNMC in collaboration with the KC, are working toward ABS Membership requirements specific to Neapolitan Mastiff Breeders.

May 2009: TNMC submitted re-reviewed Breed Standard including those amendments & or re-inclusions supported by the Club. We also applied for KC approval of 3 extra clauses to be included in the universal Code of Ethics, which were accepted later that month & are now included in our C of E. TNMC contributed & assisted with the Independent Inquiry into Dog Breeding. The KC enters into an Understanding between the FCI & the KC.

June 2009: The KC writes to all Breed Clubs requesting support of the Dog Showing & Health campaign directed toward the Government, by writing to local Members of Parliament to air views, TNMC felt it important to support & contributed to this campaign.

August 2009: TNMC submitted to the KC Breed Club Approval & letter of Endorsement regarding the Neapolitan Mastiff Welfare Organisation & ensured the Organisations’ continued inclusion in the KC Dog Rescue Directory. TNMC provided a Breed Health article for the Dog World Canine Health Supplement, published Sept 09. The KC in its commitment to safeguard & improve canine health & welfare introduce new Regulation F(1)15.b and amend Regulation F(1)16, to ensure that all dogs taking part in shows are healthy and that only dogs without visible conditions which adversely affect health or welfare are exhibited.  KC also informed exhibitors that appointed Health & Welfare Monitors would be present at a number of Champ shows throughout the show season.
The Kennel Gazette lists all Breeds where a Health Co-ordinator has been nominated, providing an up-date on progress made and guidance for those breeds yet to nominate a Health Co-ordinator.

September 2009: TNMC received confirmation from KC & BH&WSG that the changes made to our Breed standard made in Jan 09 & announced in Kennel Gazette Feb 09, will remain in place & are now finalised.  KC launched Breed Watch & outlined the new directives drawn-up and issued to Judges to ensure that, whilst assessing dogs, each Judge takes into consideration all obvious conditions of health.  Also included in the Breed watch literature were Breed Specific points of concern for special attention by Judges. The Neapolitan Mastiff Points of concern listed excessively heavy in build, excessive wrinkle and dewlap, excessive amounts of loose facial skin causing abnormalities of the eyes, and unsound movement.

November 09: The Associate Parliamentary Group for Animal welfare - APGAW publish the findings of their inquiry entitled A Healthier Future for Pedigree Dogs. This report highlighted many areas of concern for many breeds but also provided many recommendations, which were utilized to our advantage, in our notification to the KC that a Fellowship had been formed with the International Technical Neapolitan Mastiff Association.

December 09:  Dog World Molosser Supplement featured the Neapolitan Mastiff, an article compiled by TNMC Comm Member entitled Working for the future to breed without exaggerations was included. TNMC receives notification & invitation from KC regarding a Molosser Seminar scheduled for February.

January 2010:  The long awaited Independent Inquiry into Dog Breeding was published - AKA the Bateson Report – Funded by the KC & The Dogs Trust, the Report collated all information procured from all available sources, highlighted all areas of concern & put forward many  recommendations by way of improving the health of canines as a whole. Mr Bateson in his executive summary said: Many breeders exercise the highest standards of welfare, are passionate about caring for their dogs properly & take great trouble to ensure that puppies go to good homes. Nevertheless, current dog breeding practices do in many cases impose welfare costs on individual dogs from a variety of causes. 

February 2010:  TNMC attended the Kennel Clubs Molosser Seminar (please see KC Seminar Report). TNMC received a request from Robin White DVM to assist with the Mastino Health Foundation USA. The Mastino Health Foundation is exclusively interested in issues relating to studying & improving breed health. Their goal is obtaining participation in research from owners, breeders, scientists & Veterinarians globally, regardless of their political affiliations or lack thereof. Their objectives to identify specific health problems, provide health related education, promote breed specific research projects, establish breed diseases database, create & administer health surveys & to carry out screening for innovative data to better understand the nature, prevention & treatment of diseases. ‘Researching & Promoting Neapolitan Mastiff Health’ Our own Breed Health Co-ordinator is already assisting with & working on this project, TNMC has also offered assistance & we are also encouraging contributions from all our Members.

March 2010:  TNMC Breed Club Stand at Crufts, for the second time in a row, Won the Crufts Best Working Group Breed Stand Award. This award is competed for by all Breed Clubs who have a stand at Crufts & all Breed Clubs are judged on the service provided & level of breed specific information Breed Clubs make available to the general public, it goes without saying that TNMC were tickled pink to have achieved this award again.  Scottish Parliament publishes its Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs.  KC requests feedback from Clubs following Seminar.

April 2010:  TNMC submits to the KC our Report of the KC Molosser Seminar. The KC informs all Breed Clubs that Contributions to the DEFRA Dangerous Dogs Consultation are invited & the KC were proposing that a ‘Dog Control Bill’ irrespective of breed, is introduced.

May 2010: TNMC in its endeavours to cascade information procured at the KC Molosser Seminar finalises arrangements for a Breed Specific Seminar 2010 for all Judges included on TNMC Judges Lists & the TNMC Membership. TNMC also prepares to host a Molosser Fun Day 2010 in order to encourage a more pro-active involvement of Members outside of the show-ring.  TNMC contributes to the DEFRA Dangerous Dogs Consultation & in all instances stresses the need to punish the deed & not the breed.

As you can not fail to notice, during the last 12 months the Officers & Committee of The Neapolitan Mastiff Club, have genuinely bent over backwards in their endeavours to fulfil each & every Kennel Club requirement relevant to our Breed Clubs obligations regarding the Health & Welfare of our breed, & at every opportunity we have actually surpassed what was required, in order to ensure that at present our Breed Club remains ‘one step ahead’.

Having said that, there is only so much we as the committee of the Club can do through our administration, the most important part, & as a matter of urgency, has to be addressed by our breeders & enthusiasts.  It is now up to YOU to adopt health-screening & selective breeding practices. It is up to YOU to build & maintain breeding & progeny records. It is up to YOU to adopt & achieve the Accredited Breeder Scheme. It is up to YOU to conduct stringent vetting procedures & promote responsible ownership, and it is up to YOU to take responsibility for ALL puppies you breed. If YOU do not begin adopting these Health & Welfare requirements voluntarily, more stringent rules & regulations regarding the health & welfare of dogs are going to be enforced by our Government & Canine Governing Body.

Our Breed Health Co-ordinator comments that: it is very difficult to argue with much of the content of Breed Watch which calls for judges to pay particular attention to weakness in construction, eyes & skin. It is important we highlight for exhibitors the implications of this scheme & draw attention to the fact that: Mastini sporting cherry eye, suffering from obvious skin complaints, or exhibiting problems of construction & soundness, will if exhibited, further damage our breeds reputation. If we are to continue with our view that type does not equate to bad health we should avoid providing ammunition to the contrary.  At this moment in time there is no doubt that the issues of health & type are completely linked in the minds of those who are not familiar with our breed & the only way to change this is to only show our typical Mastini in optimum health.

Our long term goals should be to highlight to the KC any progress we make in terms of health, including our liaisons with other health Co-ordinators both here & abroad, make public any research, encourage our Members to comply with health requirements such as the Accredited Breeder Scheme & cover health topics at every opportunity. The essence of our long term goals for our breed were already being addressed, but now it is necessary to be very public in our endeavours & prove that Neapolitan Mastiff enthusiasts in the UK treat the health of our breed with the same regard as they pay to type.