Some Royal Kennel Club Updates…

Venue Distance Restrictions For General Championship All Breed Shows
Following a recent meeting, the Shows Executive Committee considered whether the current venue distance restriction for Breed Club Championship Shows held concurrently with General Championship All Breed Shows should be amended.
The review of the current 25 mile restriction was prompted by a number of factors, including changes in modern exhibitor travel patterns, geographical and venue availability limitations, and the need to reduce pressure on show organisers when securing venues.
Therefore, it has been agreed that the distance restriction should be increased to within 100 miles, with immediate effect. It is hoped that extending the restriction will provide greater flexibility for societies.

Royal Kennel Club Hosts Largest Breeder Insights Forum To Date
Event marks the launch of the new RKC Breeder Insights and Experience Survey to gather nationwide feedback from breeders of all kinds.
The Royal Kennel Club hosted its latest and largest Breeder Insights Forum on Monday 30th March, bringing together around 100 breeders from across the UK for a collaborative day focused on sharing experiences, discussing challenges and helping shape the future of breeder support. This forum marks the first event of its kind at this scale, following a smaller pilot session held in January with a group of around 15 breeders to gather early feedback.
The forum also marked the launch of the RKC Breeder Insights and Experience Survey, designed to better understand the experiences, challenges and needs of all dog breeders across purebred and crossbreed communities, and whether or not they are RKC‑registered. The findings will help the Royal Kennel Club strengthen its support for responsible breeding through practical, evidence‑based action.
Highlights from the day included engaging discussions on breeder experiences and challenges, as well as updates on the development of the new Nose to Tail veterinary assessment.
Breeders took part in small discussion groups facilitated to explore their day‑to‑day experiences, the pressures faced within the current breeding landscape, and the opportunities they see for improvement. These conversations generated valuable feedback, ideas and lived perspectives, all of which will be reviewed and used to guide future planning and developments.
Participants also received an update on the development of the new Nose to Tail veterinary assessment, including progress made so far and details of what breeders can expect as the project continues.
To close the forum, the Royal Kennel Club confirmed it will follow up with further information on upcoming tools and support for breeders, and that this marks the continuation of an ongoing conversation. The Royal Kennel Club would like to thank all those who attended for their valuable contributions.
Following the event, Charlotte McNamara, Head of Health & Breeding at the Royal Kennel Club said: “The purpose of the forum was to bring breeders together to openly share their experiences, challenges and ideas, and the day emphasised the Royal Kennel Club’s commitment to ensuring breeder feedback directly informs ongoing development. All our attendees shared incredibly useful insight and expertise which remain essential to strengthening the RKC’s work and future priorities.”
The Royal Kennel Club will now review all insights gathered and share further updates with breeders in April.