UK Show Dog Exhibitors Who Support An End To K.C. Coat-testing

[JaspersMum]

Hope it's OK to post a link to this petition regarding coat testing for our show dogs.  Rather than post an inadequate explanation of what it entails, here's Mike Gadsby's blurb from the petition page.

If you wish to read more and sign the petition, it can be found HERE
or look at the Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/#!/home.php?sk=group_201005229936148  (looks like you will need to copy and past to the address bar)


The Kennel Club should cease with immediate effect the practice of coat testing for powder,lacquer and silicone-based grooming products.

After witnessing the treatment of Poodle exhibitors this year at Crufts by Club officials, I, supported by many others across a wide spectrum of breeds, felt compelled to challenge our Kennel Club's regulations with regard to the preparation and presentation of show dogs and the practice of coat testing.

Currently it is considered unacceptable for exhibitors to use products which may alter the texture of the coat. These include chalk, powder, lacquer, and grooming products which contain silicone. The latter is commonly found in shampoo and conditioners for both human and canine use. These items are used to enhance our dogs for the ring and make them appear at their best for exhibition.

I know that the KC endorses the views of most exhibitors in that ''freedom and a natural life'' is paramount for our beloved companions. Dogs with white coats who enjoy such a lifestyle will no doubt experience some dulling of the hair as a result, and therefore benefit from the use of brightening powders and chalks. Dogs with drop-coats such as Maltese, Yorkies and Shih Tzu are normally washed and conditioned in shampoos which invariably contain silicone as a way to maintain a sleek appearance and prevent the coat from tangling. Poodle exhibitors traditionally use lacquer to enhance the topknot of hair which frames their dogs' face. In fact, most breeds regularly use products to simply increase shine, and others to increase (or decrease) volume. No unfair advantage is gained as everyone has access to these materials and uses them where appropriate, but all mentioned about should technically disqualify a dog from competition under current regulations.

The fact is that each time we bathe our dogs we alter their coat texture and thereby break the KC's rules.

Adding to this frustration is how the KC enforces these rules. The practise of ''coat testing'' for foreign substances is carried out in a supposedly random fashion across a small minority of breeds most commonly including Bichons, Poodles and a selection of Terriers. In all cases during the last decade only the Dog CC and Reserve CC winners have been tested. These facts reinforce the belief of many that to call the process random is a contradiction of terms.

The winning dogs and their handlers are removed from the ring immediately after their wins, and taken to a designated area. A vet drags a selection of flea combs through the coat to obtain samples of hair, perhaps to the discomfort of the dog himself. The samples are sent to a forensics lab to be tested for foreign substances such as the ones mentioned above.
As an experienced exhibitor who has been through this process firsthand , I can say that it is thoroughly intimidating and distressing for both dog and handler. For an exhibitor who has just experienced the joy of winning a coveted card, the euphoria is quickly drained away as he finds himself embroiled in this unexpected scenario.

Following the dog judging at Crufts this year, this scene played out in the Miniature Poodle ring. No fewer than 8 suited officials escorted the two female exhibitors (one of whom was Swedish and spoke only broken English) to the testing area. Confusion and frustration grew around the ringside as judging was delayed until further notice. It was a sad reflection on our sport, at our most publicised and publicly-attend event, for an air of wrong-doing and the inferred allegations of ''cheating'' to pervade the hall. More than one exhibitor was heard to say ''I can't believe I paid money to see our breed treated this way!''

The owner of the RCC winner, 80 year old June Clark, is a longtime breeder/exhibitor of Miniature Poodles. She was terribly upset and distressed at being made to feel as though she had done something wrong, and later needed much consoling from fellow exhibitors on what should have been a day of celebration. Why were these two animals tested from the 20,000+ who competed at Crufts? When health and welfare are so rightly a top priority, enforcing these regulations is a distraction from more important issues.

If KC-sanctioned testing was used to ward off dangerous substances or performance-enhancing drugs, none of us would argue at its importance in maintaining a safe enviroment for our canine friends. But when such force is used to detect what boils down to high-street beauty enhancers, which pose NO welfare risk or potential ill side-effects, it is time for re-evaluation.

It is important to note the specific wording of this proposal. We are asking for an end of testing for powder, lacquer and silicone-based products ONLY. We are NOT suggesting that other substances which permanently change natural colour or natural texture such as DYE or Chemical straighteners should be acceptable. We support the continued testing for dye should the KC choose to do so.

Some might fear that if regulation on grooming products is relaxed, then the proverbial flood gates will open. However, when one considers that out of the 4 tests carried out at Crufts this year (Miniature Poodles and Westies), all 4 samples came back positive for substances, it is clear that the current methodology is NOT effective. Nor is it conclusive as to how the substances arrived on the hair samples. Cross-contamination from other exhibitors within the grooming area is one very plausible explanation. What is obvious is that exhibitors want to present their dogs in a manner which affords them the look they desire, whilst remaining safe and harmless to the dogs themselves.

We are asking for common sense to prevail in this matter. We implore the KC to accept that the practise of coat-testing is no longer appropriate and conjures up more negatives than benefits.

[Brimbeck(Dyllan)]

Like many I thought these fur samples were cut from the dog in some place they would not be seen. As I've read more it seems the fur is removed via flea comb from the head and thigh of the dog causing  pain 

I imagine a, stripped for a show, cocker would have few loose strands anyway but a dog which is not stripped must find it painful.

[JaspersMum]

Unbelievable isn't it.  Couldn't believe how it all happened at Crufts too. (Naively thinking they might care about dog and exhibitor a little!)

I also had not appreciated that shampoo could be such an issue   I do accept that dyeing a coat should be wrong, but bathing and keeping a long haired breed knot and tangle free is surely maintaining a fit and healthy dog rather than enhancement

[spanielkiss]

I support M Gadsby's opinion . The KC should end this madness and concentrate their time a effort in policing and making the relevant health tests to every breed mandatory in the UK as they are in some European countries .
What harm can a little chalk and shampoo do in the presentation of a show dog 

[d_dambe]

Oh my goodness.. how different it is, and frankly, quite silly in the face of what you are facing there in terms of anti-pedigree dog opposition and health issues...... many other countries allow various preparations to be used and generally ban alteration of colour or chemical straightening of coats.

There are some fabulous dog show preparation shampos and conditioners around, with big sales in the UK so there must be a lot of humans using the products on their own hair !

Down-under for show preparation I like to use Sard Wonder soap if the girls pants are a bit yellow from squatting, then a coat brightening shampoo and then a wonderful silky conditioner for finish and shine. 

I am not changing what is under the coat, I am not changing the colour of the natural coat and judges running their hands over the dogs body/ coat will feel a nice clean coat... that then drapes back after examination or moving the dog.

[LynneB]

Some things are more important......making sure that dogs are bred properly and healthier for one. As an exibiter I want my dogs to look and feel their best. Better start checking labels

[Joyce]

Well done Mike at the KC AGM today, now we have the General committee looking into it, a step forward

[LynneB]

According to the kennel club, the testing has now been suspended... quote from Our Dogs

OUR DOGS can announce that after a full and frank discussion at today’s KC AGM on the subject of coat testing proposed by KC member Mike Gadsby that coat testing will be suspended pending further discussions by interested parties including non members of the Kennel Club.

Again, watch this space for further announcements and read OUR DOGS for the full report in next weeks issue.   

Well done Mike. I will tell him in person as he is judging BIS at SKC. (no I'm not expecting to be in the running lol)