THE BASSE​T GRIFFON VENDÉEN CLUB
OF GREAT BRITAIN

From Fiona Buchanan, Kennel Club Breed Health Coordinator, Basset Griffon Vendéen (Grand & Petit)

The Kennel Club’s population analysis project

Pedigree dog breeds form closed populations, with finite gene pools which are likely to decline over time. This is due to selection of breeding animals, with only some contributing some of their genes to the next generation. As the gene pool of a breed gets smaller over time, it becomes harder to find unrelated individuals for mating. This can lead to inbreeding depression, increasing the risk of inherited disorders and fertility issues, and in extreme cases even extinction. As part of The Kennel Club's commitment to safeguard the future of pedigree dogs, with individual breeders playing their role in reducing these risks, it’s crucial for breeders to consider how to manage the genetic diversity of their breed population, not just in the context of the impact of inbreeding on their own litter, but for the breed.

The KC have conducted a comprehensive analysis of 222 pedigree dog breeds to estimate the loss of genetic diversity and support the development of sustainable breeding strategies. An individual population analysis report has been developed for each breed based on the data held in The KC database. These reports include trends in registration, estimates of the loss of genetic diversity, statistics and trends in litter sizes, and characteristics of sires. These results are designed to form a basis for discussion with the breed communities on how they can be combined with existing knowledge of the breed’s history and other reputable external sources of information to develop strategies for long term sustainability of breed populations.

As the KC Breed Health Coordinator for GBGV and PBGV I have been asked to invite up to 10 representatives from each breed into focus groups. These groups must be a good representation of the breed community and breeders. The recommendation is to include individuals from show and working communities as well as knowledgeable individuals with a particular interest in health matters.

Once I have received the breed’s individual reports from the KC I will share the reports with the focus groups. We will then meet, either in person or via an online platform, to discuss the findings and complete a single feedback form on behalf of these groups.

During the first part of 2025, January - April, the KC will hold themed meetings to discuss areas raised in our feedback and where possible group breeds together to share insights, challenges and ideas.

In time the KC will work with myself and our breeds to offer support in developing an action plan for inclusion in our Breed Health and Conservation Plan.

I am looking for volunteers to help with this project. If you feel that you fit the criteria to be involved, and would like to be part of the focus groups, please email me on tarmachangbgv@gmail.com.

Fiona Buchanan
Kennel Club Breed Health Coordinator
Basset Griffon Vendéen Club Health Officer