Results of tests carried out under the Assured Breeders Scheme help researchers to develop a greater picture of how each breed is affected by particular diseases.

New recommendations and requirements come into effect immediately

New updates to the breed-specific health testing and screening schedule for the Assured Breeder Scheme (ABS) have been published by The Kennel Club.

The Assured Breeder Scheme (ABS) emphasises the importance of carrying both the required and recommended health tests for specific breeds.

The results of these tests help researchers to understand how each breed is affected by particular diseases, as well as how best to improve testing and the overall health of affected breeds.

The latest updates for specific breeds include:

• eye testing for pectinate ligament abnormality (PLA) in Cocker spaniels is now required rather than recommended
• recommendations of elbow grading, hip scoring and eye testing for bloodhounds have been added
• a recommendation has been added for beagles to not produce a litter while under 18 months old.

A full list of the latests recommendations and requirements can be found here.

These updates come into effect immediately. With a six-month grace period for existing Assured Breeders to understand and implement the new requirements and recommendations.

The Kennel Club reminded breeders that tests can no longer be issued by the Animal Health Trust after the charity's closure in July. Guidance around available laboratories can be found on the breeds a-z page of the Kennel Club website.

Bill Lambert, head of health and welfare at The Kennel Club, said: “These latest Assured Breeder Scheme updates will help to maintain maximum progress for dog health improvements and encourage good breeding practices, which will in turn help to protect the future of the UK's much-loved pedigree dogs and ensure that puppy buyers can be easily signposted to breeders who do all they can to produce healthy pups.