A friend is having her bitch spayed but hopes to continue to show from time to time (Open shows only).  Spaying will not improve the bitches appearance but may make it worse in terms of coat etc so it is not going to enhance appearance.

She is getting conflicting advice about needing KC approval and also is there any likelihood that the KC would refuse permission if she did complete the official forms?  Has anyone any experience of this and the best way to move forward - official or just carry on showing?

At the last show we went to I met a lady who was showing a bitch that had been spayed, there were no problems with her showing, she did say she had to get permission/ a letter from the KC so that she could continue showing, she carries it with her all of the time but not once has she been asked to produce it.

You don't need actual permission any more, you just fill in the form and inform the KC it has been done. (The vet that spayed the bitch needs to sign the form.) You then get a letter back saying it was all accepted. I did this last year. The form can be found here: http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/download/394/neutereddogsform.pdf

There is no permission needed to show a spayed bitch, but you are supposed to INFORM the kennel club, either by letter or the little form you can download from the KC site

You can let your friend know she doesn't need to carry the letter with her any more.  As others have said you don't need permission to show any more you just need to inform the KC.  They then send you a letter acknowledging that you've told them.  I have stuck that letter in my girl's file and forget about it.  It's basically just a formality :)

You can let your friend know she doesn't need to carry the letter with her any more.  As others have said you don't need permission to show any more you just need to inform the KC.  They then send you a letter acknowledging that you've told them.  I have stuck that letter in my girl's file and forget about it.  It's basically just a formality :-)

Thank you, that's good to know.>

Why do people think that they can't show nuetered animals? Ok, males have an obvious disadvantage ;-) but can still be shown.

The Crufts BIS some years ago was a nuetered Sheltie after all.

I don't understand it either.

the rules were changed about 20 years ago allowing any neutered animal to be shown, though your supposed to inform the KC.

Before that neutered animals could still be shown as long as they had registered progeny

So I don't understand why this idea persists that they can't be shown.

Of course they can't be shown in many other countries, but relatively few people show abroad.

Useful to know I don't need to carry the form anymore. I think George's form is in my show bag, not that I show him much or that he would win, but just in case!