Could someone please clarify the rules for showing neutered animals? I was told all operations are subject to approval by the KC committee but looking on the KC website I am led to believe that you just have to inform them before you show, you fill in a form and they send you a letter that you present to the ring steward before your class, who's right?!
I'm confused!

You must write to the kennel club to inform them that you are having your dog neutered.  After approval they reply with a letter confirming receipt and that you may still show your dog.  You do NOT have to produce this letter at any time at any show.

I show a spayed bitch.

There is a form that you can download, informing them when the operation took place, and by which vet, or you can simply write them a letter. You will receive a letter confirming that they have received this information, then you can go ahead and show. This isn't one of the operations that requires 'approval' - just the information.

You should produce the letter if the operation has altered the dogs physical appearance so if the dog has been castrated  you should hve the permission to show letter with you

Thanks everyone for clearing that up, now we can go ahead(after telling the KC)and enter our first open show next month, her first ever show(she will be 6 the day after the show-years not months!) Bit nervous already but we have quite a few CDS to do before then to practise!
Emily

Just thought of something else. We are considering an operation to sort out a slight incontinence prob she has, currently under control with Propalin but have been told it could worsen and that long term medication is not really a good idea. The KC would not need to know about this would they? I doubt it would change her appearance but I'm new to this!

As long as your vet says it is necessary for the health of your girl the KC should be ok

Hi Moonmaiden,
The Kennel Club form (hope the link works) makes no reference to the reason for neutering being relevant.

My reply was nothing to do with the neutering but the subsequent operation for the incontinence <We are considering an operation to sort out a slight incontinence prob she has, currently under control with Propalin but have been told it could worsen and that long term medication is not really a good idea>

I am well aware of the KC form re spaying etc, you still need the letter from the KC if it is a dog as his appearance would of course be changed if you don't want to be penalized in the breed ring

Sorry Moonmaiden, my mistake.
:o