German Cynology Fights for Breeders’ Rights — VDH vs. Hund & Pferd 2026
The German Kennel Club VDH is forced to temporarily apply strict veterinary measures from Dortmund for the “Hund & Pferd 2026” trade fair, even though it disagrees with those measures legally and professionally. Lawsuits have been filed, but no ruling will come before the fair. And what is happening in Germany raises a much more important question: what is happening in Serbia?
If you are in the world of cynology, you have probably already come across the news about VDH and the controversy surrounding the “Hund & Pferd 2026” fair. Below we provide a clear overview: what exactly is happening, why the dispute arose, what VDH objects to, and what the current legal status is.
What is VDH?
VDH (Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen) is the umbrella organisation of German cynology — something like the Kennel Club of Serbia. It organises dog shows, maintains stud books, and represents the interests of breeders and dog owners.
What is the “Hund & Pferd” fair?
“Hund & Pferd” is one of the largest dog and horse fairs in Europe, traditionally held in Dortmund. It brings together tens of thousands of visitors, hundreds of exhibitors, breeders, and animal lovers from all over Europe. It is not just a dog show — it is an event that has had enormous significance for German and European cynology for years.
What is the problem?
The veterinary authority of the city of Dortmund has issued a binding order (Ordnungsverfügung) for the “Hund & Pferd 2026” fair. This order is based on new guidelines issued by the Ministry of Agriculture of North Rhine-Westphalia, drafted by the Animal Welfare Working Group (AGT).
These guidelines, among other things, require:
- Exclusion of heterozygous carriers of recessively inherited diseases — meaning that dogs that are clinically completely healthy but carry a gene for a disease would be excluded from the show.
- Genetic testing for diseases that are proven not to occur in those breeds — which VDH considers completely pointless and unnecessary.
VDH claims that these guidelines are professionally and factually incorrect and constitute a de facto exhibition ban for approximately 50 genetic or physical characteristics in as many as 221 dog breeds. This would, they say, affect e.g. the Boston Terrier, French Bulldog, more than 95% of Dachshunds, and Cocker Spaniels.
What does VDH object to?
Legal problem
VDH says the law (§ 10 TierSchHuV) requires an assessment of the health of each individual dog, not suspicion based on breed or genetic carrier status.
Secrecy
The guide that forms the basis for these measures has not been made public. VDH says:
“You cannot impose rules on someone without telling them what the rules are.”
Disproportionality
Invasive and stressful tests are being demanded for dogs that are clinically healthy.
What has VDH done?
- Filed two lawsuits with the Administrative Court in Gelsenkirchen (regarding the “Dogs & Fun 2026” fair).
- Supports similar proceedings in other federal states.
- Filed a request for interim legal protection, but the court did not reach a decision in time before the fair.
Why then do they agree to the measures?
Because they want the “Hund & Pferd 2026” fair to take place anyway. The application of the measures is solely for the purpose of holding the event and:
- Does not constitute an admission that the measures are lawful.
- Does not create a legal precedent for future cases.
VDH has made it clear:
“We are not renouncing our legal position. This is temporary, under duress, and only for this fair.”
What happens next?
VDH Service GmbH, together with legal and expert advisors, will carefully analyse the order. There are already open legal and professional questions that are the subject of already initiated court proceedings before the Administrative Court in Gelsenkirchen.
What does this mean for Serbia?
While VDH in Germany fights against measures it considers unlawful — in Serbia, KSS has been operating for decades without registration in the Register of Breeding Organisations, violating the microchipping law, and deceiving breeders. The difference is that the German association has a legal system that works. The Serbian one — not yet.
And while VDH sues the state because it considers the measures unlawful, our KSS agrees with everything — just so as not to offend state authorities. They proved this at the recently held round table on amendments to the Animal Welfare Act, where the KSS representative neither appeared nor made any statement — let alone protected the interests of its members. Read more about this in the article “Let’s Legalise the Kennel Club of Serbia”.
Because while German cynologists have an association that fights — Serbian cynologists have an association that stays silent.
What can you do?
Get informed. Verify. Do not blindly trust institutions that present themselves as “umbrella” organisations — because they often are not. If you are a breeder, exhibitor, or just a dog lover — your voice matters. Join the fight for transparency and accountability in cynology.
The Essence
VDH fights against measures it considers unlawful and unprofessional, but currently must apply them so the fair can take place. The fight continues in court. And in Serbia? KSS fights for nothing — except its own interests. And that is the difference we must understand.
Related Topics
- Cynological Administration 2 — lack of transparency in results, pedigrees and outdated system
- WDS 2026 without KSS — decades of absence from EDS and WDS
- Who organises dog shows? KSS collects tribute, enthusiasts do the work
- Let’s Legalise the Kennel Club of Serbia — inaction at the round table
- Dog breeder or puppy mill — KSS makes no distinction
- ZKD vs KSS finances — request submitted before the assembly
- Assets of the Kennel Club of Serbia — what is being hidden
- Criminal complaint against KSS — 6 years in a drawer
- Kennel Club of Serbia deceived the state — misrepresentations about status
- Monopoly position of KSS — collusion with the state
- Success of Serbian cynology — KSS takes credit for others’ achievements
- KSS recognised the Kosovo Kennel Club
- Overpopulation of dogs in Serbia — direct link to KSS policy
- EU dog and cat welfare — KSS ignores regulations
- KSS “solves” the problem — 2022 rule changes without notification
- How KSS destroyed its own cynology — FCI figures
- Ten-minute assembly of KSS — autocracy and the death of democracy
- KSS Statute — public disclosure
- Two pedigrees, two stories — violation of Serbian law
