The exemption is granted for a specific competition discipline, as the level of strain varies significantly. You may apply for an exemption for multiple disciplines in the same application.
In some cases, the exemption may be conditional upon a breeding ban being imposed on the dog. This is because certain treatments may mask conditions that are considered hereditary. Please note that in such cases, the breeding ban applies for the dog's entire life.
Each application will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the DKK’s veterinarian, potentially involving the DKK’s Health Committee and/or external advisors.
It is possible to apply for an exemption for dogs that have undergone surgery.
Applications for exemption can be submitted by contacting the DKK’s health department at sundhed@dkk.dk, which will then send a form for the application. The DKK charges a fee of DKK 450 for processing an exemption application.
Exemptions issued before March 1, 2025, are no longer valid and must be reapplied for in accordance with the new rules.
Chemical Castration
A chemically castrated dog may participate in events, provided that the regulations explicitly state that surgically castrated male dogs are allowed to participate.
An exemption for chemical castration will result in a lifelong breeding ban.
Please note that a male dog at a show must have normal testicles – this will not be the case for a chemically castrated male dog, which is why it may not be exhibited.
Reasoning: Chemical castration typically alters the dog's behavior (reducing aggression and lack of concentration), affecting a true assessment of the dog’s temperament and behavior. Results achieved with a chemically castrated dog may therefore obscure hereditary behavior—hence the lifelong breeding ban.
Chronic Treatment for Arthritis/Spondylosis/Hip Dysplasia (HD)
If the dog is completely symptom-free and non-lame while on treatment such as Librela, Onsior, Rimadyl,
No exemption can be granted.
Reasoning: If a dog is treated with painkillers for a chronic injury/condition, the injury may worsen if the dog is medicated simply to participate in an event.
Treatment with Heart Medication
If the dog is completely symptom-free and functioning well while on heart medication such as Vetmedin or Dimazon,
No exemption can be granted.
Reasoning: If a dog is being treated for heart disease, exertion may worsen the condition and require a different dosage than in daily activities.
Treatment for Epilepsy
Chronic treatment for seizures/epilepsy.
If veterinary documentation confirms that the dog has been seizure-free for 6 months or longer, an exemption may be granted.
An exemption for epilepsy treatment will result in a lifelong breeding ban.
Reasoning: Epilepsy has a hereditary component, which is why an exemption results in a lifelong breeding ban.
Treatment for Chronic Hormonal Disorders
Chronic treatment with medication for hormonal disorders such as Cushing’s disease, Addison’s disease, or hypothyroidism may qualify for an exemption if veterinary documentation confirms that the dog is well-managed and symptom-free.
An exemption for hormonal disorder treatment will result in a lifelong breeding ban.
Reasoning: Various hormonal disorders often have a hereditary component, which is why an exemption results in a lifelong breeding ban.
Treatment for Allergies
Chronic treatment for skin conditions such as allergies with medications like Apoquel or Cytopoint may qualify for an exemption if veterinary documentation confirms that the dog is well-managed and symptom-free.
Treatment with steroids/corticosteroids cannot be granted an exemption.
An exemption for allergy treatment will result in a lifelong breeding ban.
Reasoning: Allergies are hereditary, which is why an exemption results in a lifelong breeding ban.
Treatment for Anxiety and Restlessness (Behavior-Modifying Medication)
Treatment for anxiety and restlessness with medications such as Clomicalm, Reconcile, Tessie, which enable the dog to participate in events without issues,
No exemption can be granted.
Reasoning: To ensure fair competition, results must be based on the dog’s natural abilities/qualifications and the owner’s skilled training, not on behavior-modifying medication.
