IPFD News
Here we post details of new collaborations, events, and other IPFD news.
25 articles in this category
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About the State of Pet Homelessness Project (via Mars Petcare) Pets that don’t receive the care they need are at risk of poor health and compromised welfare. Measuring the scale of pet homelessness is a complex task. To address this challenge, Mars partnered with leading animal welfare experts and organizations to launch the State of Pet Homelessness Project, a global data initiative. To bring transparency, awareness, and insight to the cha
The Interview
IPFD CEO Marc Ralsky recently commented on how better information-sharing can
help us keep dogs in happy homes and tackle the issue of pet homelessness - as part
of Mars Petcare's State of Pet Homelessness Project ‘Fur-Ever Home’ expert advisor series.
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Our article, Reframing Current Challenges Around Pedigree Dogs: A Call for Respectful Dialogue, Collaboration and Collective Actions (also available in Dutch, Finnish, French, German, and Spanish), responds to a wave of recent legislative actions, especially in Europe. Although primarily focused on brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, regulations may eventually impact all pedigree and non-pedigree dogs. “This is a call for each one of us to examine how our personal attitudes, attachments,Press Release:
International Partnership for Dogs Calls for Collective Actions for Health and Welfare of Pedigree Dogs
This Press Release is available in Nederlands, English, Suomeksi, Français, Deutsch, and Español (download below). The International Partnership for Dogs (IPFD) is calling on stakeholder groups – including dog show enthusiasts, kennel and breed clubs, legislators, dog owners, veterinarians, welfare advocates – from all regions and countries to come together to address issues currently impacting the health, welfare, and breeding of dogs.
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How to Access Content Your access to the various areas of DogWellNet.com is dependent upon your level of membership (e.g., Guest, Member or Advanced Member). Access may change as we continue to develop the website. For more information on who can participate in the DogWellNet community, read: Who Can Actively Participate in DogWellNet.com?. How to Register Guests are able to see public content. As of April 2016, Guests can sign up for a Member account to access some additional- We have provided below a number of tips to assist you in utilizing some of the key features of DogWellNet. Please note that the site is still in a Continued Development Phase and, therefore, the availability of some features and content may change as the site evolves. If you need more help finding your way around DogWellNet, go to our Help Desk, visit our Forums or refer to the Contacts listed at the bottom of every page.
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Background: International Dog Health Workshops The International Dog Health Workshops (IDHWs) provide a forum to identify specific needs and actions aimed at improving the health and well-being of dogs. IPFD oversees the IDHWs and partners with co-hosting organizations that support our mission to improve the health and well-being of all dogs. There have been five IDHWs to date, with a 6th planned for 2026: 1st IDHW (June 2012, Stockholm) - organized by the Swedish Kennel Club (SKK) 2nd IDHW (F- A
- A new report published in the peer-reviewed journal, Companion Animal Health and Genetics, outlines discussions and action items for improving dog health and well-being from the 5th International Dog Health Workshop, co-hosted by the International Partnership for Dogs (IPFD) and the Finnish Kennel Club (Suomen Kennelliitto) in Finland in June 2024. Moving from information and collaboration to action: Report from the 5th International Dog Health Workshop in Helsinki, June 2024
Katariina Mäki1, Aimée Llewellyn-Zaidi2, David St. Louis3, Marc Ralsky4, Dan G. O’Neill5, Åke Hedhammar6, Rowena M.A. Packer7, Kari J. Ekenstedt8, Jerold S. Bell9, Becky Murphy10, Ian J. Seath11, Ambre Courtin12, Mirkka Montonen13, Anna Nygård14, Vilma Reunanen15 Companion Animal Health and Genetics volume 12, Article number: 2 (2025) Link to Report | Download Report as PDF
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In an excerpt from our 2023 Annual Report, we present an abbreviated timeline of key developments highlighting the complexity of issues addressed by IPFD and DogWellNet and an acknowledgment of some of the many supporters and collaborators who have contributed directly or indirectly to this important work: A Continuing & Sustainable Development.pdf Join IPFD i- On this International Dog Day, we invite you to learn about IPFD and how we came to lead a global, multi-stakeholder effort to enhance dog health, well-being, and welfare of all dogs worldwide.
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Press Release: International Partnership for Dogs (IPFD) Launches Health Strategies Database for Dogs JUNE 2023 — The International Partnership for Dogs has launched the Health Strategies Database for Dogs (HSDD), a free, searchable database that includes breed-specific health/mentality testing requirements and recommendations established by Health Strategy Providers (HSPs) around the world. The HSPs include kennel clubs, breed clubs, veterinary organizations, and others. Searchab- This is a reminder to do the Abstract, here are some reminders what an Abstract is for.
- What is this article about?
- Who is this article for?
- What is the take-home message?
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But it is former IPFD CEO Dr. Brenda Bonnett who really knew her best, and she has shared her thoughts below on Ann – both as an extraordinary person and dog lover, and on her impact on IPFD and the broader dog community. On the sudden and unexpected passing of Ann Milligan, IPFD Content Manager As those in the Bernese Mountain Dog group have said in their tributes to Ann, she was never one to want the spotlight or even basic recognition. A job well-done was her reward. Pa
It is with great sadness that we announce the recent passing of IPFD Content Manager Ann Milligan, of Indio, California. Ann’s sudden passing came as a shock to all of us at IPFD, and our thoughts are with her family in this difficult time.
Many of us worked alongside Ann since IPFD’s early days, and her knowledge, energy, and boundless dedication to our mission will be greatly missed.
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“We’re truly delighted to welcome ENCI to our global community, and we very much look forward to working with our new partners for the benefit of dogs throughout Italy and around the world,” says IPFD Chair Dr. Pekka Olson. “The ENCI Board of Directors has strongly supported joining the IPFD because the exchange of information on genetic studies is considered a priority for the future of dog lovers in order to provide breeders with the necessary tools to protect the health of dog breeds and- 5 JUNE, 2023 – The International Partnership for Dogs is pleased to announce that Italy’s national kennel club, ENCI - Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana, has joined national kennel clubs from Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom as an IPFD Contributing Partner.
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Formerly tenured faculty at the Ontario Veterinary College, Brenda is a veterinarian and Consulting Epidemiologist. Her research and projects in Europe and North America have included the development of national and international programs with kennel clubs; extensive work with / publications on animal insurance data; human-animal interactions, numerous pet welfare initiatives spanning the National Council on Pet Overpopulation (1993) and for the American Humane Association: Cat Welfare Forum (Se
- Ever since Dr. Brenda Bonnett proposed the development of a canine health and welfare information network in 2011, she has been the driving force behind the IPFD and DogWellNet.com. As IPFD’s first Chief Executive Officer, Brenda was responsible for the development and operation of the IPFD including its technical infrastructure, partnership building, programs and projects, and more. She stepped down from the CEO role on 31 October, 2021 and continued to share her expertise with the international dog community as IPFD’s Veterinary Science Officer until July 2022. The wealth of information that Brenda and IPFD the team created during her tenure remain on DogWellNet.com as an enduring resource to support the health and welfare of dogs.
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IPFD allocates the bulk of its financial resources to maintain a small team to manage its modest resources and facilitate stakeholders' activities. "As COO, Monique will leverage her expertise in international dog health and welfare and project management to build upon IPFD's solid administrative foundation," says IPFD CEO Dr. Brenda Bonnett. "I see the creation of the COO role and Monique's impressive credentials as crucial in ensuring IPFD's continued growth and long term sustainability."- The International Partnership for Dogs (IPFD) is delighted to introduce Monique Megens as its first Chief Operating Officer (COO).
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The 2018 Annual Report summarizes these achievements and previews our plans for 2019 - such as the Health Strategies Database for Dogs (HSDD), an important complement to the HGTD, which will consider the whole spectrum of health concerns within dog breeds. Please be sure to share this document with your friends and colleagues to show the important work being done by the IPFD and its supporters. View the 2018 Annual Report (PDF 7.9 MB) The- In 2018, our fourth full year of operation, we focused our efforts on key initiatives, including: Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs (HGTD); planning for the 4th International Dog Health Workshop (IDHW) in May 2019; and lending an independent voice in addressing complex and often controversial challenges, such as the health and welfare issues in brachycephalic breeds.
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The information presented in our Annual Report is organized within the following sections: A Community Growing Strong A Year in Pictures: Our People in the Spotlight 2016 IPFD Partners, Sponsors, and Collaborators About IPFD Administration DogWellNet.com Content & Collaboration: DogWellNet.com CEO Activities & Outreach Building for the Future IPFD 2017: Opportunities & Challenges IPFD- We're excited to present a summary of our achievements in our second full year of operation in the IPFD Annual Report 2016.
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The Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs database currently holds basic information for 59 genetic test providers across 17 countries, with information on quality measures and accreditation for 26 active and participating test providers - including non-profits, academic institutions, and for-profits. This open-access resource allows users to independently compare and review different genetic test providers to determine the best option for themselves. We also provide general information and- A year-end update on the immense progress we've made in the Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs (HGTD) in 2018 and our plans for 2019:
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Since the launch of the Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs (HGTD) database on 7 May, there has been a surge of interest from both the public, and potential new collaborators. The HGTD database was culmination of months of hard work, building of new collaborations, fundraising, and data management. One of the major IPFD projects, it arose from discussions at the International Dog Health Workshops (IDHWs); the HGTD is a proud achievement, exemplifying the IDHW’s tagline: Information – Coll- To help to Sponsor this great initiative contact Project Director Aimee.Llewellyn-Zaidi@ipfdogs.com . Genetic Test Providers can learn more about participating here. ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Here's an update following the launch of the Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs (HGTD) and a look ahead at the next steps of this landmark initiative:
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Translations German: IPFD HGTD Press Release May 2018 -- German The International Partnership for Dogs (IPFD) is pleased to announce the launch of Phase 1 of the Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs (HGTD) initiative, a free online resource designed to support owners, breeders, veterinarians, and dog health and welfare specialists in the appropriate selection and use of DNA testing in dogs. The HGTD interface is hosted at DogWellNet- This is a reminder to do the Abstract, here are some reminders what an Abstract is for.
- What is this article about?
- Who is this article for?
- What is the take-home message?
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Our activities and achievements are summarized in the following sections of the IPFD Annual Report for 2017: Our People Building for the Future 2017 IPFD Partners, Sponsors, & Collaborators A Year in Pictures: Our People in the Spotlight 2017 IPFD Milestones Administration DogWellNet.com IDHW Paris 2017 IPFD Student Projects Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs CEO Activities & Outreach IPFD- In its third full year of operation, the IPFD, its Partners, Sponsors, and Collaborators truly led by example to advance our mission to enhance dog health, well-being, and welfare.
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With no existing national or international standards of accreditation, or standardization oversight group, there is a growing need for a reliable third party neutral organization that can provide guidance surrounding test reliability, laboratory quality assurance processes and procedures, test applicability by breed, and provide counseling regarding interpretation and best use of genetic test results. This is needed to support consumer confidence in DNA testing, educate consumers in the use of- NOTE: Since this press release, as of April 2018, Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs is online. Please check it out! The International Partnership for Dogs (IPFD) announces the “Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs” initiative: to support the appropriate selection and use of DNA testing in dog health and breeding decisions The ever-increasing emergence of new canine DNA tests and testing laboratories has made choosing quality DNA testing providers and the right DNA tests for health and breeding decisions increasingly challenging for many owners,
breeders and veterinarians.
Working with a wide-spectrum of stakeholders in dog health, the International Partnership for Dogs (IPFD) "Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs" initiative will provide practical support to address these challenges.
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Nick Blayney's remarks covered in the Veterinary Record article encouraged vets to adopt a 'balanced and informed view of pedigreed dogs'. Points covered: numbers: KC registered dogs in comparison to all dogs vets need to be a 'critical friend rather than a critic'; historical information on The Kennel Club's approaches to addressing purebred dog health through health programs; The Kennel Club's involvement and assistance of veterinarians who serve on KC a
From the BVA congress held in November 2016
At the Session offered on Thursday, November 17, 2016: Two paws forward, one paw back: are we making any progress on pedigree dog health? presentations were offered by Dr. Brenda Bonnett DVM PhD, CEO, International Partnership for Dogs and Nick Blayney BVSc MRCVS, Veterinary Advisor, The Kennel Club.
An article has been included in the December Issue of the Veterinary Record: Title: BVA congress: Improving the health of pedigree dogs: is enough being done?
Abstract
"Controversies at Crufts in recent years have indicated there is still more to do to improve the health of pedigree dogs. Is the Kennel Club doing enough and can the UK learn from international experiences to help take matters forward? These questions were discussed during a session on pedigree dog health at the BVA Congress last month.
Georgina Mills reports"
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See the AKC's announcement! Annually the AKC recognizes breeding programs from the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups. Visit the HappyLegs Bullmastiffs website to learn more about Alan Kalter's & Chris Lezotte's commitment to excellence, function and type in the Bullmastiff breed and their contributions to the sport of purebred dogs .- Alan’s passion for Bullmastiffs, and purebred dogs in general, is shared by his wife, Chris Lezotte. They have been active breeders and exhibitors for 30 years, producing 165 champions including BIS , BISS, and five generations of Group winners under the HappyLegs, Registered prefix. Alan is the AKC Delegate from the American Bullmastiff Association and its current president.
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The information presented in our Annual Report is organized within the following sections: A Community Takes Shape About IPFD Our People Administration 2015 IPFD Partners, Sponsors, and Collaborators More Accomplishments CEO Activities and Outreach 2015 Milestones DogWellNet.com Looking Ahead: 2016 Download IPFD Annual Report 2015 (PDF 3.5MB)- We're truly proud of what we accomplished in our first full year of operation, and we're excited to present a summary of our achievements in the IPFD Annual Report 2015.
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To all at International Partnership for Dogs, Thank you so much for your ongoing support of the VetCompass Companion Animal Health & Welfare Research Programme in 2015. With the help of participating practices, our supporters and funding bodies we have had another successful year, expanding our UK clinic coverage and generating high quality epidemiological research on important topics relevant to animal health and welfare. All of us at the VetCompass Programme would like to wish your tea- We'd like to share holiday greetings and news from our colleagues at VetCompass.
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The formal agreement was signed 22 Oct 2015 between Pekka Olson, Chair, IPFD and Christian Eymar-Dauphin, President of the French Kennel Club (SCC) confirming that the SCC will host the next IPFD International Dog Health Workshop in Paris in early 2017. Dates and venue will be announced soon.
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The programme was divided over the two days. Saturday saw a series of presentations covering four key areas of dog health: Selection for Behavioural Traits, Breed Specific Health Strategies, Genetic Testing and Dogs in Motion. The delegates then separated into workshop groups to discuss work taking place around the world before reconvening to share their findings at the end of the day. Sunday was dedicated to the launch of DogWellNet.com, the website put together by the recently formed IPFD. A
PRESS RELEASE – International Dog Health Workshop The 2nd International Dog Health Workshop took place over the weekend of 14/15 February, organised by the VDH in partnership with the International Partnership for Dogs (IPFD), in Dortmund. Over 125 delegates from 18 countries attended the two day event formally known as the International Workshop on the Enhancement of Genetic Health in Pedigree Dogs. The event followed on from the 1st International Dog Health Workshop which took place in Stockholm in June 2012.
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- On the 15th of February 2015, DogWellNet.com entered Phase 2 in development. We officially launched the website at the 2nd International Dog Health Workshop (IDHW) in Dortmund, Germany. The public has been given access to most of the preliminary content that is available on the site. But it is important to realize that Phase 2 is really about further developing the cooperation and collaborations that form the base of our mission, vision and goals. By bringing together the people most active in providing information, evaluation, strategies, advice and more to the dog community, especially the breeding community, we hope to maximize the impact of DogWellNet.com. Phase 2 includes adding more Members to the DogWellNet Community to help us expand the content and functionality of the platform. We are engaging many from our IPFD Partners, Sponsors and Collaborators and many from the 2nd IDHW in order to facilitate the international collaborations identified there as key to the health, well-being and welfare of dogs. Guests are able to see public content. As of April 2016, Guests can sign up for a Member account to access some additional content and features on the website. Invited Members and Advanced Members (in general, those recommended by one of our Partners or Sponsors) will help us build content and further refine the website and will receive information on the registration procedure through their organization or from the DogWellNet.com team. Our News section will keep everyone updated on the exciting developments going on 'behind-the-scenes' as we support new and ongoing initiatives.
