Download this article in PDF format: IPFD 2023 Milestones and Ongoing Work in 2024.pdf

IPFD Board

• Nine board members participated throughout 2023, with Dino Muto (ENCI) joining the Board as its tenth member in December. The Board had four online meetings in 2023 (March, June, September, and December), and held the first meeting of 2024 on 31 January.
   
• With suggestions presented by the Swedish Kennel Club, IPFD added a representative from the SKK − Eva Lejdbrandt − who was elected to the IPFD Board.
   
• The Board established a publishing committee to adjudicate the posting of any possibly sensitive research or papers to ensure that IPFD is always positioned and seen as being neutral and information-based, not-opinion based.

Partners and Sponsors

• During 2023, IPFD had 15 Contributing Partners, 13 Breed-Specific and Non-Breed-Specific Collaborating Partners, and approximately two dozen additional organisations and companies that are sharing their knowledge and resources. There was a notable partner renewal, along with the addition of one new national kennel club:

o   Raad van Beheer (The Dutch Kennel Club) renewed its role as an IPFD Contributing Partner.

o   Italy’s national kennel club, ENCI - Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana, joined IPFD as a Contributing Partner in June.

Communication and Projects

• IPFD continues to expand the content and features within the Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs (HGTD), which also served as the backdrop for three webinars (see Dog Health Workshops section below).

o   New Genetic Test Providers (GTPs) began participation with HGTD, and all those GTPs who intended to renew participation for 2023-2024 onwards have agreed to the increased minimum participation costs.

o   HGTD continues to be the most up-to-date resource on genetic testing and genetic test providers, and the only borderless international resource that comprehensively lists and provides clinical, genetic, and breeding application information for all dogs.

• IPFD 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 recurring IPFD feature, Dog Breeds: What You Need to Know, was published in six issues of the WSAVA Bulletin and provided resources and highlights on breed-specific diseases for six dog breeds. These articles included links to IPFD’s growing library of Globally Relevant Integrated Health Profiles (GRIHPs), which now includes profiles for 25 breeds (with more planned for 2024).
   
• Six issues of the DogWellNet Digest e-newsletter were published in 2023. IPFD’s social media reach continues to expand, and the number of posts promoting IPFD and its resources has been increased.

o   IPFD Social Media Links:   

• The Consulting Team and IT consultants have begun planning to redesign and streamline the DogWellNet.com website in 2024, with the aim of significant changes to be completed in time for the 5^th IDHW in June. They are building a separate domain specifically for IPFD – the organization – to highlight its contributing partners, consultants, programs, and basic information with links to DogWellNet.com as a separate entity powered by IPFD.

Dog Health Workshops

• On 15 March, IPFD hosted its third webinar, Parentage Profiling for Kennel Clubs (co-hosted by Embark), bringing together stakeholders from around the world for an online discussion on how parentage profiling via genetics can support pedigree registration & dog health. Embark was pleased with the results and has signalled interest in further partnership discussions in 2024. IPFD has been in talks with Embark to sign on as lead for the Breeder Program for the North American Region.
   
• IPFD and Orivet (official sponsor of IPFD Virtual Meetings - Oceania Region for 2023-2024) presented a free webinar, Breeding for Health and Purpose, on 1 August. More than 200 breeders and stakeholders in dog health took part in this session aiming to help dog breeders to develop holistic breeding plans that improve health and welfare, as well as to meet the goals of the breeder using evidence-based tools balancing the art and science of dog breeding. IPFD expects to co-host more events with Orivet in the future.
   
• Preparations for the 5^th International Dog Health Workshop (13-15 June, Helsinki) are well underway, with the consulting team coordinating logistics in conjunction with co-hosts, the Finnish Kennel Club. In addition to a full slate of social, educational, and action planning activities, the 5^th IDHW (Theme: “Partners in Dog Health”) will also be a time to celebrate IPFD’s 10^th Anniversary and reflect on what IPFD has accomplished with its partners in dog health over the past decade. Registration is open through 10 May.

Building Partnerships

• IPFD’s consulting team has continued its work in building relationships with existing and new contributors.
   
• IPFD has signed new agreements supporting the Breeder Program with the Royal Kennel Club and Orivet (for the UK region and Oceana respectively).
   
• IPFD is also in initial communications with other GTPs to focus on the European Market and recruit additional Partners.
   
• IPFD has also begun to investigate a National Breed Club membership program in North America with the large National Breed Clubs. A written a letter will be signed by IPFD Board members Dr. Marty Greer and David Eikelberg. Membership will require a nominal donation, but it will help us to open the gateway to being part of the breeders’ go-to resources for all things genetic testing.
   
• The CEO is working with Jo Gale at Royal Canin on a sponsorship around her homeless dogs research. She will be delivering a keynote address at the 5^th IDHW, and she is interested in further supporting IPFD and the IDHW. A $25,000 sponsorship was secured and is being used for funding the 5^th IDHW.
   
• IPFD was generously invited to attend and present at the recent G8 Kennel Club meeting. It was deemed not cost-effective and on short notice for IPFD’s CEO to attend, but the Vice Chair, Bill Lambert, graciously agreed to attend and present on behalf of IPFD. Early feedback has been very positive.
   
• DogWellNet.com continues to be the exclusive international source for Agria’s Swedish Insurance Data, which is available for download by breed clubs (for applicable breeds) in IPFD's Pedigree Breeds database.
   
• IPFD has made inroads with the lead of the American Kennel Club’s Genetic Testing Group. She will be attending the IDHW, and she has been invited to speak at the workshop as well.
   
• IPFD has begun to reach out to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the University of Missouri to rebuild and develop a strong working relationship.
   
• IPFD has also secured two additional sponsorships from Royal Canin for ($20,000) IPFD costs and planning and Agria (provided to the Finnish Kennel Club) for the 5^th IDHW. Both of these groups will be giving key addresses at the workshop.
   

Watch for IPFD's 2023 Annual Report - Coming Soon!

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Note: This article is available for download in multiple formats:

PDF (letter size): The International Partnership for Dogs Milestones - June 2022.pdf

MS Word (letter size): The International Partnership for Dogs Milestones - June 2022.docx

PDF (A4 size): The International Partnership for Dogs Milestones - June 2022 A4 Size.pdf

MS Word (A4 size): The International Partnership for Dogs Milestones - June 2022 A4 Size.docx

Addressing the big picture for dog health and welfare   

Key Stakeholders: Kennel and Breed Clubs, Breeders; Legislators and Regulators; The Public/Consumers; Veterinarians and the Veterinary Profession; Researchers/Research Institutions; The Pet Industry; Welfare Organizations/Shelters; Producers/Distributors.

IPFD: IPFD was initiated by major kennel clubs (KCs) and key pet industry groups – true leaders in the world of dogs – who shared a commitment to maintaining and improving the health of all dogs.

IPFD takes a multi-stakeholder, Big Picture approach to the complex challenges of dogs, breeds, and human-dog interactions; works to provide resources, inform, assist in actions for health and welfare, and bring these stakeholder groups into collaboration and cooperation. IPFD is a unique international organization that can operate at arms length, independently and transparently, to address the breadth of challenges in dog (pedigree and non-pedigree) health and welfare.

Information Sharing and Collaboration 2022

Genetics and Genetic Testing: Since its launch in 2018, IPFD’s Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs (HGTD) has grown to include information on 82 international genetic test providers (GTPs) with 45 actively participating in 23 countries. The database includes all the major phenes (tests) sold for use in dogs and is integrated with latest research and clinical information, with additional breed-specific information on test usage or application in the breed(s).

In addition to providing a searchable database of GTPs, breed-specific genetic testing information complied for HGTD is being integrated into Get a GRIHP! documents, a series of articles on the Big Picture of health and welfare within specific breeds.

Beyond the numbers and specific actions, IPFD and HGTD contribute to the overall quality, consistency, and accuracy of data on genetic testing for dogs. We help improve communication on genetic testing and counseling and bring together national and international stakeholders including researchers, veterinarians, genetic test providers, kennel club advisors, breeders, and owners.

Further genetic testing and counseling resources are available in articles and blogs by HGTD Project Manager Aimee Llewellyn-Zaidi (Ask Aimee | HGTD & Genetic Testing).

Virtual International Dog Health Workshops: On May 3, we hosted our second virtual workshop, Genetic Diversity. Focusing on genetic diversity primarily from a genetic tests/tools view, 60 participants – including representatives from IPFD and our Partner kennel clubs, genetic test providers, breeders, and other key stakeholders – came together online to identify genetic diversity tools and resources, and to discuss priorities and actions for the benefit of all dogs.  

A very special thank you to our distinguished panel, which included Prof. John Woolliams (The Roslin Institute, UK), Samantha Hauser (Embark, USA), Katy Evans (Guide Dogs, USA), Saija Tenhunen (Viking Genetics, FI), Pieter Oliehoek (Dogs Global, NL), and Sally Ricketts (University of Cambridge, UK), for sharing their time and expertise with us!

An immediate outcome from this workshop was collaborative invitation to work with the Nordic Kennel Union (NKU/VK) to develop a compendium of genetic diversity tools and resources. We’re in the process of determining further next steps (e.g., working groups, subsequent workshops) on genetic diversity issues and will update workshop participants and stakeholders shortly.

We are currently planning our third virtual workshop on Extremes of Conformation, to be held in conjunction with further discussions on current challenges around Parentage Testing (and kennel clubs’ practices in this area) in the Fall of 2022. Stay tuned for details!
 

Breed Specific Work – A Core IPFD Activity

Get a GRIHP! on Breeds: Our 2022 Breeds of the Month featured links to our Pedigree Breeds Database, which now contains updated information, videos, links to kennel and breed clubs on 183 breeds as well as links to other content on DogWellNet.com, such as:

Get a GRIHP! Globally Relevant Integrated Health Profiles (GRIHPs), describe the Big Picture of health on (all) conditions that are of interest within a breed. Get a GRIHP! breeds for 2022 include (so far) Whippets, Belgian Shepherds, English Bulldogs, and Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers.

All include information on national populations, breed statistics – including from our Partner Agria, health strategies from Swedish RAS, and Finnish PEVISA and JTO documents; as well as recommended/required health tests from the UK, Sweden, Finland, and USA, and, more recently, from France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

GRIHP articles are published in concert with Meet the Breed presentations by IPFD Collaborating Partner, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) in their Bulletin newsletter.

Highlighting Actions by Partners

Digest: Our Digest e-newsletter is published several times a year. Each issue includes a special Partners in Action section highlighting news from our Partners and contributors.

Blogs: Focus on issues timely and relevant to key stakeholders, such as breeders. Examples include:

·         WSAVA Calls for ‘Health-focused’ Breeding

·         Norway dog breeding bans – what can you do to save your own breed?

·         Breeding healthy puppies & sustaining your breed: the goal & how do you get there? 

·         The Downside of Inbreeding

·         Kennel Clubs and Responsible Breeding: Examples from Finland

·         Genetic diversity tools in the Finnish Kennel Club's breeding database

Social Media: We frequently post and share content on our Partners’ activities to our social media channels.

Getting the Balanced, Big Picture Message Out

Our Multi-Pronged Approach: Via DogWellNet.com, IPFD's outreach, and International Dog Health Workshops/Virtual Workshops, our aim has been to collect and present evidence-based data, highlight Kennel and Breed Club tools and programs and resources, and share common sense content that promotes health and wellness for purebred dogs and all dogs.

We have engaged experts in breeds, involved genetic and canine researchers as well as featured materials from health and welfare sectors, industry/pet insurance/ genetic test providers and the veterinary organizations/fields.

We provide centralized venues in which the canine communities across borders can come together to explore methods and means to understand improve dog's lives. Through engaging experts, we have been successful in highlighting the work of our partners that directly serves and enhances value added human canine connections.

We are thrilled to spotlight our Partners’ and Collaborators’ efforts on behalf of dogs and to keep lines of communication between stakeholders open and productive.

WSAVA Bulletin: IPFD’s regular Meet the Breed submissions update veterinarians with information on a variety of healthy and challenged breeds. Four breeds have been featured in 2022 as of June. Along with breed and health information in each edition are links to our Get a GRIHP! Articles, highlighting the work of breed and kennel clubs.

Key Presentations: By IPFD Veterinary Science Officer, Dr. Brenda Bonnett:

• SJDAWC Animal Welfare Concerns with Dog Breeding webinar series, 15 March International Challenges for Dog Breeding: How do Veterinarians Navigate the Complexities of Health, Welfare, and Owner Attachment?.
• Embark Canine Health Summit, 27-28 April Breeding healthy puppies and sustaining your breed: the goal and how do you get there?.

IPFD Editorial in Our Dogs: On May 13, Our Dogs newspaper published an opinion piece entitled: Need for international leadership on recent events relative to dog shows in Germany and other legislative and legal actions against certain breeds of dogs. They mention the potential for IPFD to have a role in promoting pedigree dogs, kennel clubs, and dog shows.

Our response, IPFD and Pedigree Dogs – You want leadership? We are ready, appeared in Our Dogs on May 18. The published version is only available to Our Dogs subscribers, but it is reprinted and available as a PDF here on DogWellNet.com.  

Excerpt:
“Responsibility means being fully accountable for health and welfare: recognizing problems in some breeds and ensuring that these are effectively addressed and demonstrating a commitment to maintaining and improving the health of all breeds. There has been denial of scientific, evidence-based information, because it goes against the desires or ‘traditions’ of some in the show world. The rest of the dog community. (e.g., veterinarians, welfare groups, legislators) understands that people are passionate about the hobby or business of dog shows; what they are looking for is proof – not merely proclamations - that concerns for the dogs come first.”

Complex situation for Brachycephalic breeds – IPFD receives many requests for information on, and participation in, this issue:

The Balanced Message:

• Kennel and breed clubs have a responsibility to address current and future health problems in these breeds – HOWEVER…
• They cannot be alone in these efforts. Most dogs in most countries are produced outside of kennel Club influence. Many actions by legislators, welfare groups, and veterinarians are narrow and short sighted and will spawn unintended consequences.
•  These items are stressed repeatedly in articles on DogWellNet.com, in presentations to vets, vet organizations, welfare groups and articles in veterinary media. 
• What other organizations that are NOT kennel clubs are driving home these points?
•  How many are pushing veterinarians to collaborate with breed clubs and kennel clubs?
• There are several well-recognized, compromised breeds and many relatively healthy pedigree breeds.

IPFD tries to maintain that balance in all discussions.

IPFD’s Role: Promote collaboration; keep breeders and kennel clubs and other stakeholders aware of international developments

•   In the absence of cooperation and collaboration, we are seeing unilateral actions by: -
    - Legislators – e.g., in Germany, The Netherlands, and Norway

- Veterinarians – e.g., petitions, videos

- Welfare groups – public campaigns, legal action

      IPFD is at a crucial point, as are the rest of you. We stand ready to lead, assist,  and         promote healthy pedigree dogs together with any KCs who are committed to doing the   work needed. Please join us!

• Point out errors and inappropriate; highlight the complexities – in discussions with other stakeholder groups, e.g., humane and vet organizations.
• There are many, many brachycephalic dogs – popularity has surged. This is causing stress among veterinarians dealing with increased health and welfare problems.
• Many dogs of certain breeds have significant health issues due to their conformation.
• Are most dogs from pedigree breeders? No. Even if many owners think their dog ‘has papers’, etc.

    - Are all pedigree dogs free of these problems? No.

    - What influence do pedigree breeders and breed standards have on people wanting to own these dogs? Unknown.

    - How can we improve the health of all dogs?

What can pedigree breeders and kennel clubs do to lead and protect health and welfare? Some are being very proactive.  Some have been terrific leaders, especially in the recent past. The pedigree world leading in stewardship is so needed.

                                                    
Our People

IPFD CEO: Dr. Katariina Mäki continues as Acting CEO, and the IPFD Board is working to select a permanent candidate for the role.

The Board:

Pekka Olson, former President SKK, Veterinarian, Chair

Bill Lambert, The Kennel Club, UK, Vice Chair

Alexandre Balzer, President SCC, France

Peter Friedrich, President VDH, Germany

Barbara Thiel, Veterinarian, Germany

Marty Greer, Veterinarian, USA

Dave Eikelberg, BRTCA member, USA

Kirsi Sainio, University of Helsinki, Finland

View profiles of our Board and Consultants here

Key Links

IPFD Annual Report 2021: A World of Change

IPFD Virtual International Dog
Health Workshops 2021-22

 IPFD Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs (HGTD)

Think Globally, Act Locally

Reframing Current Challenges Around Pedigree Dogs: A Call for Respectful Dialogue,  Collaboration, and Collective Actions

Note: This article is available for download in multiple formats:

PDF (letter size):

The International Partnership for Dogs 2021 Milestones Final 9 Nov.pdf

MS Word (letter size):

The International Partnership for Dogs 2021 Milestones Final 9 Nov.docx

PDF (A4 size):

The International Partnership for Dogs 2021 Milestones Final 9 Nov A4 Sheet.pdf

MS Word (A4size):

The International Partnership for Dogs 2021 Milestones Final 9 Nov A4 Sheet.docx

Responsibility – the big picture for dog health and welfare.   

Who: Kennel and Breed Clubs, Breeders; Legislators and Regulators; The Public/Consumers; Veterinarians and the Veterinary Profession; Researchers/Research Institutions; The Pet Industry; Welfare Organizations/Shelters; Producers and Distributors.

IPFD: has a multi-stakeholder, Big Picture approach to the complex challenges of dogs, breeds, and human-dog interactions; works to provide resources, inform, assist actions for health and welfare, and bring these stakeholder groups into collaboration and cooperation. There are few (if any other?) international organizations who can operate at arms length, independently to address the breadth of challenges in dog (pedigree and all) health and welfare.

IPFD was initiated by major kennel clubs (KCs) and key pet industry groups who shared a commitment to maintaining and improving the health of dogs – true leaders in the world of dogs.

Information Sharing and Collaboration 2021

Genetics and Genetic Testing:

IPFD’s Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs (HGTD) - Information on 82 international genetic test providers (GTPs) with 45 actively participating in 22 countries. The includes all the major phenes (tests) sold for use in dogs and is integrated with latest research and clinical information; with additional breed-specific information on test usage or application in the breed(s).

An important development is the Breed Relevance Ratings (BRR) and a new Key Comment feature that help breeders/advisors select tests that are most valid.

Breed-specific genetic testing information is being integrated into Get a GRIHP! developments (see later), and further genetic testing and counseling resources are available in articles and blogs by Aimee Llewellyn-Zaidi, our HGTD project director, including new entries in 2021 on, e.g., Ask Aimee: What's the difference between pedigree COI and genomic COI?.

International Dog Health Workshop – Virtual Presentation 2021

Virtual Meeting of 36 decision leaders in genetics of dogs including kennel club advisors, researchers, veterinarians, breeders, and GTPs.

Stimulated by requests from breeders, breeding advisors, and others involved in dog genetics. Topic: Standardizing Genetic Testing – Helping consumers navigate across GTPs; improving the accuracy and completeness of reporting; decreasing confusion.

Outcomes: working groups on standardization, commitment of major GTPs to make changes; providing clarity on direct and linkage testing. All participants indicated they would participate in a future meeting on other topics of interest.

IPFD is uniquely posed to promote and provide this level of collaboration across these groups and ensure that actions come forward.

International Issues in Genetics for Kennel Clubs

Prompted by colleagues at the French Kennel Club. Topic: DNA profiles for individual dog identification and parentage testing – what KCs are doing relative to developments by major commercial GTPs.

IPFD surveyed of our partner KCs and compiled answers on what each is doing/planning and shared with participants. Online private discussion/Q&A among KCs. Plans for a virtual meeting couldn’t be scheduled in 2021, planned for 2022.

Contributing Partners:

Breed Specific Work – A Core IPFD Activity

Get a GRIHP! on Breeds

Our 2021 Breeds of the Month featured links to our Pedigree Breeds Database, which now contains updated information, videos, links to kennel and breed clubs on 180 breeds as well as links to other content on DogWellNet.com, such as:

Get a GRIHP! Globally Relevant Integrated Health Profiles (GRIHPs), which describe the Big Picture of health on (all) conditions that are of interest within a breed. Get a GRIHP! breeds for 2021 include: Golden Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Black Russian Terriers, Pugs, Finnish Spitz, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and Rottweilers (November).

All include information on national populations, breed statistics – including from our Partner Agria, health strategies from Swedish RAS, and Finnish PEVISA and JTO documents; as well as recommended and required health tests from the UK, Sweden, Finland, and the USA, and where possible from other breed clubs.

GRIHP articles are published in concert with presentations in the World Small Animal Association (WSAVA) Bulletin. See below. WSAVA is an IPFD Collaborating Partner.

Highlight success stories – e.g., Finnish Spitz, highlighting the actions of the Finnish Breed Association for the health of this breed; Link

Highlighting Actions by Partners

On our social media channels and in our Digest.

Blogs e.g., for breeders:

·         Good Breeders follow ALL their puppies! And share the data.

·         4th International Dog Health Workshop - 2 Years On

·         Is it "tough talk" or "open dialogue" - and why is it a challenge in the dog world?

·         Artificial Insemination in Dogs - Recent Information and Misinformation. Excerpt: “A recent post(s) on CRUFFA re: "Good news! Another step in law enforcement in the Netherlands. Standard artificial insemination is forbidden in the Netherlands for dogbreeding." is an inaccurate or, at best, incomplete description of the situation.”

And more

Getting the Balanced, Big Picture Message out

WSAVA Bulletin – updating veterinarians’ information on breeds; 8 presentations in 2021; breed and health information; linked to Get a GRIHP! articles highlighting work of breed and kennel clubs. Trying to present a mix of healthy and challenged breeds. See WSAVA Meet the Breed

Presentations to:

·         The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) – How international activities affect national KCs

·         The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) – Veterinarians and the brachycephalic issue; focusing on challenges of practitioners; highlighting problems with unilateral approaches; encouraging collaboration with the CKC.

·         Starting organization of joint symposium for breeders, judges, and vets with CVMA and CKC.

·         Embark Canine Health Summit together with Westminster KC: IPFD participation in two panel discussions on genetic testing in pedigree dogs.

Veterinary Information Network (VIN) article:

Written in response to an article about the Norwegian legal situation and "Calls for bans on breeding short-nosed dogs gain momentum".

Banning brachycephalic breeds is unrealistic by Brenda N. Bonnett. Excerpts:

“I recognize that the article was intended to have a limited scope, but my concern is that we are missing the big picture. To see it, we need to consider the bonds between millions of "brachys" and their owners, the influence of the pet industry promoting these dogs, how veterinarians have played a role in normalizing them, and the consequences of banning these breeds, if that were even possible.”

"What we can be sure of is that a better future for dogs — and veterinarians — requires a coordinated, multi-stakeholder responsibility for recognizing and addressing the problem. Isolated actions have not been overly successful in the past and are unlikely to work in the future. Breed bans and unilateral legislative actions are likely to be unenforceable, at best. Kennel club breeders should step up and make the effort to improve their breeds. But expecting them to solve the problems at a societal level is unrealistic. If people want these types of dogs, demand will support the supply, from whatever sources can be found.”

Chapter in a new book edited by Rowena Packer and Dan O'Neill, Health and Welfare of Brachycephalic (Flat-faced) Companion Animals, on international aspects and actions by Dr. Bonnett, and others. From the introduction:

“The issues affecting brachycephalic breed health and welfare are wide-ranging and complex for individual dogs, breeds, populations, dog owners, researchers, veterinarians and society in general.
… Although scientific and clinical knowledge have increased markedly, reliable data on the true prevalence of severe health and welfare conditions within and across these breeds has been slow to accrue, or to be effectively utilised even when available (IPFD 2020c).
… At a societal level, public concern and even outrage about poor dog welfare, in general, and for brachycephalic breeds, in specific, have motivated regulators and government agencies, with issues arising from and influenced by long held and even historical attitudes. However, those in favour of promoting brachycephalic types of dogs/breeds are also passionate and committed. Cultural, socio-economic and national differences complicate the situation across countries and groups (Bonnett 2020). Sourcing of dogs, breeding, trade, transport, and marketing are factors involved in the interplay between animal welfare and the human desires to breed and own brachycephalic dogs. Unfortunately, the need to address public opinion may result in actions that fail to adequately take into consideration the complexity of the problem(s) or fully engage the range of parties needed for successful actions and outcomes (Bonnett 2019a, DogWellNet 2020b, IPFD 2020b)...”

Complex situation for Brachycephalic breeds – IPFD receives many requests for information on, and participation in, this issue

The Balanced Message:

·         Kennel and breed clubs have a responsibility to address current and future health problems in these breeds  – HOWEVER  –

·         They cannot be alone in these efforts. Most dogs in most countries are produced outside of KC influence. Many actions by legislators, welfare groups, and veterinarians are narrow and short sighted and will spawn unintended consequences.

·         These items are stressed repeatedly by Dr. Bonnett in articles on DogWellNet.com, in presentations to vets, vet organizations, welfare groups and articles in veterinary media. 

·         What other organizations that are NOT KCs are driving home these points?

·         How many are pushing veterinarians to collaborate with breed clubs and kennel clubs?

·         There are several well-recognized, compromised breeds and many relatively health pedigree breeds. IPFD tries to maintain that balance in all discussions.

IPFD’s role – promote collaboration; keep breeders and kennel clubs and other stakeholders aware of international developments

·         Point out errors and inappropriate actions – e.g., VIN article; highlight the complexities – in discussions with other stakeholder groups, e.g., humane and vet organizations.

·         In the absence of cooperation and collaboration, we are seeing unilateral actions by:

·         Legislators – e.g., in the Netherlands

·         Veterinarians – e.g., petitions, videos

·         Welfare groups – public campaigns, legal action

·         There are many, many brachycephalic dogs – popularity has surged. This is causing stress among veterinarians dealing with increased health and welfare problems.

·         Many dogs of certain breeds have significant health issues due to their conformation.

·      Are most dogs from pedigree breeders? No. Even if many owners think their dog ‘has papers’, etc.

·      Are all pedigree dogs free of these problems? No.

·      What influence do pedigree breeders and breed standards have on people wanting to own these dogs? Unknown.
 

What can pedigree breeders and kennel clubs do to lead and protect health and welfare? Some are being very proactive.  Some have been terrific leaders, especially in the recent past. The pedigree world leading in stewardship is so needed.

Other work with stakeholders in 2021:

Dr. Bonnett served on the Advisory Group for Mars Petcare’s “End Pet Homelessness” initiative.

Work with WSAVA, Anicura, and others on development of Industry Standard Breed Names to improve information sharing and promote collaborative research.

Supported initiative out of 4^th IDHW: creation of the International Collaborative on Extreme Conformation in Dogs (ICECDogs). Independent group (but hosted on DogWellNet.com) supporting national multi-stakeholder organizations. Together with Royal Canin and other Partners.

Our People

Dr. Brenda Bonnett, founder of IPFD and its CEO since the organization’s formation in 2014, has started a process towards retirement and has stepped down as CEO as of the 31st of October 2021. Brenda will continue to share her expertise with the international dog community as IPFD’s Veterinary Science Officer.

Dr. Katariina Mäki, who joined IPFD as Business and Project Coordinator in August, has assumed the role of Acting CEO; there will be a call for applications for the CEO position shortly.

Ulf Uddman, former CEO, SKK, continues as Chief Financial Officer

See Profiles of Officers and Board

The Board:

Pekka Olson, former President SKK, Veterinarian, Chair

Bill Lambert, The Kennel Club, UK, Vice Chair

Alexandre Balzer, President SCC, France

Peter Friedrich, President VDH, Germany

Barbara Thiel, Veterinarian, Germany

Marty Greer, Veterinarian, USA

Dave Eikelberg, BRTCA member, USA

Kirsi Sainio, University of Helsinki, Finland

Updated IPFD videos, including:

     IPFD: For the Love of Dogs… and for the people who love them

See our 2020 Annual Report for more information:

   “A year like no other”

https://dogwellnet.com/content/international-actions/international-dog-health-workshops/ipfd-virtual-international-dog-health-workshops-2021-r745/

https://dogwellnet.com/ctp/
 

    Think Globally, Act Locally

Reframing Current Challenges Around Pedigree Dogs: A Call for Respectful Dialogue,  Collaboration, and Collective Actions

https://dogwellnet.com/content/international-actions/think-globally-act-locally/reframing-current-challenges-around-pedigree-dogs-r707/

IPFD logos, annual reports, and other resources for use by the media are available here.

Message from the Canadian Kennel Club: “CKC’s membership in the International Partnership for Dogs, and participation in the biennial Dog Health Workshop and the international working group for extremes in conformation has strengthened Canada’s position internationally on critical and strategic issues such as conformation standards development, health strategies and breeding Brachycephalic dogs. Closer to home, it has helped CKC to improved awareness and confidence in CKC with breeders, government and the general public that health and well-being of purebred dogs is top of mind.”

IPFD Operations

IPFD Board

• IPFD transitioned in three new Board members, from the USA and Germany. In November, we introduced our newest Board Member, Alexandre Balzer, and thanked Gregoire Leroy for his contributions as he stepped away from the Board. The Board has added new committees to increase its effectiveness. The IPFD Communications and Fundraising Committees held five virtual meetings and will be looking to expand with external members in 2021 to broaden representation. See Board and Officer profiles.

Team

• Monique Megens joined as IPFD's first Chief Operating Officer (COO). Her impressive credentials have assisted us in streamlining administrative functions and address growth and sustainability.
• IPFD CEO Dr. Brenda Bonnett has been named honorary doctor at the Swedish University of Agriculture (SLU) Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry.
• Cancelled all planned travel and face-to-face meetings without substantive impact.

Partners and Sponsors

• In 2019 we had renewed or continued ongoing contracts with all Partners, and in 2020 we have welcomed/are in discussions with several new IPFD Partners/Sponsors, including the Black Russian Terrier Club of America (BRTCA).
• We continue to develop outreach tactics with our partners, such as IPFD Collaborating Partner, The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). IPFD is submitting a monthly feature, called Meet the Breed, as a monthly feature in their online news section and WSAVA Bulletin, which highlights IPFD resources on a particular breed with a focus on breed-specific diseases, international health data, and more.

Communications

• Published 2019 Annual Report: A Growing Voice. In our fifth year we continued to effectively advance our mission of enhancing dog health, well-being, and welfare and supporting human-dog interactions.
• Enhanced messaging and branding for IPFD with new “About IPFD” section on DogWellNet.com highlighting who we are, what we do, and how and where we work.
• New plans to increase our visibility in the dog world. For example, WSAVA collaboration, and plans to distribute content for breed clubs and media.
• Published seven issues of DogWellNet Digest, a newsletter sent to all members, highlighting new content and featuring a spotlight on major current issues, e.g. 'Pandemic Puppies' and Brachycephalic issues.
• Social Media: expanding reach with more posts and followers on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Major Initiatives

DogWellNet.com is the hub for our major initiatives – where the fantastic resources, information, and tools are available to all. In 2020, content has expanded with dozens of new articles and blogs, in addition to resources from our major initiatives (below). As all the pieces of the puzzle of dog health and welfare continue to be compiled, we are advancing also in our role to promote the Big Picture… i.e. a truly holistic approach integrating across stakeholders, topics, and regions and bringing the dog world together. 

International Dog Health Workshops (IDHWs)

• A report on the 4th IDHW was published in the online journal Canine Medicine and Genetics. Actions prioritized at that meeting are underway, and outcomes are being realized.
• Prioritized in the Extremes theme at the 4th IDHW, the new International Working Group on Extreme Conformation in Dogs (IWGECD) has been enacted. It will facilitate creating and sharing resources across national/ international working groups, experts, and other stakeholders. First focused on challenges with brachycephalic breeds, it will eventually address other issues related to extremes of conformation.
• Significant advancement of actions under Genetics (validation of tests, breed relevance reporting, laboratory standards), Breed Health Strategies, and Supply and Demand are ongoing.
• There may be a virtual meeting in 2021, and the IDHW in 2022 may be in Canada – stay tuned!

Breeds Database

• It continues to expand both in terms of the content and the number of breeds (180 in total). We added seven new breeds (American Bulldog | American Akita | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | Cardigan Welsh Corgi | Azawakh | Field Spaniel | Frisian Water Dog) and updated many more. A review of content and updates on many other breeds is ongoing. Breed experts and clubs continue to share material, and we are expanding our collaborations. Our breeds material is integral to the new Get a GRIHP! articles (see below).
• Our 2020 Breeds of the Month features included links to breed profiles in our Pedigree Breeds Database and links to other content on DogWellNet.com, such as Globally Relevant Integrated Health Profiles (GRIHPs), which describe the Big Picture of health on (all) conditions that are of interest within a breed. Breeds on the Month included: Australian Shepherd | Saluki | Dachshund (Miniature, Standard) | Cardigan Welsh Corgi | Field Spaniel.

Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs (HGTD)

• The HGTD Database now includes listings for 82 international test providers and 45 actively participating GTPs in 22 countries.
• The database includes 346 phenes, with gene and mutations provided, links to research, clinical information, and additional publications. 195 phenes have at least 1 breed-specific reference, with most phenes also having additional breed-specific information on test usage or application in the breed(s).
• Breed Relevance Ratings (BRR) support evidence-based usage and application of genetic tests. BRRs are a way to capture current research, and expert opinion on breed-specific tests, as well as many crossbreeds. Canine health specialists, as well as dog owners, can use BRR to more easily identify tests that may be important to consider in health and breeding decisions.
• Complimentary to BRR, the information gathered in producing BRRs has added significantly to our phene database, providing more breed-specific research links, contributions from Breed Clubs, researcher commentary, and test application recommendations.
• Despite only launching this year, more than half of the almost 2000 breed-specific phenes have been assessed for a Breed Relevance Rating. This represents hundreds of hours searching and reviewing research papers, liaising with international researchers and experts, and cross-referencing with external research groups and databases. Significant contributions for review and inclusion have come from breed experts representing years of experience as breed health liaisons, health advocates, and breed clubs and councils.
• Breed-specific genetic testing information is being integrated into Get a GRIHP! developments.
• A 3-tiered system for commercial participant has been revised: Sponsors, Supporters, and Participants.  We are having good response to our annual request for donations from the test providers.
• This year also saw a major change in our HGTD page display, showing not only all breed-specific tests, but also tests available to all dogs, in one easy search. For those breeds who do not currently have any breed-specific tests available, they are linked to closely associated breed options. Four major database reviews were undertaken to improve and update gene and mutation information, links to our research collaborators and peer-reviewed publications, and accommodate the expanding breed-specific information.
• Twelve entries in the new HGTD & Genetic Testing blog, providing regular updates on our expanding genetic testing resources.

Bringing it all together: Let’s Get a GRIHP!

Dog problems are complex and require a multi-disciplinary, multi-stakeholder approach. The pieces of the health puzzle are addressed by: breed clubs identifying conditions of interest in their breed, kennel club recommendations/requirements, researchers studying disease and population statistics, genetic test providers’ offerings, national population stats - and all this must be integrated. Use and interpretation of genetic tests, e.g. needs to be balanced with other disease risks and health and welfare concerns. Veterinarians, owners, breeders, and health advisors need tools to help them pull it all together. 

IPFD’s answer is to Get a GRIHP! - a Globally Relevant Integrated Health Profile. IPFD is creating a series of articles on the Big Picture of health and welfare within breeds as resources for veterinarians, owners, caretakers, breeders and others who want to understand the key issues for individual dogs and breed populations, internationally; under the 'Get a GRIHP!' initiative. Creating the GRIHP profiles involved not only working with our existing resources (Agria data files and RAS/JTO) but included consultation with breed specialist collaborators as well as collection of data available via IPFD Partner's tools and resources. Use of KC tools from several countries allowed us to create a more 'global' view of breed-specific health profiles.

• Since their introduction in August of 2020, there are now five breeds (Welsh Corgis | Dachshunds | French Bulldogs | Australian Shepherds | Salukis) with GRIHPs on DogWellNet.com.
• GRIHPs are referenced in our WSAVA Meet the Breed features.
• IPFD contributor Ian J. Seath published an article focusing on IPFD's Get a GRIHP! on Breed Health Initiative in Our Dogs and his Sunsong Dachshunds blog.
• With support from Morris Animal Foundation, we are preparing a Get GRIHP! package for Golden Retrievers. 

Ultimately, we are working to establish the Health Strategies Database for Dogs (HSSD) that will be an interactive resource of health strategy information from many stakeholders and collaborators. Structured similarly to the HGTD, but with information on all conditions of interest in a breed.

Reframing Current Challenges Around Pedigree Dogs

• IPFD published an article entitled: Reframing Current Challenges Around Pedigree Dogs: A Call for Respectful Dialogue, Collaboration and Collective Actions. Our aim is to encourage open and respectful dialogue, collective and collaborative actions, and a global perspective on issues affecting the health and welfare of dogs, including the impact of human dog interactions, the culture of dogs, legislative approaches, and emerging challenges.
• Brenda Bonnett has participated in several online events to encourage further discussion, including a webinar hosted by the All-party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group (APDAWG) on 1 December.
• We've compiled a list of media stories and articles posted by IPFD Partners and other contributors helping to spread the word on IPFD's Call for Collective Actions for Health and Welfare of Pedigree Dogs.

IPFD – Into 2021

Controversies and challenges to dogs internationally continue to underline the need for broad-based collaboration and the impartial voice of IPFD. Initially we were concerned about impact on our Partners due to COVID-19 and associated challenges; however, it seems that with increased dog registrations in 2020, our funding base from most of our existing kennel club partners, e.g., will be stable. And yet, our big ideas need further support. In 2021, we will step up our outreach to enlist new supporters and secure additional revenue through enhanced fundraising efforts. Watch for our 2020 Annual Report early in the new year.

 Contact: Brenda.Bonnett@ipfdogs.com.                                                           

IPFD At-a-Glance:

• Non-profit, registered in Sweden
• Independent, international, multi-stakeholder, multi-disciplinary
• Facilitates collaboration and sharing of information and bringing the dog world together for action to enhance dog health, well-being, and welfare.
• Our Partners and Collaborators are organizations that share our interest in dog health, well-being, and welfare. Our Founding Partners were national kennel clubs, international cynological organizations, and from pet industries; our collaborating partners include groups from academic institutions, breed specific interests, educational and professional organizations (include both for profit and non-profit organizations).
• The target audiences for our online platform DogWellNet.com are first and foremost committed and health-conscious breeders, as well as those who support and advise them (kennel and breed club health committees, breeding advisors, etc.), but also include essentially all those involved in the world of dogs including, veterinarians; researchers; kennel/breed clubs and their members; dog owners; and more.