Finnish Kennel Club -- Approaches to Improving Health

See, e.g. Frequency of canine hip and elbow dysplasia decreasing in Finland

• https://www.kennelliitto.fi/en/about-us/notices/frequency-canine-hip-and-elbow-dysplasia-decreasing-finland

Don't miss Katariina Maki's blog post, Finnish dog breed populations improving their health - hip dysplasia which includes a link to "Breeding Against Hip and Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs"... See

• "Breeding Against Hip and Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs", available in Downloads.

Excerpt from the abstract... "The objective of this study was to develop breeding strategies to reduce the incidence of canine hip and elbow dysplasia. For this purpose, investigations were conducted on the mode of inheritance as well as genetic parameters, genetic trends and selection differentials for the traits. Population structure and inbreeding were also examined, and finally, various selection schemes were compared by a simulation study to find out potential genetic responses and possibilities for a comprehensive breeding program."

The thesis/study provides not only an in depth examination of hip and elbow dysplasia, but goes on to discuss the implementation of appropriate breeding strategies to decrease incidence of disease. These strategies, whether implemented at a kennel club, breed club or individual's breeding program level have great potential to make a difference in the quality of dog's lives  - this thesis/study is a must read for club's health committees and breeders.