Breed-specific Breeding Strategies - 3rd IDHW follow-up

Purpose of this document

• To propose a set of definitions and terminology that can be used for developing frameworks for breed improvement
• To summarise the currently available frameworks that breeds can use to plan for improvement

There are examples of Breed-specific Breeding Strategy documents (e.g. RAS, JTO) which provide good starting templates for others to use.

• FKC Breeding Strategy TEMPLATE for Breeds with Large Populations
• Norwegian Kennel Club RAS TEMPLATE English

The UK KC also has a Strategy Guide (The Kennel Club Breed Health Improvement Strategy - A Step by Step Guide) with template examples and now has Breed Health and Conservation Plans.

• A range of terminology is already in use; we should aim to harmonise, rather than standardise, so that everyone has a common understanding of what is being done.

3 Levels for planning and improvement

Breed

• This addresses the structure of the population (nationally and internationally)
• It includes a breed-wide view of health conditions (diseases), longevity, temperament, conformation and working ability (where relevant)
• It focuses on the objectives and strategies to safeguard and improve the future of a breed
   

Health Condition/Disease

• This addresses specific plans and tactics for dealing with individual health conditions (or behavioural issues)
• It focuses on screening and testing programmes available to reduce the risks of perpetuating problems and of breeding affected puppies
   

Kennel/Dog

• This addresses the individual choices a breeder makes when planning matings
• It focuses on actions taken to maximise the chances of breeding typical, healthy and temperamentally sound puppies