International Dog Health Meeting #6 - Theme: Breeding Healthy, Quality Dogs: The Veterinarian, Breeder, and Public Roles

Target Audience: Breeders, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, kennel managers, regional and national breed club health chairs, committee members, and anyone interested in breeding healthy dogs. 

Overview: The purposeful breeding of dogs occurs globally in pedigreed and mixed-breed settings.

What are reasonable and responsible guidelines to produce healthy dogs and healthy breeds? How should our knowledge of dog populations and gene dynamics influence how breeding dogs are selected and the selection of their mates? What are the roles of various stakeholders, including breeders, kennel clubs & breeding societies, veterinarians, legislative & governing bodies, and the public?

This free, interactive webinar will highlight useful tools and outline logical steps and corresponding roles regarding breeding quality, healthy dogs.

All participants will have the opportunity to take part in live polls and a Question & Answer session.

Presenter: Dr. Jerold S Bell, DVM (Bio below)

Facilitator: Aimée Llewellyn-Zaidi, Project Director, IPFD Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs (Bio below)

Format: The webinar will be approximately 90 minutes in length. It will consist of brief opening remarks, followed by Dr. Bell's presentation and an opportunity for questions and answers. A written summary of the Questions and Answers will be posted shortly after the event.

Bios:

Dr. Jerold S Bell, DVM

Jerold S Bell DVM is Adjunct Professor of Clinical Genetics at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, N. Grafton, MA USA. Dr. Bell chairs the Hereditary Disease Committee of the World Small Animal Veterinary Medical Association, is a member of the Board of Directors of the OFA – Canine Health Information Center, and member of the AKC Health & Welfare Advisory Panel. He is author of “Veterinary Medical Guide to Dog & Cat Breeds”. He was trained in genetics and genetic counseling at Michigan State University and University of Missouri. His DVM is from Cornell University. He practices small animal medicine and surgery at Freshwater Veterinary Hospital in Enfield, CT. He and his wife Candice breed and show Gordon Setters in conformation, hunt test, obedience, and dock diving.

Aimée Llewellyn-Zaidi

As IPFD's HGTD Project Director, Aimée is responsible for the ongoing development of the Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs (HGTD) database. This includes updating the generic phenes (test) information. Working with our global collaborating experts and leaders in the canine health, welfare, and veterinary world, Aimée maintains all HGTD resources. 

In addition, Aimée fields queries from our DogWellNet.com members and breeders on issues related to genetics and genetic counselling. Aimée provides bespoke advice to IPFD participants and develops evidence-based canine health resources and engagement programmes for the public and professionals.

As the former Head of Health and Research at The Kennel Club (UK), Aimée's experience includes: development of the Health Team, active engagement and involvement with committees of the Kennel Club and British Veterinary Association (Canine Health Schemes); direct collaboration with international universities, and the Kennel Club Genetics Centre at the Animal Health Trust, and engagement with exciting external projects such as Vet Compass (RVC), and as a speaker at BSAVA Congress, as well as numerous publications and media engagements.

Aimée was also involved in the initial development of the journal “Canine Genetics and Epidemiology,” and remains active as an editorial board member.

When not working on the Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs, Aimée spends her time walking her Pembroke Welsh Corgis, McDuff and Poppy.

The International Partnership for Dogs (IPFD) is a non-profit organization leading a global, multi-stakeholder effort to enhance dog health, well-being, and welfare. IPFD is about fostering information sharing and collaboration, for the best of all dogs worldwide. IPFD owns, powers, and manages the DogWellNet.com website.

A Collaborating Partner of the International Partnership for Dogs, The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) aims to advance the health and welfare of companion animals and to advocate on behalf of companion animal veterinarians – and, increasingly, the wider veterinary team – globally. Learn More

Please contact Aimée Llewellyn-Zaidi if you have any questions about the workshop.

Visit IPFD's Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs (HGTD)
to use our free searchable Quality Testing Database and Genetic Counselling resources.