Background: The International Dog Health Workshops (IDHWs)
The International Dog Health Workshops (IDHWs) are unique, action-focused gatherings of global experts and decision-makers in dog health and well-being, including:
Canine authorities, kennel/breed clubs, breed health committees
Researchers/educational institutions/students
Other non-profit canine health/welfare associations/organizations
Veterinarians and veterinary care providers, veterinary organizations
Show judges (e.g., FCI International Judges)
Pet industry product/service providers (e.g., genetic test providers, food manufacturers, insurers)
There have been five IDHWs to date: Stockholm, Sweden (2012); Dortmund, Germany (2015); Paris, France (2017); Windsor, UK (2019); and Helsinki, Finland (2024). IPFDogs hosted its first-ever first-ever Virtual Dog Health Forum in June 2025 to facilitate ongoing conversations on key issues in dog health and well-being, refocus collaborative work on action items from the Helsinki workshop, and set the stage for the 6th IDHW.
Download reports from the 5th IDHW and June 2025 Virtual Dog Health Forum:
5th IDHW Report.pdf Virtual Dog Health Forum 2025 Report.pdf
6th IDHW Theme: 'All Roads Lead to Dog Health'
'All Roads Lead to Dog Health' is an adaptation of the phrase, 'All Roads Lead to Rome', which suggests there are many methods or paths to achieve the same goal.
In its unique role as a facilitator of collaboration throughout the global dog community and steward of the International Dog Health Workshops, IPFDogs brings together diverse viewpoints, approaches, and cultures to develop practical strategies that support our collective goal: to enhance the health and well-being of all dogs around the world.
We invite you to take part in our journey to Bologna and beyond...for our shared love of dogs.
New 'Hybrid' Workshop Format
Building on the success of the Virtual Dog Health Forum (June 2025), we've adopted a new hybrid format for the 6th IDHW. By combining online sessions in April with an in-person event in Bologna, Italy, in May/June, we're able to accommodate a growing number of organizations and experts wishing to share their knowledge and expertise, while also providing opportunities for those unable to attend the Bologna event to participate in these important conversations.
A FREE online event featuring presentations and interactive discussions for Bologna, 16-17 April
An in-person workshop 30 May - 1 June in Bologna, Italy, (registration fee applies) with a full program incorporating multiple streams of conversation on key issues in dog health and well-being, networking opportunities, and social events; held in conjunction with the 4th FCI World Congress for Show Judges and 2026 World Dog Show (also co-hosted by ENCI)
Participants can register for one or both 6th IDHW events (registration for both events is strongly encouraged)
Registration
Stay tuned for more information on registration for the virtual and in-person 6th IDHW events!
Workshop Objectives & Outcomes
The main objectives of the 6th International Dog Health Workshop are:
To continue the promotion of collaboration and networking throughout our global community
To summarize the work done to date and continue the streams of conversation across the themes from the 5th IDHW and June 2025 Virtual Forum and other emerging issues in the dog world
To set new targets/milestones for work to be completed before the 7th IDHW (date/location TBD)
To secure commitments by individual contributors and organizations to help IPFD carryout this important work
Following interactive discussions within their chosen Theme at the in-person event in Bologna, participants should leave with a clear sense of:
Key decisions on priorities/needs within the Theme
Remaining gaps/challenges/controversies
List of specific tasks/actions to be undertaken over the next two years; together with names of individuals and organizations who have agreed to assist
Their personal commitment to participate; how they will help achieve the desired outcomes
Breakout Session Themes
Breakout Session Themes for the 6th IDHW are a continuation of discussions and actions from the previous workshop in Helsinki (June 2024) and Virtual Forum (June 2025).
Participants will engage in discussion during breakout sessions for their chosen Theme.
Theme Leaders will identify possible discussion points and outcomes (to be communicated before the meetings), but the focus on issues and priorities should be driven by participants.
Participants are asked to indicate their preference of workshop Theme when registering for the in-person event in Bologna. We will do our best to accommodate all requests.
Watch for more details on the four Workshop Themes:
Supply and Demand
Breeding for Health and Well-being
Global Canine Data Alliance (previously 'Big Data')
Genetic Diversity
Programs and Schedules
(Preliminary details, subject to change)
Preliminary Schedule: Online Event
Day 1: Thursday, 16 April
11am (EDT)/17.00 (CEST) to 3pm (EDT)/21.00 (CEST)
Day 2: Friday, 17 April
11am (EDT)/17.00 (CEST) to 3pm (EDT)/21.00 (CEST)
More details coming soon!
Preliminary Schedule: In-Person Event,
Bologna, Italy
(All times listed in CEST time zone)
Day 1: Saturday, 30 May
18.00 – 20.00
Registration, Welcome Reception, Posters, Networking
Day 2: Sunday, 31 May
8.30 – 22.00
All attendees come together for each of the four Sunday morning Plenary Sessions before joining smaller breakout session groups for their chosen Theme after lunch. The Gala Dinner takes place Sunday evening.
Day 3: Monday, 1 June
9.00 - 17:30
All attendees come together for the Monday morning presentations and Plenary Sharing/Summary Session.
More details coming soon!
Speakers, Theme Leaders, Contributing Experts, and Facilitators
(Preliminary details, subject to change)
Details coming soon!
Poster Presentations
Poster presentations at 6th International Dog Health Workshop will facilitate information transfer and foster networking opportunities.
Details coming soon!
Genetic Test Provider Exhibit Tables
In Bologna, we'll be featuring several exhibit tables where Genetic Test Providers (GTPs) can show their support for IPFD while promoting their testing services, research, and advice to the leaders and decision makers from our global canine community.
Details coming soon!
Our Co-Host: Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana (ENCI)
We wish to thank the Italian Kennel Club ENCI, for generously hosting the in-person event in Bologna, Italy, and for their ongoing support as IPFDogs Contributing Partners.
ENCI is also co-hosting the 4th FCI World Congress for Show Judges and 2026 World Dog Show, immediately following the 6th IDHW in Bologna. Please consider extending your stay and attending these events as well!
Our Sponsors
More information on our sponsors coming soon!
Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Please contact us for details.
Questions?
6th IDHW Program: Aimée Llewellyn-Zaidi or Katariina Mäki (IPFDogs)
Registration: Contact information coming soon!
Quick Links
Links coming soon!
Recommended Comments
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.