Exaggerations of Conformation Theme: Outline for Participants

Possible Questions for the Breakout Sessions: Exaggerations of Conformation
•    Who is doing what and where... and what is making a difference? (Introduced by plenary speaker Rowena Packer, RVC)

o    What are existing resources?  Programs/ guidelines/ recommendations/ regulations? 
o    What is the situation in your country and from your perspective and experience – in terms of most pressing issues, proposed actions, and challenges?
o    What are similarities and differences across countries and regions?
o    Are there any metrics to show what is working?

•    What are the opportunities to reduce problems in brachycephalic dogs in the short term and over a longer term?  What are major challenges?   E.g. relative to:

o    How to implement actions aiming to reduce prevalence of BOAS changes in selection of breeding stock
o    Standards and their interpretation/ application in awards/disqualifications at dog shows
o    Laws, regulations and recommendations of  authorities and/ or cynological organisations
o    Health certificates /fitness testing 
o    Communication, information and education 
o    Affecting demand  for extreme breeds/ appearances

•    What are the roles and responsibilities for authorities, breeders, cynological organizations, geneticists, veterinarians and welfare organizations?
•    What actions can be pursued at the workshop and afterwards?  What is most important to be done at an international level? Are there other stakeholders who could/ should be involved?
 

Possible Specific Outcomes The Exaggerations of Conformation Theme:
These are preliminary examples; actual outcomes will depend on priorities identified by delegates. Assign post-meeting working groups to, e.g.:
•    Build a catalogue of what is being done in different countries.
•    Identify the most pressing issues and controversies around standards; and propose specific solutions.  
•    Identify better ways to:

o     motivate prospective owners to demand dogs that do not suffer from welfare problems related to extreme conformation and in-breeding. 
o    change the public perception that dogs winning dog shows represent the ideal appearance for the breed – and instead encourage appreciation of the whole dog – health, welfare, temperament and function.   
o    ensure that dog shows do not profile dogs with unhealthy conformations.

•    Determine what are effective and positive measures for selection of breeding stock with reference to health problems related to exaggerated anatomical features?
•    Determine actions for the international veterinary community … other stakeholder groups.
•    Identify sources of funding for this work.

Organisation of Breakout Session:
Time frame (refer to 3rd International Dog Health Workshop Paris 2017: Program Schedule, Speakers and Breakout Themes):
•    To be accomplished before 1st Sharing session on Saturday at 16:05-17:45) 

o    Breakouts: 11:15 - 13:00 and 14:30-15:45 Saturday
o    Introduction - Pekka Olson

    Explain the background for the group and what tasks are required
    Explain discussion format; facilitator’s role:  

o    Initiating statements:  Åke Hedhammar, others
o    Address questions; identify and prioritize issues; identify gaps; identify issues that should be covered in other themes.

•    To be accomplished before 2nd Sharing session on Sunday 10:45-13:00

o    Breakout: 08:30-10:15 Sunday
o    Identify specific actions; 
o    assign names to working groups or initiatives