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Report from the 4th International Dog Health Workshop Abstract Dogs are the most popular mammal kept as a companion animal globally. Positive human-dog relationships can benefit both the human owners as well as the dogs. However, popularity as a companion animal species does not universally benefit dogs in reverse. Breed-related health problems in dogs have received increasing attention over the last decade, sparking increased concerns for dog welfare across many stakeholders. Progress towards improved welfare requires meaningful collaboration between all those working in dog health, science and welfare. The International Partnership for Dogs (IPFD), together with an alternating host organisation, holds biennial meetings called the International Dog Health Workshops (IDHW). The IPFD 4th IDHW was hosted by the UK Kennel Club in Windsor, UK in May 2019. With the aim of encouraging international and multi-stakeholder collaborations that are effective and ongoing, the 4th IDHW 2019 provided a forum to identify specific needs and actions that could improve health, well-being and welfare in dogs, building on outcomes and evaluating actions of previous IDHWs. Results The workshop included 126 decision-leaders from 16 countries and was structured around five key themes identified as needing international, multi-stakeholder attention. These included the concept of “breed”, supply and demand, breed-specific strategies for health and breeding, genetic testing and extreme conformations. The review of progress made since the 3rd IDHW 2017 and the comprehensive lists of actions agreed upon during the current meeting suggest that movement from information and collaboration to action has been achieved. Working groups with specific tasks were identified and many plan to continue to communicate through forum communities on DogWellNet.com . Conclusions The IDHW provides a forum for formal and informal discussion between relevant groups so that key dog health and welfare issues can be identified and defined, and plans can be agreed for effective actions to address them. The 3rd IDHW 2017 resulted in a number of significant outcomes. New and continuing actions were laid down at the 4th IDHW 2019, which will be re-evaluated at the 5th IDHW facilitating continual progress. Citation: Pegram, C.L., Bonnett, B.N., Skarp, H. et al. Moving from information and collaboration to action: report from the 4th international dog health workshop, Windsor in May 2019. Canine Genet Epidemiol 7, 4 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40575-020-00083-x

Pfahler, S., Bachmann, N., Fechler, C., Lempp, C., Baumgärtner, W., Distl, O. : Degenerative myelopathy in a SOD1 compound heterozygous Bernese mountain dog. Anim Genet 45:309-10, 2014. Pubmed reference: 24450472. DOI: 10.1111/age.12118.

Ivansson, E.L., Megquier, K., Kozyrev, S.V., Murén, E., Körberg, I.B., Swofford, R., Koltookian, M., Tonomura, N., Zeng, R., Kolicheski, A.L., Hansen, L., Katz, M.L., Johnson, G.C., Johnson, G.S., Coates, J.R., Lindblad-Toh, K. : Variants within the SP110 nuclear body protein modify risk of canine degenerative myelopathy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 113:E3091-100, 2016. Pubmed reference: 27185954. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1600084113.

First published description of the causal variant Awano, T., Johnson, GS., Wade, CM., Katz, ML., Johnson, GC., Taylor, JF., Perloski, M., Biagi, T., Baranowska, I., Long, S., March, PA., Olby, NJ., Shelton, GD., Khan, S., O'Brien, DP., Lindblad-Toh, K., Coates, JR. : Genome-wide association analysis reveals a SOD1 mutation in canine degenerative myelopathy that resembles amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 106:2794-9, 2009. Pubmed reference: 19188595. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0812297106.

Brons, A.K., Henthorn, P.S., Raj, K., Fitzgerald, C.A., Liu, J., Sewell, A.C., Giger, U. : SLC3A1 and SLC7A9 mutations in autosomal recessive or dominant canine cystinuria: a new classification system. J Vet Intern Med 27:1400-8, 2013. Pubmed reference: 24001348. DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12176.

First published description of the causal variant. Henthorn, P.S., Liu, J.L., Gidalevich, T., Fang, J.K., Casal, M.L., Patterson, D.F., Giger, U. : Canine cystinuria: polymorphism in the canine SLC3A1 gene and identification of a nonsense mutation in cystinuric Newfoundland dogs Human Genetics 107:295-303, 2000. Pubmed reference: 11129328.

First published description of the causal variant. Meng, R., Bridgman, R., Toivio-Kinnucan, M., Niemeyer, GP., Vernau, W., Hock, T., Lothrop, CD. : Neutrophil elastase-processing defect in cyclic hematopoietic dogs. Exp Hematol 38:104-15, 2010. Pubmed reference: 19941936. DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2009.09.010.

First published description of the causal variant. Cadieu, E., Neff, M.W., Quignon, P., Walsh, K., Chase, K., Parker, H.G., Vonholdt, B.M., Rhue, A., Boyko, A., Byers, A., Wong, A., Mosher, D.S., Elkahloun, A.G., Spady, T.C., André, C., Lark, K.G., Cargill, M., Bustamante, C.D., Wayne, R.K., Ostrander, E.A. : Coat variation in the domestic dog is governed by variants in three genes. Science 326:150-3, 2009. Pubmed reference: 19713490. DOI: 10.1126/science.1177808.

First published description of the causal variant. Ding, Q., Bramble, L., Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan, V., Bell, T., Meek, K. : DNA-PKcs mutations in dogs and horses: allele frequency and association with neoplasia Gene 283:263-269, 2002. Pubmed reference: 11867233.

Linkage reporting Lowe, JK., Kukekova, AV., Kirkness, EF., Langlois, MC., Aguirre, GD., Acland, GM., Ostrander, EA. : Linkage mapping of the primary disease locus for collie eye anomaly. Genomics 82:86-95, 2003. Pubmed reference: 12809679.

Breed-specific variant research Brown, E.A., Thomasy, S.M., Murphy, C.J., Bannasch, D.L. :Genetic analysis of optic nerve head coloboma in the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever identifies discordance with the NHEJ1 intronic deletion (collie eye anomaly mutation). Vet Ophthalmol :, 2017. Pubmed reference: 28702949. DOI: 10.1111/vop.12488.

Breed-specific variant research Fredholm, M., Larsen, R.C., Jönsson, M., Söderlund, M.A., Hardon, T., Proschowsky, H.F. : Discrepancy in compliance between the clinical and genetic diagnosis of choroidal hypoplasia in Danish Rough Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs. Anim Genet 47:250-2, 2016. Pubmed reference: 26732749. DOI: 10.1111/age.12405.

Primary publication for identification of variant. Parker, H.G., Kukekova, A.V., Akey, D.T., Goldstein, O., Kirkness, E.F., Baysac, K.C., Mosher, D.S., Aguirre, G.D., Acland, G.M., Ostrander, E.A. : Breed relationships facilitate fine-mapping studies: a 7.8-kb deletion cosegregates with Collie eye anomaly across multiple dog breeds. Genome Res 17:1562-71, 2007. Pubmed reference: 17916641. DOI: 10.1101/gr.6772807

The International Partnership for Dogs seeks input from dog breeders and owners on their use of genetic testing to gain ingisghts and deeper understanding of genetic testing as a resource for dog people. Direct-to-consumer genetic testing has become an essential tool in today’s dog world — guiding breeders, owners, and dog health professionals in making informed choices that support healthier dogs and more sustainable breeding. Yet, we still have much to learn about how broadly and effectively these tools are being used. In 2025, the International Partnership for Dogs (IPFD) conducted a global survey to better understand how breeders and owners use genetic tests — from parentage and breed identification to inherited disease screening. These insights will help shape future resources, improve access, and guide best practices for the responsible use of genetic testing across the canine community. The short survey took only a few minutes to complete, but initial findings have yield a treasure-trove of comments and insights from the more than 1,000 global participants representing the spectrum of the dog-owning public. Results will be shared broadly as the report is developed in 2026.

Dynamic document with simple definitions and descriptions of genetic terms you may see frequently in discussions around genetic tests, genetic diversity, and related resources Short tandem repeat (STR) loci: A total of 33 STR loci from across the genome were used to gauge genetic diversity within an individual and across the breed. The alleles inherited from each parent are displayed graphically to highlight heterozygosity, and breed-wide allele frequency is provided. DLA haplotypes: STR loci linked to the DLA class I and II genes were used to identify genetic differences in regions regulating immune responses and self/non-self recognition. Problems with self/non-self recognition, along with non-genetic factors in the environment, are responsible for autoimmune disease. Internal Relatedness: The IR value is a measure of genetic diversity within an individual that takes into consideration both heterozygosity of alleles at each STR loci and their relative frequency in the population. Therefore, IR values heterozygosity over homozygosity and uncommon alleles over common alleles. IR values are unique to each dog and cannot be compared between dogs. Two dogs may have identical IR values but with very different genetic makeups.

This article on the Havanese is part of a series to highlight the Big Picture of health, welfare and breeding and to help develop Globally Relevant Integrated Health Profiles (GRIHPs) for various breeds. This is a 'living document' - so if anyone has more material to share or point us to - please let us know! Havanese at a GlanceBichon Havanais, The Havanese, is a small bichon-type toy dog and a national dog of Cuba. The Havanese are exceptionally bright, so they are easy to train as alarm dogs. The breed is affectionate, of a happy nature, amiable, a charmer, playful, and even a bit of a clown. Havanese love children and play endlessly with them (FCI breed standard). What Do Caretakers Need to Know?As a small, alarming dog, Havanese are prone to use their voice. The silky textured coat needs frequent maintenance. Key Hereditary Health ConditionsThe most important hereditary problems in the Havanese are luxating patella, cranial cruciate ligament ruptures, heart disease, eye disease (cataracts, cherry eye, distichiasis), and liver disease (portosystemic shunt). In Swedish insurance data, Havanese are healthier than average. The most common reasons for veterinary visits are stomach and intestinal symptoms, symptoms from the musculoskeletal system, and skin problems. Skin problems can for example be about inflammation of the skin, bacterial infection, and hair follicle inflammation. Source: Agria The Havanese is a short-legged breed. Short legs are the result of chondrodysplasia (CDPA), where the growth plates of the long bones close prematurely. This can cause varying degrees of curvature in the front legs and painful changes in the wrist and joints, such as incongruency and resulting arthrosis of the elbow joint. To minimize problems, breeding dogs should have straight legs, and the shortness of the legs should not be exaggerated. CDPA can be tested. The dogs with two copies have shorter legs than those having only one copy. Some Havanese are chondrodystrophic, having a CDDY retrogene in their chromosome 12. This retrogene shortens the legs a bit further and causes also premature degeneration of intervertebral discs. Thus, it predisposes dogs to disc herniation, a painful condition with a high mortality rate. CDDY is a dominant (or additive) gene that can also be tested. Statistics (Morbidity and Mortality)Agria - Swedish Breed Profiles We recommend that you download the Agria Breed Profiles for the breed from the Breed page (Access is free, but sign-in to DogWellNet is required), and study them for full available information. Some excerpts are shown below. The great benefits of the Swedish Insurance Data are that they include almost 40% of the national population of dogs and so are very representative. Note that animals at very old ages are likely under-represented. Most importantly, information is available on all insured dogs, not simply those who get sick or die. Extracts from Veterinary Care Events – MORBIDITYRelative morbidity risk in Havanese compared to all breeds (Chart 1 below): 0.95 (The risk in the breed is somewhat smaller than for All Breeds). This means that Havanese visit the vet less often than the comparison group All Breeds. Compared to the All Breeds group, Havanese have more veterinary visits for gastrointestinal symptoms, dental disease and symptoms from the anal area (Chart 5). Also skin problems (otitis and itching - the breed is predisposed to sebaceous adenitis), heart disease, and liver problems (shunt) are more common in the breed than in the All Breeds group. Patella problems appear almost twice as often compared to All Breeds (Chart 9). Agria charts - Morbidity Extracts from Agria Breed Profile (Life) – MORTALITYMedian Age (years) at death: 8.2, which is clearly higher than in All Breeds (6.9). That is why the Relative Risk Mortality compared to All Breeds is almost half smaller (0.57; Chart 1 below). Most frequent general causes of death (Chart 3, and Chart 6, which is not shown here): digestive, neoplasia, locomotor, injury, and heart. Of these, only heart is more common than in All Breeds. Agria charts - Mortality Finland – Finnish Kennel Club Mortality DataThe average life expectancy according to the Finnish statistics is 11 years 9 months. The most common specified causes of death are old age (at 14 years 7 months), tumor/cancer (11 y 2 mo) , heart disease (12 y 3 mo), and skeletal or articular disease (11 y 8 mo). Finnish Kennel Club Mortality Statistics 2015-> Source: Finnish Kennel Club breeding database Life ExpectancyUS: 14-16 years (American Kennel Club) The Netherlands: over 12 years (Raad van Beheer) UK: over 12 years (Royal Kennel Club) Health ScreeningDNA Tests – Harmonization of Genetic Testing for DogsThe Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs (HGTD) is a large collaborative project run by the IPFDogs. The HGTD includes 82 academic and commercial genetic test providers (GTPs) in 26 countries. See the HGTD – DNA tests for the Havanese on the breed's page (section: Connections). The colours of the tests mark fr Breed Relevance Ratings (BRR). BRR indicates the level of available evidence supporting the application of a specific genetic test for a specific breed/type: Some, moderate or strong evidence from available research. The test may be meaningful or recommended for this breed. Currently no evidence of relevance for the use of this test in this breed, or the test is not known in this breed. This rating should be expected to change as evidence becomes available. All current available evidence has been reviewed, but relevance is inconclusive, and/or the clinical form of the disease has never been seen in this breed. All current evidence indicates that the test is not meaningful or recommended in this breed. Click here for more information on the HGTD project Summary: Most relevant DNA tests for the breed are chondrodysplasia (CDPA, short legs), chondrodystrophy (CDDY and intervertebral disc disease), and factor VIII deficiency (a bleeding disorder). Health Screening Summary - By Country(Source: Breeding Strategies, see below) R1-Mandatory screening for litter registration R2-Recommended to screen (if there’s a test) or take into consideration in other way R3-Recognized Note: Please let us know if there have been changes to the health screening requirements in your country, so we can update our data. Condition/ Trait US FI FR GE IT NL NO SWE UK Patella luxation R2 R1 R1 R2 R2 R2 R1 R2 R2 Hip dysplasia R2 R2 R3 R3 Elbow dysplasia/incongruency R3 R3 CDPA/CDDY* R3 R2 R2 R3 R3 Spine issues R2 Eye disease R2 R1 R2 R1 R2 R2 R1 R2 R2 Legg-Calve-Perthes R3 R2 Deafness R3 R2 Allergy, atopy R2 R2 Sebaceous Adenitis (SA) R3 R2 R2 Thyroid R3 Cardiac disease R3 R2 R2 R3 Epilepsy R3 R2 Max N of offspring R1 *CDPA = chondrodysplasia, CDDY = chondrodystrophy and intervertebral disc disease Note: The table above provides some of the most common health screening information from clubs in the countries listed. See the individual club websites for the most recent and accurate information on health management in the breed. Breeding Strategies and Health InfoUS (Breed Club and OFA)Havanese Club of America, health OFA - Recommended health screening tests for the breed (CHIC) OFA Statistics - % healthy of the examined dogs since 2006: Hip dysplasia: 89,5 % Elbow dysplasia: 91,8 % Eye diseases: 96,8 % Cardiac (Advanced): 92 % Thyroid: 84,7 % Chondrodysplasia (CDPA): 11,8 % Scandinavian CountriesFinland: Jalostuksen tavoiteohjelma (JTO) in Finnish Sweden: Rasspecifik avelsstrategi (RAS) in Swedish Percent healthy of the examined dogs (2015-2024): Patella luxation: Finland 85 %, Norway (2023-2024) 62 %, Sweden 92 % Eye diseases: Finland 82 %, Norway 75 %, Sweden 95 %. Hip dysplasia: Finland 43 %, Norway 35 %, Sweden 40 % CDDY/CDPA genetic testing results of Finnish dogs >>. 218 dogs have been tested by the end of November, of which CDDY/CDDY 4 dogs, N/CDDY 46 dogs, N/N (no CDDY) 168 dogs, CDPA/CDPA 209 dogs, and N/CDPA 10 dogs. The Finnish breed club is using gonioscopy to examine dogs’ leg curvature. Gonioscopy is completely safe for dogs and does not require sedation. More information and measurement results of Finnish dogs can be found in this link >>. Below you can see photos of two dogs from Finland. One with straight legs and another with extreme leg curvature and elbow incongruency. Example of the leg curvature The dog on the center and on the right is the same individual: FranceGRILLE DE SELECTION / La Centrale Canine (French Kennel Club, SCC): Havanese breeding dogs must have an official ECVO eye disease screening. Only dogs free from eye defects will be eligible for a rating. Results in the SCC database: 132 dogs examined, 119 healthy (Aug 2025). GermanyBreeding requirements (Verband Deutscher Kleinhundezüchter e.V.) Breed-specific qualifications Requirements for breeding: DNA profile and eye examination, free of cataract. See Zuchtzulassungsordnung ItalyStatistics and health requirements by Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana (Italian Kennel Club, ENCI) The NetherlandsBreeding rules of the breed clubs (2): Eerste Gezelschapshonden Club Nederland Havanezer Club Nederland UKThe Royal Kennel Club (RKC) health testing standard Good practice: eye examination. Best practice: eye examination and elbow dysplasia screening Eye examination results (RKC) Breed club health testing scheme ResearchBellamy 2023. Genetic studies of health challenges and behaviour in the Havanese dog breed. Doctoral Thesis. Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås. “Havanese is the most registered companion dog breed in Norway, and is generally a healthy and long-lived breed. However, published studies, as well as health surveys conducted by the breed club, indicate a predisposition to some issues, including cataracts, foreleg abnormalities, social fear and distichiasis. This thesis addresses these challenges and provides new information that will be useful in planning an overall breeding strategy.” Bellamy and Lingaas 2020. Short and sweet: foreleg abnormalities in Havanese and the role of the FGF4 retrogene. Canine Medicine and Genetics 7:19. McMillan, Bielby, Williams, Upjohn, Casey and Christley 2024. Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death. Scientific Reports. 14 (1). Springer Science and Business Media LLC. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-50458-w “The Havanese are predisposed to portosystemic shunt: 4.35% of Havanese had the condition compared to 0.35% for mixed-breed dogs.” References and ResourcesBreed ClubsUSA - Havanese Club of America Finland - Havannankoirat ry France - Club des Bichons et Petits Chiens Lions Germany - Verband Deutscher Kleinhundezüchter e.V. Italy - Club Cani Compagnia Norway - Norsk Bichon Havanais Klubb Sweden - Bichon Bolognese & Havanais Club The Netherlands - Eerste Gezelschapshonden Club Nederland The Netherlands - Havanezer Club Nederland UK - Havanese Club of GB Information Lacking?We are constantly adding and updating the breed information - please contact us if you have updates, links, or other information to add!

This introduction to genetic testing can tell you more about the different types of testing that are available, and guidance on what resources can help you find, choose, and use, the right tests for your dog. What tests are available? There are many different kinds of genetic tests available. Below, you can see a short summary of the more common types of tests. Individual mutation tests – this test is undertaken for a specific phene (i.e. a specific disease or attribute) Ex: for an individual eye disease Combined Individual tests – these are often individual phenes that are tested for in combination. These tests can occur where there is more than one mutation that can relate to the disease/attribute OR where testing for two different mutations is important to get the “full” picture. Ex: coat colour + coat texture “Packages” of tests – these can be like combined individual tests, or they could be tests for multiple but different diseases/attributes that are particular for your breed/dog type. Ex: Curly coat and Dry eye Panel tests – there are many different kinds of panel tests, but they generally test your dog for many, many different phenes – including those that may not apply to your breed. If you use a panel test, it is a good idea to have information about what tests are specific to your dog. Some test providers offer reports that are limited just to your breed’s results, or make it clear what is breed-specific. Diagnostic tests – these tests are designed to diagnose, estimate risk, and/or monitor disease progression – i.e. for certain cancers. Ancestry/Breed Mix tests - these tests compare specific sections of your dog’s DNA, to a reference database of 100’s of dog breeds or types. This data estimates the likely breed(s) that compose your dog, typically to a few generations back (e.g. great-grandparents). Parentage/maternity/paternity - these tests are designed to confirm or refute a dam/sire to progeny relationship. Identification/Permanent ID - these tests reflect a set of specific genetic markers that are unique to your individual dog, working like a genetic "fingerprint" Genetic Diversity - these genetic tests vary dramatically between providers, test format, and interpretation of results. These tests may or may not include application and interpretation recommendations. Results between different test providers are almost always not comparable with each other. Often results are offered relative to the breed information the individual test company can access and may or may not be representative of your local, national, or global population. Which tests I should be using? If you are choosing to use genetic tests as part of breeding plans, they can be really informative tools for avoiding known inherited diseases. It is important to remember, that there are hundreds and thousands (and counting!) of parts of the DNA in the dog that have been mapped, but only 300+ disease tests across all of the breeds. So, it important when making breeding plans to be well-informed and consider the whole dog. The Breed database is searchable by breed, allowing you to see what tests are available from participating GTPs. Breed-specific If you’re using the test information for breeding plans, it is important to prioritize using the tests that are important in your breed, in your country, and are important to the dog. Some breeders like to undertake all the known tests in their breed, as they find this reassuring. However, it is important when making your breeding plans to have a good balance across both DNA test results and health history, over-all health, and behavior. There are not DNA tests for every single disease or condition. This is particularly true for complex inherited diseases (where there are multiple genes and often environmental effects on the disease risk), such as hip and elbow dysplasia, patella luxation, heart diseases, some forms of epilepsy, etc. You can find resources on health and breeding that link you to international breeding recommendations and schemes. You can also find local breed clubs and kennel clubs that often have health advice and resources. These resources will often be based on recommendations from groups of researchers, veterinary professionals, and experienced dog breeders. It is recommended, however, that you do some research and explore a few different sources of advice. It can be difficult to determine which advice is based on good research, facts, and experience, and what is based on opinions. A good start, is to consider your own dogs and breeding lines and have an honest assessment about what problems are present or what improvements you’d like to make. Cross-breeds/Breeds not Recognized Some genetic test providers include popular crosses such as Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, Peke-a-poos, and more, so it can be easier to see what tests are available for your dogs. Knowing what breeds make up your dogs is key to understanding which tests may be important. There may be local or national clubs who have recommendations and advice, but you can also look at the advice for the individual breeds using the resources recommended above. For example, if you have a Labradoodle, you should consider the recommendations for Labrador Retrievers and Poodles. Remember, cross-breeds are not automatically “healthier” or immune to inherited diseases. For example, many eye diseases are not uncommon across the breeds popular for crossing. Mixed breeds If you have a dog that is a whole jumble of different breeds, or you aren’t sure what your dog is, you might want to consider one of the genetic tests that helps to determine the different breeds that could make up your dog. These tests are used to help owners understand both potential disease risks, as well as potential behaviors to look out for which may help you tailor training techniques. What about results? It is important to be sure that you understand your dog’s test results, and critically, the mode of inheritance of the phene (disease/trait). If you know your dog’s test results, and understand the mode of inheritance, you can generally use this information to help predict any breeding outcomes. It becomes more complicated if your test result is a risk-related test, rather than a definitive test. Many GTPs also provide some breeding guidance or advice on using test results. If you are uncertain about the mode of inheritance, the Health Library has information on inheritance as well as general phene information. You can also reach out to the team at dogwellnet.com!

The Kennel Club launched a new resource for breed clubs and individual breeders – the Breed Health and Conservation Plans (BHCP) project – in September 2016. The purpose of the project is to ensure that all health concerns for a breed are identified through evidence-based criteria, and that breeders are provided with useful information and resources to raise awareness of current health and welfare concerns in their breed, and support them in making balanced breeding decisions. The Breed Health and Conservation Plans take a complete view of breed health with consideration to the following issues: known inherited conditions, complex conditions (i.e. those involving many genes and environmental effects such as nutrition or exercise levels, for example hip dysplasia), conformational concerns and population genetics. Sources of evidence and data have been collated into an evidence base which gives clear indications of the most significant health conditions in each breed, in terms of prevalence and impact. Once the evidence base document has been produced it is discussed with the relevant Breed Health Co-ordinator and breed health committee or representatives if applicable. Priorities are agreed based on this data and incorporated into a list of actions between the Kennel Club and the breed to tackle these health concerns. These actions and then monitored and reviewed on a regular basis.

The Kennel Club launched a new resource for breed clubs and individual breeders – the Breed Health and Conservation Plans (BHCP) project – in September 2016. The purpose of the project is to ensure that all health concerns for a breed are identified through evidence-based criteria, and that breeders are provided with useful information and resources to raise awareness of current health and welfare concerns in their breed, and support them in making balanced breeding decisions. The Breed Health and Conservation Plans take a complete view of breed health with consideration to the following issues: known inherited conditions, complex conditions (i.e. those involving many genes and environmental effects such as nutrition or exercise levels, for example hip dysplasia), conformational concerns and population genetics. Sources of evidence and data have been collated into an evidence base which gives clear indications of the most significant health conditions in each breed, in terms of prevalence and impact. Once the evidence base document has been produced it is discussed with the relevant Breed Health Co-ordinator and breed health committee or representatives if applicable. Priorities are agreed based on this data and incorporated into a list of actions between the Kennel Club and the breed to tackle these health concerns. These actions and then monitored and reviewed on a regular basis.

The Kennel Club launched a new resource for breed clubs and individual breeders – the Breed Health and Conservation Plans (BHCP) project – in September 2016. The purpose of the project is to ensure that all health concerns for a breed are identified through evidence-based criteria, and that breeders are provided with useful information and resources to raise awareness of current health and welfare concerns in their breed, and support them in making balanced breeding decisions. The Breed Health and Conservation Plans take a complete view of breed health with consideration to the following issues: known inherited conditions, complex conditions (i.e. those involving many genes and environmental effects such as nutrition or exercise levels, for example hip dysplasia), conformational concerns and population genetics. Sources of evidence and data have been collated into an evidence base which gives clear indications of the most significant health conditions in each breed, in terms of prevalence and impact. Once the evidence base document has been produced it is discussed with the relevant Breed Health Co-ordinator and breed health committee or representatives if applicable. Priorities are agreed based on this data and incorporated into a list of actions between the Kennel Club and the breed to tackle these health concerns. These actions and then monitored and reviewed on a regular basis.

First published description of the causal variant. Baranowska Körberg, I., Sundström, E., Meadows, J.R., Rosengren Pielberg, G., Gustafson, U., Hedhammar, Å., Karlsson, E.K., Seddon, J., Söderberg, A., Vilà, C., Zhang, X., Åkesson, M., Lindblad-Toh, K., Andersson, G., Andersson, L. : A simple repeat polymorphism in the MITF-M promoter is a key regulator of white spotting in dogs. PLoS One 9:e104363, 2014. Pubmed reference: 25116146. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104363.