Breeders of pure bred dogs have a real opportunity to address these inherited diseases and reduce their prevalence, because it is the breeder that decides which sire is to be mated to which dam to produce a litter of puppies. It is thus possible, where screening schemes are available, for breeders to screen all of their potential breeding stock for signs of these inherited diseases, before they are bred from, and then use the results to formulate breeding programmes to reduce the prevalence of the diseases in future generations. Putting all of the potential breeding stock through these health screening schemes gives breeders a better understanding of the kind of genes a particular dog carries and thus avoid producing clinically affected puppies.

Breeder Helpline

Since 2000, the Kennel Club Charitable Trust has funded the Breeder Helpline – available on 0845 30 30 180 – a telephone service which offers support and advice to breeders who face difficulties in looking after their dogs and anyone else concerned about the welfare of specific dogs in their area. This service is available 24/7 and all calls are dealt with confidentially.

Click here for more information about the Breeder Helpline

Health Surveys

The Kennel Club/British Small Animal Veterinary Association Scientific Committee joined forces with scientists in the Epidemiology Unit at the Animal Health Trust to carry out a nationwide survey of UK purebred dogs and, with the help of owners, to identify important health conditions in UK dog breeds during 2004. The Kennel Club Charitable Trust committed substantial funds to support this project, which could only succeed with the help of owners.

Click here for the KC/BSAVA Purebred Dog Health Survey results

Fit for Function

The Kennel Club believes that every dog should be bred to be fit enough to enjoy its life to the full. At the heart of this campaign is the belief that every dog, even if its function is solely to be a pet, should be able to see, breathe and walk freely.

Click here to visit the Fit for Function website

The Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme

The Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme promotes good breeding practice,  and there are set requirements that Assured Breeders must agree to follow, which encourage the breeding of healthy, well-adjusted puppies.

Click here to visit the Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme section

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Dog Health and DNA, Professional Resources 

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