Moving from information and collaboration to action: report from the 5th International Dog Health Workshop
A summary paper has now been published in the Companion Animal Health and Genetics Journal. I am honoured to be cited as a co-author but much of the hard work getting us published was done by Kateriina Maki (from the IPFD).
The 5th International Dog Health Workshop (IDHW), hosted in Helsinki, Finland, in June 2024, was a pivotal event for those dedicated to improving canine welfare. Organised by the International Partnership for Dogs (IPFD) and attended by 106 participants from 16 countries, this workshop brought together breeders, veterinary professionals, scientists, and other stakeholders to address pressing issues in dog health and welfare.
Four major themes dominated the discussions: Supply and Demand, Breeding for Health and Well-Being, Big Data, and Does the Colour Matter? Defining Breed vs. Variety. These sessions focused on creating actionable strategies to tackle challenges in dog breeding, health management, and public education.
Key Takeaways for Breeders and Exhibitors
1. Breeding for Health Over Looks: Attendees agreed that prioritising health and well-being in breeding practices is essential. The need to move away from extreme conformations, which can cause health problems, was emphasised. Crossbreeding was recognised as a valuable tool for maintaining genetic diversity and improving breed health.
2. Better Education Across the Board: From puppy buyers to show judges, educating all parties involved in the dog world was highlighted as a critical step. Judges were urged to reward healthier traits, and breeders were encouraged to create programmes that avoid risky extreme conformations.
3. Harnessing Big Data: Breeding healthier dogs requires better use of data. The integration of genomic and phenotypic data can aid breeders in making informed decisions. International collaboration and data-sharing platforms, like the IPFD’s genetic testing database, offer valuable resources.
4. Championing Responsible Practices: The workshop stressed the importance of responsible breeding, enforcing animal welfare laws, and discouraging the illegal puppy trade. Buyers were advised to choose high-welfare breeders, emphasising the long-term benefits of acquiring a well-bred, healthy dog.
5. Revisiting Breed Standards: Breed standards should evolve to eliminate traits that harm health. The workshop also encouraged a shift in mindset from strict “purity” to celebrating genetic diversity within and across breeds.
A Call to Action
For dog breeders and exhibitors, the message is clear: the future of pedigree dogs depends on prioritising health, collaboration, and education. Whether we’re planning breeding programmes or evaluating show dogs, we all have the power to shape a healthier and more sustainable future for dogs.
The next IDHW in 2026 will revisit the outcomes of this workshop, making it a shared responsibility to implement these actions.
The paper is Open Access, available here.
