With Westminster airing tonight I thought this would be a perfect time to share this video produced by the Kennel Club the UK equivalent of the AKC. It is important to understand just how much thought and work go into producing champion dogs and the measures Responsible / Ethical breeders are taking in order to better their breed and eradicate genetic health issues. Many of the breed parent clubs work closely with researchers around the world sending in genetic data in the form of blood samples, mouth swabs, and in some cases X-rays and MRI’s in order to compile enough data for researchers to work with and find the causes and how to identify carriers. Not only is the research helping to produce healthier dogs but the research is being used to help advance the understanding and treatment of people with these same or similar diseases. In the US the health of the individual breeds fall more to the parent club of the breeds to educate their breeders and owners about genetic issues and help them produce healthier more well rounded dogs. Parent Clubs will include health clinics at specialty shows in order to help the owners and breeders have access to less expensive diagnostic tools. The eye specialist and heart specialists will do full exams and grade the results of each individual dog saving people hundreds of dollars per dog screened and allows the owner / breeder the peace of mind that they are producing healthy dogs.
This is a long video but will really help you understand what is being done to better the health and well-being of Pedigree Dogs.
This film, produced by the Kennel Club narrated by Clare Balding, looks at the issues affecting dog health and well-being in this country and what is being done in 2012 to help ensure that dog welfare stays at the top of the agenda.
‘Dogs — A Healthy Future’, focuses on the main issues that affect dog health and welfare, including hereditary diseases, issues created by breeding dogs for the way that they look and the problem of cruel puppy farms that breed dogs for profit without regard for their health and welfare. The film explores the steps that have already been taken to address these issues and the need for united action in order to ensure that the progress continues in 2012.
I just watched the video. How important it is for dogs to continue to be healthy! Thank you for the very informative post.