International breeding programs to improve health in pedigree dogs

Abstract: Implementation of breeding programs in order to reduce incidence of inherited disorders and their impact on welfare should be a priority for dog breeders and breeding organizations. In that respect, exchange of breeding animals between countries constitutes a critical point to be taken into account. The purpose of this thesis was to investigate management strategies to improve breed health in an international context, concerning both genetic evaluation and management of genetic variability. A survey, which was completely filled in by 15 national kennel clubs (KCs), demonstrated shared concerns among KCs about health in pedigree dogs and a shared intent of improving breeding and health status, especially among European national KCs. In addition, with data provided by the French, Swedish and British kennel clubs, including pedigree databases and phenotypic records of hip dysplasia (HD), the feasibility of joint evaluations across countries and the efficiency of international breeding programs were investigated. The benefits of exchanging breeding animals across countries were clearly shown in terms of improved genetic variability and increased genetic progress, especially for breeds in countries with small populations. Further, the efficiency of breeding programs including importation of breeding males concerning genetic improvement of complex traits and inbreeding management was tested by simulation. We concluded that international breeding programs are useful and alternative options to improving canine genetic health and their benefits will be amplified with an expected increase in exchange of breeding animals in the future. Importing male dogs could lead to higher genetic progress, however, it is necessary to have a high genetic correlation between countries and high accuracy of estimated breeding values of imported dogs.