A framework to develop breed health strategies

1. The Karlton Index™
Measuring progress in the health of our dogs
PHILIPPA ROBINSON BA Hons MSc CIPD

2. The Karlton Index™ Launched March 2011

The Karlton Index provides a framework through which we can measure
our progress on breed health

Which breeds are doing the most to secure the future well being of their
dogs?

Which are translating those actions into meaningful improvements to
breed health?

Which breeds are avoiding serious health issues?

3. Four dimensions
Leadership and
Strategy
Evaluate impact
Communication
and engagement
Participation

4. 
Breeds develop a balanced but wide ranging strategy to breed for health
and optimum welfare

Excellent guidelines for such a strategy can be found at
http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/media/97934/bhcbreedhealthimpstrat.pdf

They identify the resources needed to support the strategy

They define their approach to breed health surveillance

They assess their health priorities for the short and medium term

They define their approach to health testing

They publish the strategy

5. 
Breed clubs communicate their health strategy and priorities to a wide
audience including breed club members, breeders, pet owners, nonmembers, through social media and traditional publications

Regular updates on health are communicated

Results and analysis of health surveys and other health reports are
communicated widely

Collaboration with other clubs, other breeds and the scientific community
are actively encouraged and supported

6. 
Breeders and owners participate in health surveys and
health reporting

Breeders and owners take part as appropriate in the
health testing protocols outlined for the breed

People attend health events to develop their
knowledge and understanding of breed health

The breed’s health strategy is well supported

7. 
The breed health strategy as implemented
through communication, engagement and
participation has a positive impact on the
health and welfare of the dogs

8. Four dimensions

If a good strategy has been adopted
and communicated effectively, and
the appropriate levels of participation
have been achieved there should be
a demonstrably positive impact on
health of the dogs.

If not it suggests there is a flaw
somewhere in the breed’s approach.
This can be reviewed and the strategy
altered accordingly

9. Assumptions

Taking a very close look at what is being done on leadership, strategy,
communication, engagement, and participation will accelerate our
understanding of breed health issues

Assessing how those behaviours and actions have impacted the health of
a breed is essential

The framework encourages more of the right behaviours and actions,
shared learning and experience with other breeds, passing that
knowledge and wisdom on to future generations.

An objective view/measure adds value

10. Moving forward for 2014
Evaluate the framework in collaboration with the “industry”

A framework all can confidently buy into

Develop breed clubs expertise in the framework requirements

Assess all breeds against the framework again (suggested time post Crufts
2015)

11. Dogs mean different things to people
But what we all want is

Every dog to enjoy a
healthy, well adjusted long
happy life.

www.thekarltonindex.com
What is our vision for this puppy?

12. “ The next full scoring against the

Index is planned for Summer 2015
For more details contact Philippa Robinson
Philippa(at)thekarltonindex.com
”