Bringing about research collaboration (BARC)

We need your help to improve dog health

One of the hardest parts about carrying out research is trying to find owners and their dogs to participate in studies. More participants means more data, making it more likely that scientists can find solutions to current dog health problems.

Are you a researcher that needs help?

If you would like us to help promote your research, including general breed health surveys, please complete our BARC submission form. Please note: The Kennel Club will not support or assist research that may involve experimental procedures that inflict pain or suffering to animals.

Can you help?

Below is a list of research projects that need your help. Please search by breed and see if you are able to participate. If you can’t, we’d still really appreciate your help spreading the word, especially on social media.

Most recently added research

1. All breeds

To improve our understanding of the prevalence and type of heart disease affecting different pedigree dog breeds.

To participate, please click here.

For further information please email

Health (The Kennel Club)

Deadline: 02/10/2024

2. All breeds

To improve our understanding of the prevalence and types of back problems affecting different pedigree dog breeds.

To participate, please click here

For further information please email

Health (The Kennel Club)

Deadline: 24/12/2024

All research projects by breed

If you are have any queries about the research being undertaken, or would like more information, please contact the researchers directly.

All breeds

Breed and Research	Sample	Name and contact details
All breeds Identifying legal mechanisms to reduce welfare problems arising from the breeding of dogs as companion animals, with a focus on brachycephalic dog breeds.	Would you like to have your say on canine legislation and how this can be used to apply higher welfare standards within the dog breeding industry? This study aims to bring in relevant groups to gain important insight surrounding the challenges faced in enabling positive change and improved animal welfare standards, and discuss possible ways to overcome these challenges. Participants will be invited to respond to interview questions for one session lasting between 45 – 60 minutes. Interviews will take place via video call, and can take place during normal working hours or at a time which is more suitable for the participant.	Further details can be supplied from Tamara Katamine Centre for Commercial Law Studies, Queen Mary, University of London.
All spaniel breeds Anal sac carcinoma in spaniels	Buccal swabs required from affected and healthy spaniels over 10 years old (especially Cocker Spaniels and Springer Spaniels)	David Sargan Comparative genetics group, department of clinical veterinary medicine. University of Cambridge Madingley Rd., Cambridge CB3 0ES
All breeds with a chiari-like malformation/ syringomyelia. Improving diagnosis and treatment of canine neuropathic pain.	Participants will need to bring their dog(s) to the Royal Veterinary College. Sample type: dogs will come to the RVC for pain assessment, treatment and blood sampling. Recruit requirements: Dogs with clinical signs of chiari-like malformation/syringomyelia known by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).	Sandra Sachis Royal Veterinary College
All breeds An investigation into the impact of a pet dog on relational connections with an autistic sibling	To investigate the role of a family dog in facilitating relational connections between siblings and their autistic brother or sister, and specifically to study from the perspective of siblings of autistic individuals.
All breeds Canine obesity factors and owner body image perception	A study investigating canine obesity through an online survey, asking owners to identify ideal body shapes and sizes through perception of diagrams. For dogs over 2 years of age. Access the survey.	Amy Sabin European School of Osteopathy
All breeds Development of a collar-held device for lameness detection in dogs	The researchers need dogs with any degree of lameness, and a smaller sample of sound dogs to participate in their study for one short session at the University of Surrey School of Veterinary Medicine. The dog will be required to wear a small device on their collar for a few minutes, while the researchers measure lameness with special cameras and a walking mat.	Peter Sewell
All breeds Genetics and pathogenesis of canine diabetes	Preferably EDTA blood and serum (free HbA1c and fructosamine assays provided). Cheek/saliva swabs can also be provided. Samples required from dogs with a diagnosis of diabetes (hyperglycaemia, glucosuria). No specific preservation methods (but frozen if to be stored for any length of time before submission).	Brian Catchpole Department of pathology and pathogen biology, Royal veterinary college, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Herts AL9 7TA. Further details and sample submission forms available at www.rvc.ac.uk/diabetesregister
All breeds (tumour samples) Flat Coated Retrievers, Rottweilers and Golden Retrievers (buccal swabs) Histiocytic sarcomas and mastocytomas	Tumours as fixed tissue prepared for pathologists. For predispositions, 2 buccal swabs per animal (also control buccal swabs from unaffected animals above 10 years old).	David Sargan Comparative Genetics Group, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine University of Cambridge Madingley Rd., Cambridge CB3 0ES
All breeds Investigating the effects of Imepitoin (Pexion) on the behaviour of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy	Recruiting dogs with the following criteria: • Aged between 1-10 years • Have not yet received ANY anti-epileptic drugs to treat their epilepsy • Only experience single seizures (no more than one seizure in any 24 hour period) • Have been diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy based on the following criteria: a) By your regular vet due to a history of two or more unprovoked seizers at least 24 hours apart, age of first seizure between 6 months – 6 years of age, no physical or neurological abnormalities between seizures, no abnormalities on blood tests/urinalysis or b) By a neurology specialist with blood tests, bile acids, MRI and CSF analysis If you are unsure if your dog is eligible, please contact the investigators.	Rowena Packer Holger Volk Clinical Investigations Centre The Royal Veterinary College Hawkshead Lane North Mymms Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA For more information contact 0170 766 6058
All breeds affected by degenerative myelopathy Kinematic and genetic analyses of degenerative myelopathy (DM)	Samples required and preservation methods: Primarily require cases to record the gait of affected dogs. EDTA blood (will need to be frozen if not sent soon after collection) or cheek swabs for genetic analysis Samples are required from dogs diagnosed with DM (ideally based on MRI, CSF analysis. And/or SOD1 genetic test).	Jacob Neeves 07791 191314 Dr. Nicolas Granger Bristol University & Langford Veterinary Centre Langford House Langford North Somerset BS40 5DUU Dogs participating in the gait analysis will need to travel to the Langford Veterinary Centre.
5. All breeds The researchers are especially looking for information on Labrador and Golden Retrievers, but you are eligible to take part in the study if: You own a dog aged between 3 to 8 years of age. Your dog has either been diagnosed with progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) or another chronic vision loss condition but no other medical conditions, or if your dog has no problems with vision loss or any other medical conditions.	The Royal Veterinary College is undertaking a study exploring the impacts of canine vision loss on dog and owner quality of life. Click here for the survey	For further information please contact William Carter (MRes student) or Siobhan Abeyesinghe (Primary supervisor)

Individual breeds A-C

Breed	Research	Sample	Name and contact details
American Cocker Spaniel	Breed health survey To look at the overall health of the American Cocker Spaniel and collect information that will help improve knowledge on prevalence of any existing conditions and identify any potential emerging issues, in order to improve the breed’s health and welfare for future generations.	Complete the survey.	Glenys Harrison
Australian Shepherd	The study hopes to scientifically assess whether or not simple measures can be used to legally determine a dog’s type. This research project aims to identify physical shape similarities and difference between different breeds of dog. Currently, in some countries including the UK, the shape of a dog can have legal implications (e.g. under the Dangerous Dogs Act), however there seems to be no systematic study evaluating whether or not such a distinction has any validity	Three specific conformation photos are needed of the dog from: The front Above to the side A Consent form will also need to be signed	Research is being conducted by the University of Lincoln. For further information please email Health (The Kennel Club)
Bavarian Mountain Hound	To look at the overall health of Bavarian Mountain Hounds in the UK and collect information that will help improve our knowledge on the prevalence of any existing conditions and identify any potential emerging issues, in order to improve the breed’s health and welfare for future generations.	Complete the survey	For further information, please contact Health (The Kennel Club)
Bichon Frise	Paroxysmal dyskinesia To investigate the underlying genetic mutation suspected to cause paroxysmal dyskinesia in Bichon Frise – healthy and affected dogs required.	Blood samples.	Mark Lowrie Dovecote Veterinary Hospital, 5 Delven Lane, Castle Donington, Derby, DE74 2L
Border Collie	The big brainy Border Collie study Part 1: studying the breed’s brain development and how seizures and behavioural abnormalities arise in the breed. ALL breed owners wanted to complete survey, click here. Part 2: Recruiting 1-8 year old epileptic and non-epileptic Border Collies.	Part 1: Complete the survey. Part 2: Epileptic and non-epileptic dogs for a 1-2 day visit to the centre for an MRI, EEG, behavioural test, sample submission and activity monitoring (no cost to owner).	Dr Rowena Packer Clinical Investigations Centre The Royal Veterinary College Hawkshead Lane North Mymms Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA
Border Collie	How dogs hear us: Vocav perception by the domestic dog	Studying the response of puppies to vocal queues and how this changes as they grow. Non-invasive assessments of hearing at different ages.	Holly Root-Gutteridge
Boxer	Boxer arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy(ARVC) blood test stud	To investigate whether a recently developed blood test can detect arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy in apparently healthy Boxers, as well as those with clinical signs of heart disease.	Please complete the online questionnaire.
French Bulldog Bulldog Pekingese Pug Shih Tzu	Investigating the link between nasal fold bacteria and corneal ulcers. The Kennel Club are working with researchers at the Royal Veterinary College.	Volunteers will need to visit the Queen Mother Hospital in Hatfield and will be given a free eye test. Photographs, measurements of the face and a facial swab will also need to be taken. Volunteers will need to: Be fed a commercial diet (not raw) Not have an allergic skin disease Not receive probiotics, oral antibiotics or oral steroids Not have any eye disease	A screening day is being held on Saturday 22 October at the RVC’s Queen Mother Hospital at Hawkshead Ln, Brookmans Park, Hatfield, AL9 7TA. Limited number of spaces are available on a first come first serve basis. If you are interested in taking part please email Amy Andrews .
Bulldog	Non-invasive respiratory function assessment in brachycephalic dogs	Measurements taken from healthy and diagnosed dogs with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) as well as dogs whose BOAS status is currently uncertain (>2 years of age and hasn't undergone any upper airway surgery). Following measurements are taken by the study investigator (appointment required): (1) Respiratory flow trace measurement; (2) DNA sample collections from cheek swabs: (3) head/body dimension measurement using a fabric soft tape and photography.	Nai-Chieh Liu Tel: 01223 337621 Queen's Veterinary School Hospital, University of Cambridge (measurements taken at this venue, but investigators can come to you where there is the opportunity to take measurements from many dogs at once).
Bull Terrier	The study hopes to scientifically assess whether or not simple measures can be used to legally determine a dog’s type. This research project aims to identify physical shape similarities and difference between different breeds of dog. Currently, in some countries including the UK, the shape of a dog can have legal implications (e.g. under the Dangerous Dogs Act), however there seems to be no systematic study evaluating whether or not such a distinction has any validity	Three specific conformation photos are needed of the dog from the front, above, to the side. A Consent form will also need to be signed	Research is being conducted by the University of Lincoln. For further information please email Health (The Kennel Club)
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel	Improving diagnosis and treatment of canine neuropathic pain	Participants will need to bring their dog(s) to the Royal Veterinary College. Sample type: Dogs will come to the RVC for pain assessment, treatment and blood sampling. Recruit requirements: Dogs with clinical signs of Chiari-like malformation/syringomyelia known by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).	Sandra Sachis Royal Veterinary College
Cirneco dell’Etna	Breed health survey To look at the overall health of the Cirneco dell’Etna and collect information to improve our knowledge on the prevalence of any existing conditions and identify any potential emerging conditions, in order to improve the breed’s health and welfare for future generations.	Find out more and complete the online survey.	For further information contact: Cirneco dell’Etna Breed Health Survey
Cocker Spaniel	Multi-systemic immune-mediated disease in the English Cocker Spaniel aims to increase understanding of the immune response and genetics of dogs affected by chronic pancreatitis and/or other immune-mediated conditions to help prevent the disease and improve treatment.	Samples required from both healthy dogs and dogs diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis and/or immune-mediated conditions. Criteria for healthy dogs: 9 years old Male or female No history of pancreatitis, kidney disease, dry eye or recurrent anal sacculitis/li> Criteria for affected dogs: Any age Male or female History of chronic pancreatitis Sample type: urine and blood (left over from routine blood tests) samples taken by your vet. Please note, your vet should contact the researchers first for further info and consent forms. Exclusion criteria: dogs on any immunosuppressive medication or with lymphoma Preservation method: For blood samples – either 1ml EDTA and 4ml heparin or 4ml EDTA and 1ml serum gel. (no preservative for urine)	Penny Watson Francisca Coddou Tel: 01223360908 University of Cambridge Send samples to: FAO Fran Coddou Department of Veterinary Medicine Madingley Road Cambridge CB3 0ES
Clumber Spaniel	Using DNA testing, the Clumber Spaniel Club is investigating the prevalence of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) within the UK population of Clumber Spaniels. Any Clumber that is found to be genetically “affected” will be offered a free eye test under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme to see if they are also clinically affected by the condition. It is hoped that this study will help to identify how many Clumbers carry the gene for PRA and also how many are actually clinically affected by the condition.	Samples required from 50 Clumber Spaniels aged 8 years or over. Sample type: Mouth swab The application form can be downloaded from the Clumber Spaniel Club’s website.	For further information please email Clumber Spaniel Club - PRA study or phone Carole Page on 01489 589734 (Clumber Spaniel Breed Health Coordinator)

Individual breeds D-F

Breed	Research	Sample	Name and contact details
Dachshund	Breed health survey To continuously monitor the overall health of the Dachshund variety’s and collect information that will help improve knowledge on prevalence of any existing conditions and identify any potential emerging issues, in order to improve the breed’s health and welfare for future generations.	Click here to report.	For further information please email Dachshund Health
Dalmatian	The study hopes to scientifically assess whether or not simple measures can be used to legally determine a dog’s type. This research project aims to identify physical shape similarities and difference between different breeds of dog. Currently, in some countries including the UK, the shape of a dog can have legal implications (e.g. under the Dangerous Dogs Act), however there seems to be no systematic study evaluating whether or not such a distinction has any validity	Three specific conformation photos are needed of the dog from: The front Above to the side A Consent form will also need to be signed	Research is being conducted by the University of Lincoln. For further information please email Health (The Kennel Club)
Dalmatian (or cross breeds with Dalmatian spotting)	The study aims to characterize the range of diversity in the features (size, frequency and distribution of spots and patches) of Dalmatian spotting patterns as well as their inheritance. Establishing a better understanding of how Dalmatian spotting features are inherited along with other health traits will allow us to develop better breeding strategies to improve future breed health.	Click here for the survey	Barbara Shih
Entlebucher Mountain Dog	A survey o look at the overall health, wellbeing and behaviour of UK Entlebucher Mountain Dogs.	Click here for the survey	For further information please contact Entlebucher Mountain Dog Club of Great Britain
Flat Coated Retriever	Breed health survey Group study (long term project) - an annual survey to follow the life of Flat Coated Retrievers
French Bulldog Bulldog Pekingese Pug Shih Tzu	Investigating the link between nasal fold bacteria and corneal ulcers. The Kennel Club are working with researchers at the Royal Veterinary College.	Volunteers will need to visit the Queen Mother Hospital in Hatfield and will be given a free eye test. Photographs, measurements of the face and a facial swab will also need to be taken. Volunteers will need to: Be fed a commercial diet (not raw) Not have an allergic skin disease Not receive probiotics, oral antibiotics or oral steroids Not have any eye disease	A screening day is being held on Saturday 22 October at the RVC’s Queen Mother Hospital at Hawkshead Ln, Brookmans Park, Hatfield, AL9 7TA. Limited number of spaces are available on a first come first serve basis. If you are interested in taking part please email Amy Andrews
French Bulldog	The study hopes to scientifically assess whether or not simple measures can be used to legally determine a dog’s type. This research project aims to identify physical shape similarities and difference between different breeds of dog. Currently, in some countries including the UK, the shape of a dog can have legal implications (e.g. under the Dangerous Dogs Act), however there seems to be no systematic study evaluating whether or not such a distinction has any validity	Three specific conformation photos are needed of the dog from: The front Above to the side A Consent form will also need to be signed	Research is being conducted by the University of Lincoln. For further information please email Health (The Kennel Club)
French Bulldog	Non-invasive respiratory function assessment in brachycephalic dogs	Measurements taken from healthy and diagnosed dogs with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) as well as dogs whose BOAS status is currently uncertain (>2 years of age and hasn't undergone any upper airway surgery). Following measurements are taken by the study investigator (appointment required): (1) Respiratory flow trace measurement; (2) DNA sample collections from cheek swabs: (3) head/body dimension measurement using a fabric soft tape and photography	Email Nai-Chieh Liu Tel: 01223 337621 Queen's Veterinary School Hospital, University of Cambridge (measurements taken at this venue, but investigators can come to you where there is the opportunity to take measurements from many dogs at once).
German Shepherd Dog	Understanding the genetics of Canine inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in GSDs	Samples required and preservation methods: EDTA blood sample - stored at 4C° before shipping or saliva sample (cheek swab) - stored at room temperature Samples are required from GSDs diagnosed with IBD (at any age) and GSDs older than 8 who are healthy or suffering from conditions other than IBD.	Prof. Karin Allenspach Atiyeh Peiravan (MSc, MMB, PhD Scholar) To request a saliva collection kit, please email Ativeh Peiravan . Please send samples to: The Clinical Investigation Centre, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA
Golden Retriever	GOdogs Project – investigating the genetics of obesity in dogs	Saliva/cheek swab sample (using GOdogs kit). Samples are required from all dogs. Any age, any weight status (under, ideal and overweight), healthy (not on regular medication). Dogs will also ideally visit owners local veterinary practice (Free of charge) to be conditioned scored and weighed and their clinical history submitted – they will assist with arrangements. . To participate, please fill out the questionnaire here, or alternatively contact the researchers via their website here.	Email Eleanor Raffan GOdogs Project MRC Institute of Metabolic Science Level 4 Addenbrooke's Hospital Box 289 Hills Road Cambridge CB2 0QQ Tel: (01223) 336792 Please be sure to contact before collecting the samples. The easiest way to do this is via the website.

Individual breeds G-I

Breed	Research	Sample	Name and contact details
Havanese	To continuingly monitor the overall health of the Havanese and collect information that will help improve knowledge on prevalence of any existing conditions and identify any potential emerging issues, in order to improve the breed’s health and welfare for future generations.	Complete an online survey	For further information please email Andrea Akkad
Irish Wolfhound	Breed health survey This study is investigating the factors influencing bloating and the development and outcome of GDV in Irish Wolfhounds in the UK.	Click here for survey	For further information please email: Research Co-ordinator Irish Wolfhound health group
Italian Spinone	To look at the overall health of the Italian Spinone and collect information that will help improve our knowledge on the prevalence of any existing conditions and identify any potential emerging issues, in order to improve the breed’s health and welfare for future generations.	2023 Italian Spinone Health Survey	For further information, please contact Elaine Kirkham

Individual breeds J-L

Breed	Research	Sample	Name and contact details
Labrador Retriever	The study hopes to scientifically assess whether or not simple measures can be used to legally determine a dog’s type. This research project aims to identify physical shape similarities and difference between different breeds of dog. Currently, in some countries including the UK, the shape of a dog can have legal implications (e.g. under the Dangerous Dogs Act), however there seems to be no systematic study evaluating whether or not such a distinction has any validity	Three specific conformation photos are needed of the dog from: The front Above to the side A Consent form will also need to be signed	Research is being conducted by the University of Lincoln. For further information please email Health (The Kennel Club)
Labrador Retrievers	Breed differences in inhibitory control To use dual measurements of inhibitory control in domestic dogs to investigate behavioural tendencies, and breed differences. This will enable us to make more confident, evidence based recommendations on breed suitability for owners, as well as contribute to basic knowledge and new hypotheses regarding inhibitory control in domestic dogs.	No sample required. Requirements for participants: • Ages 2-9 years • Healthy (excludes dogs with any disorders affecting mobility, canine cognitive dysfunction, and human or animal directed aggression behavioural problems Click here to sign up. This study only requires owners and their dogs to visit the University of Lincoln on one occasion for a 2 hour task.	Thomas Rowland University of Lincoln www.lincolnpetscando.co.uk
Labrador Retriever	Dogslife: A longitudinal study of canine health	No samples required at present - online questionnaire only. The project requires you to complete a few questions each month.	Dylan Clements University of Edinburgh www.dogslife.ac.uk
Labrador Retriever	How dogs hear us: vocal perception by the domestic dog	Studying the response of puppies to vocal queues and how this changes as they grow. Non-invasive assessments of hearing at different ages.	Holly Root-Gutteridge

Individual breeds M-O

Breed	Research	Sample	Contact
Mastiff	The study hopes to scientifically assess whether or not simple measures can be used to legally determine a dog’s type. This research project aims to identify physical shape similarities and difference between different breeds of dog. Currently, in some countries including the UK, the shape of a dog can have legal implications (e.g. under the Dangerous Dogs Act), however there seems to be no systematic study evaluating whether or not such a distinction has any validity	Three specific conformation photos are needed of the dog from: The front Above to the side A Consent form will also need to be signed	Research is being conducted by the University of Lincoln. For further information please email Health (The Kennel Club)

Individual breeds P-R

Breed	Research	Sample	Contact
Parson Russell Terrier	To continuously monitor the overall health of the Parson Russell Terrier and collect information that will help improve our knowledge on the prevalence of any existing conditions and identify any potential emerging conditions, in order to improve the breed’s health and welfare for future generations.	Complete the online health reporting form	For further information Sarah Broadberry
Parson Russell Terrier	To establish the level of DNA testing for a range of genetic disorders in UK registered Parson Russell Terriers.	Complete the genetic testing survey	For further information please email Sarah Broadberry .
French Bulldog Bulldog Pekingese Pug Shih Tzu	Investigating the link between nasal fold bacteria and corneal ulcers. The Kennel Club are working with researchers at the Royal Veterinary College.	Volunteers will need to visit the Queen Mother Hospital in Hatfield and will be given a free eye test. Photographs, measurements of the face and a facial swab will also need to be taken. Volunteers will need to: Be fed a commercial diet (not raw) Not have an allergic skin disease Not receive probiotics, oral antibiotics or oral steroids Not have any eye disease	A screening day is being held on Saturday 22 October at the RVC’s Queen Mother Hospital at Hawkshead Ln, Brookmans Park, Hatfield, AL9 7TA. Limited number of spaces are available on a first come first serve basis. If you are interested in taking part please email Amy Andrews
Pug	Non-invasive respiratory function assessment in brachycephalic dogs	Measurements taken from healthy and diagnosed dogs with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) as well as dogs whose BOAS status is currently uncertain (>2 years of age and hasn't undergone any upper airway surgery). Following measurements are taken by the study investigator (appointment required): (1) Respiratory flow trace measurement; (2) DNA sample collections from cheek swabs: (3) head/body dimension measurement using a fabric soft tape and photography	Nai-Chieh Liu Tel: 01223 337621 Queen's Veterinary School Hospital, University of Cambridge (measurements taken at this venue, but investigators can come to you where there is the opportunity to take measurements from many dogs at once).
Rottweiler	The study hopes to scientifically assess whether or not simple measures can be used to legally determine a dog’s type. This research project aims to identify physical shape similarities and difference between different breeds of dog. Currently, in some countries including the UK, the shape of a dog can have legal implications (e.g. under the Dangerous Dogs Act), however there seems to be no systematic study evaluating whether or not such a distinction has any validity	Three specific conformation photos are needed of the dog from: The front Above to the side A Consent form will also need to be signed	Research is being conducted by the University of Lincoln. For further information please email Health (The Kennel Club)

Individual breeds S-Z

Breed	Research	Sample	Contact
French Bulldog Bulldog Pekingese Pug Shih Tzu	Investigating the link between nasal fold bacteria and corneal ulcers. The Kennel Club are working with researchers at the Royal Veterinary College.	Volunteers will need to visit the Queen Mother Hospital in Hatfield and will be given a free eye test. Photographs, measurements of the face and a facial swab will also need to be taken. Volunteers will need to: Be fed a commercial diet (not raw) Not have an allergic skin disease Not receive probiotics, oral antibiotics or oral steroids Not have any eye disease	A screening day is being held on Saturday 22 October at the RVC’s Queen Mother Hospital at Hawkshead Ln, Brookmans Park, Hatfield, AL9 7TA. Limited number of spaces are available on a first come first serve basis. If you are interested in taking part please email Amy Andrews .
Shih Tzu (Adult dogs over 12 months of age)	The BOAS Research Group at the University of Cambridge are conducting a study to identify and define the risk of respiratory disease in different brachycephalic breeds	For this study, the researchers will perform breathing assessments, clinical examinations, take conformational measurements and may use whole-body barometric plethysmography. This can be done in Cambridge or the researchers can travel in certain circumstances	To take part please email BOAS Research Group
Skye Terrier	Researchers at the University of Cambridge are investigating liver disease in Skye Terriers (commonly known as ‘Skye Terrier hepatitis’) to try to understand the underlying cause and genetics of the condition.	Click here for the survey	For further information please contact Skye Terrier hepatitis Study
St Bernard	Breed health survey	Click here for the survey	For further information please email Tanya Booth
Staffordshire Bull Terrier	The study hopes to scientifically assess whether or not simple measures can be used to legally determine a dog’s type. This research project aims to identify physical shape similarities and difference between different breeds of dog. Currently, in some countries including the UK, the shape of a dog can have legal implications (e.g. under the Dangerous Dogs Act), however there seems to be no systematic study evaluating whether or not such a distinction has any validity	Three specific conformation photos are needed of the dog from: The front Above to the side A Consent form will also need to be signed	Research is being conducted by the University of Lincoln. For further information please email Health (The Kennel Club)
West Highland White Terrier	To identify the current treatment options and their perceived benefit for westie lung disease, and to examine the effect of immunosuppressive therapy in a subset of patients.	Diagnosed or suspicious of the disease	The research is being conducted by the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh. Please visit the Westie lung website for more information and to participate please email (Westie lung disease) research
West Highland White Terrier	Non-invasive gait analysis in West Highland Terriers We hope to analyse the way these dogs walk, run and move in their day-to-day life and use this data to produce improved breed-specific hip implants for dogs that need it.	Sample information We are looking for adult (but not geriatric) dogs who are of normal or better fitness to participate in a session of motion analysis at the main University of Liverpool campus This involves around 20 small infrared markers and sensors attached to the skin with sticky tape.	For more information please contact: Karl Bates Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, L69 3BX
West Highland White Terrier	West Highland White Terrier – Pulmonary Fibrosis	Breed Health Survey studying pulmonary fibrosis in the breed. Survey open to dogs of any age, healthy and affected dogs, and dogs that have previously died as a result of fibrosis. Click here for survey.	For further information please email Elodie Roels .
Working Cocker Spaniel (WCS)	To identify Working Cocker Spaniels affected by Episodic Ataxia. 7 WCS all younger than 1yo and born in the UK have already been identified as suffering with episodes of incoordination and body swaying. These episodes may last from few minutes to 24 hours, although dogs are completely normal and healthy between episodes. We are looking to identify other possible affected dogs and perform genetic investigations.	Providing a video recording of the episodes is mandatory to be enrolled in the study. Sample will be a cheek swab or a blood sample. See attached videos for examples of episodic ataxia. Video 1 Video 2	Please contact Ana Cloquell for further information or to send a video recording of the episode.

Disclaimer

The arrangements, scope of study, funding/remuneration etc. are matters to be agreed directly between researchers and participants. The Kennel Club provides no warranties or representations about researcher or participant, and the parties should make and rely upon their own enquiries as appropriate.