The Karlton Index™Measuring progress in the health of our dogsPHILIPPA ROBINSON BA Hons MSc CIPD

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?

Four dimensions

Leadership and Strategy

Communication and engagement

Participation

Evaluate impact

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

Breed clubs communicate their health strategy and priorities to a wide audience including breed club members, breeders, pet owners, non-members, 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

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

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

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

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

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)

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?

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The next full scoring against the Index is planned for Summer 2015

For more details contact Philippa Robinson Philippa(at)thekarltonindex.com