Methods and issues in conducting breed-specific canine health surveys

Three breed-specific canine health surveys were conducted (one telephone, two mailed). The surveys were initiated by breed club members and were developed in close collaboration with the clubs. Two sampling frames were membership in special-interest or breed clubs and dog registration lists. One club used both breed club and registration lists. Few differences in demographic variables were found for these two sampling frames. The response percentages for the different questionnaires and, when available, the reasons for non-response were documented. Basic principles of questionnaire design were applied in this setting; reasons for the designs chosen and their advantages and disadvantages were summarized. Feedback from the clubs about survey results was positive. Four specific outcomes were measured: (1) some data were developed as a measure for individual breeders to compare their animals' health problems with the breed as a whole; (2) the surveys documented some common health problems which enabled the clubs to focus research and education; (3) the surveys provided a forum for discussion of health problems within the breed; (4) club Health and Welfare Committees were satisfied by their ability to gain simple health-related information about their breed in a relatively inexpensive and timely fashion. These data are critical to document disease prevalences in dogs for future research and improvement of the quality of pure-bred dogs.