The Canine Health Foundation

I'd wager a bet that the majority of hunters also own dogs, whether the role of their chosen canine is family pet or family hunting companion. That's because owning a dog comes with a requirement, that we take it outside. A dog and a person who loves the outdoors are a natural pair.

We love our dogs, so it stands to reason that if we knew of some simple thing to do which would help future generations of dogs live longer, we would do it. And there is such a thing.

The mission of the AKC Canine Health Foundation (akcchf.org) is to advance the health of all dogs by funding sound scientific research and supporting the dissemination of health information to prevent, treat and cure canine disease. We dog owners can greatly help the foundation's cause by getting involved, donating or participating in a research trial.

Here are some of the discoveries made possible through research funded by the Canine Health Foundation:

• Development of a genetic test for Progressive Retinal Atrophy, a malady first identified in Gordon Setters and now found in more than 100 breeds
• Isolation and characterization of the tumor initiating cell in canine osteosarcoma (bone cancer)
• Genetic tests for various hereditary problems in many breeds. For example, in the German shorthaired pointer, dogs can be tested for cone degeneration in the eyes, Lupoid Dermatosis (fatal skin disease), Merle-Silv (coat disorder) and von Willebrand's Disease (similar to hemophilia in humans)
• Identification of the dysplasia gene in Alaskan Malamutes

The foundation's website also includes a library of articles, which is searchable by breed, research area and other criteria.

Did you know that the genetic makeup of dogs and humans is about 85 percent the same? As a result, there are about 400 diseases that affect both species the same way. As the Canine Health Foundation continues to make strides in identifying genes that carry certain disorders in dogs, they may also be leading researchers to being able to identify genes for similar disorders in humans!

For more information on supporting the foundation, including participating in research trials with your dog, visit akcchf.org