The Kennel Club has organised a free webinar for owners and breeders to find out more about the dangers of breeding for ‘fashionable’ colours, with the example of colour dilution alopecia. The webinar will explore research on the condition to date, advice for breeders to avoid colour dilution alopecia, and how best to support dogs affected with this condition.
The webinar, organised by The Kennel Club’s health team, is taking place via Microsoft Teams on Monday 24 April 2023 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. Those interested in attending the webinar can register here.
The session will include a presentation from dermatology specialist Dr Rosario Cerundolo, looking at the diagnosis, symptoms and treatments for colour dilution alopecia and other skin conditions in dilute-coloured dogs. Kennel Club geneticist, Dr Joanna Ilska, will talk about the genetics of coat colour dilution and colour dilution alopecia, and the dangers of breeding for ‘fashionable’ colours. Attendees will have an opportunity to put their questions to the specialist during a question and answer session at the end of the webinar. Questions can also be pre-submitted at the time of registration.
Colour dilution alopecia is a genetic condition that causes hair thinning and loss, which can leave the skin prone to sunburn, infection and dermatitis. The condition is associated with dogs who have a 'dilute' colour (e.g. blue, lilac, isabella or silver). While the disorder is commonly described in Dachshunds and Dobermanns, it has also been recognised in other breeds. With the rise in popularity of ‘fashionable’ coloured dogs, it’s crucial to understand the dangers that can be associated with breeding for certain colours and what breeders can do to try to reduce the prevalence of conditions associated with dilute coat colours.
Those interested in attending the webinar can register here.
More information about what The Kennel Club does for dog health is available at thekennelclub.org.uk/health.