Fundraising New

CHF/VetVine Seminars

Our partner, the AKC Canine Health Foundation, offers a wide range of seminars with VetVine on Canine Health. Everyone is encouraged to participate in these seminars live and many are archived for on demand. These webinars feature leaders in the field of veterinary health research and offer practical advice on common health concerns, as well as information on cutting-edge research to benefit our dogs. The webinars feature a presentation, followed by a question-and-answer session if time permits. Each webinar is recorded and can be watched on demand from a computer or mobile device. All webinars require registration through VetVine.
CHF Webinars

AKC Breeder Education

The AKC offers many good resources for breeders. Good breeders strive to improve their breeds while considering canine health, temperament, training, and promoting responsible dog ownership.
AKC Breeder Education

A Special Fundraiser Restricted to Funding CSD Research Phase II

CHF has approved and DCAF is fully funding Phase II of the Copper Storage Disease research with the goal of identifying the gene(s) responsible for hereditary incidents of this deadly disease in Dalmatians.  Our hope is that when this study concludes, we will have a genetic test to identify Dalmatians that are clear of, carriers of or affected by the disease.  The cost of the new study is $79,396.

To help us fund this study, we are running a special Find the Key to CSD fundraising campaign.  Thank you to all who have already generously helped!  You are all listed below!  

For those who have not yet, there is still time.  Our final payment is due early in 2024. 

While supplies last, anyone who donates $25 or more will receive a keepsake heart topped skeleton key charm to remind you that you have helped the breed that you love!  

Also while supplies last, anyone who donates $250 or more will receive the keepsake key and a 16 oz. DCAF logo engraved copper Moscow Mule Mug to use or display with pride!

As of 12/20/23, progress toward the total cost of the Phase II study 34%

This is Cash, a lucky 6 year and counting survivor of CSD. He’s a lucky boy to have been diagnosed early and to have an owner with the means to give him the treatment he needs.

Classically bred Dalmatians have a metabolic difference from all other canines that allows high levels of urate to accumulate in the urinary tract. This can lead to crystals or stones that can block the urethra and cause a life-threatening emergency – especially in males. Dalmatian owners need to be aware of prevention and treatment strategies. These largely involve a proper diet, proper hydration, and regular opportunities to urinate at least three times a day.

About Uric Acid: Metabolism

Protein is converted in the liver to uric acid, which is normally metabolized into allantoin and excreted in the urine. High Uric Acid (HUA) dogs are missing a transporter protein, so the uric acid stays in the body and is excreted in the urine. Uric acid is excreted as urate, a salt, which can aggregate into crystals and eventually form stones. HUA Dalmatians have 10 to 20 times more urate in their urine than LUA Dalmatians and other breeds of dogs.
Skin Conditions and Allergy Disorders

Allergies are not uncommon for Dalmatians. Approximately one in five Dalmatian owners will encounter one of these issues. They can be challenging and expensive to figure out. The dermatology health and research topic group focuses on conditions commonly observed in the Dalmatian breed, such as canine atopic dermatitis (sometimes described as Dalmatian Bronzing Syndrome). More information about allergies can be found at:

General allergies in dogs: 

Food allergy in dogs

Find a dermatology specialist.