Research
Dalmatian health issue research was a primary reason the Foundation was formed in 1995. We are not equipped ourselves to conduct or properly oversee research, so we work with our partners, the AKC Canine Health Foundation and, more recently, Morris Animal Foundation to vet proposals and manage the studies.
In some cases, DCAF “commissions” research on topics of urgent or strong interest to our breed. In these situations, DCAF fully funds the research. In other cases, we provide grants to help fund studies of interest to our donors that have been accepted by CHF or Morris.
The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) is the largest nonprofit funder of health research focused solely on dogs. Donations are invested in canine health research grants that aim to find better treatments, more accurate diagnoses, and an improved understanding of the mechanisms that cause disease in dogs. CHF works closely with AKC Parent Clubs, dog owners, breeders, veterinarians, and researchers to identify and address health issues in dogs.
Grants submitted to CHF for funding consideration are carefully reviewed by expert peer reviewers as well as by CHF’s Scientific Review Committee, a panel of veterinarians, medical doctors, researchers, and canine health experts. Grants are reviewed for scientific merit, impact in the field of study, and the significance to dogs and their people.
DCAF conducts surveys of DCA members to remain in touch with their health priorities, and we choose studies to fund that reflect the results of those surveys. We’ve funded studies related to:
- Copper Storage Disease
- Dermatology/Allergies
- Endocrinology
- Epilepsy
- General Canine Health Issues
- Heart Disease
- Hereditary Deafness
- Immunology/Infectious Disease
- Kidney Disease
- Oncology
- Urinary Tract Disease
