The work that is done for conditions affecting a large population unquestionably has a huge cost benefit. As a devotee of a numerically small breed that is vulnerable world wide, I am concerned that our research will be affected. I have owned keeshonds since 1957 and my involvement with the PHPT research commenced in 2002 when my Anni succumbed to the disease and Barbara Skelly commenced her research. To the breed community world wide, this research is vital for the future wellbeing of the dogs we love.

Thank you for this comment. We believe all dogs, regardless of whether they belong to numerically large or small breed populations, should benefit from our research. In fact, published data demonstrates that the breeders of numerically small breeds are more likely to implement DNA testing in their breeding programmes than breeders of numerically large breeds. And our own experience is that small breeds are just as likely to engage with, and help to finance, research as the larger ones. So we will continue to continue all our research projects equally, regardless of how many dogs will benefit from it.