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The Newfoundland Club logo
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A resource jointly produced and supported by the UK's three Newfoundland Clubs

Frequently Asked Questions

We hope to have answered most of the common questions here so please read through the following carefully. If the answer to your question is not here, email the Database Administrators.

Q:

Where does the data come from?

A:

The (British) Veterinary Cardiovascular Society or the examining Veterinary Surgeons send a copy of heart test reports directly to the Joint Health Database Administrators. This forms the foundation of the heart test data. In addition, we receive copies of reports which may have been missing directly from the breeders or owners - this applies particularly to the records we have for non-UK dogs and bitches.

Hip scores and Elbow scores under the Kennel Club / British Veterinary Association scheme are published both online and in the Kennel Club Breed Record Supplements. Unless we have received documentation directly from the breeders or owners, the data relating to hip and elbow scores comes from this public domain information.

Data relating to cystinuria tests is now also published by the Kennel Club. However, this is a very recent development so much of the data recorded on cystinuria status is provided to us directly.

Q:

How do I have my dog's health tests results included in the database?

A:

You should send documents (see the answer to the question below regarding the types of dcocuments) BY POST ONLY to:

The Joint Health Database Administrators
Lodge Cottage
Wix Road
Ramsey
Harwich
Essex
CO12 5LY

Q:

What documents should I send?

A:

Any and all health check results/certificates and items such as KC Studbook certificates and Microchip details, if applicable.

You do not need to send pedigrees unless these contain data elements which are relevant to the dog.

Q:

Should I send originals?

A:

NO! They should be first generation photocopies of the original documents. Please do NOT send originals, we cannot guarantee that they will be safely received or undertake to return them.

Q:

How much does it cost to have my dog's health screening included?

A:

NOTHING! There is no charge whatsoever, the database is maintained voluntarily with the support of the three Newfoundland Clubs for the benefit of the breed.

Q:

Is it compulsory or a rule of the Newfoundland Clubs to supply health check results?

A:

No, inclusion in the database is entirely voluntary. However, we hope that all responsible breeders and owners who are concerned for the future health of our breed will want to have their dog's test results included.

Q:

Can I email scanned copies of the documents?

A:

No. Hard copies of the results are filed for reference in the event of a query.

Q:

Do the results of the tests or the full details such as flow rate or hip/elbow scores have to be displayed?

A:

No, when sending in documents you can include a note requesting that just the fact of the test having been done be shown (which will include the date of the test). The result OR extra details can be omitted, if so requested.

It is hoped that all breeders and owners will be open and transparent about test results as negative results or high scores are equally important to the establishment of the general picture of health in Newfoundlands.

Q:

Can I send additional test result documents later?

A:

Yes, you can send new health check results or supplimentary documents at any time. Please inform us when sending such documents if there is already an existing entry of any type for the dog.

Q:

Why does it say 'Parents Clear' in the Cystinuria field when no test is shown?

A:

Breeders or owners may have informed us that the dog or bitch is clear by virtue of it's parentage. That information has been recorded but HAS NOT BEEN VERIFIED. Interested parties should satisfy themselves that the statement is true.

Q:

Can information on non-UK Newfoundlands be included?

A:

Yes, we are very pleased to include the results of health tests from Newfoundlands overseas. We positively encourage and invite owners and breeders from anywhere in the world to send in records for inclusion.

As breedings between dogs in different countries becomes more widespread such data becomes increasingly important to everyone concerned.

Q:

How will the data be used?

A:

It will be displayed here and on the web sites of the three UK Newfoundland Breed Club web sites for reference by breeders and prospective purchasers of Newfoundlands.

The data will never be used for marketing or any commercial purposes although it may be provided for appropriate scientific, genetic or academic research but only with the approval of the three supporting Clubs.

Q:

Is any personal data recorded?

A:

No, we do not record any personal information about the owners or breeders in the database. As a result there is no requirement for licensing under the UK's Data Protection laws.

Q:

Where can I find more information about hearts, hips, elbows and cystinuria issues as they affect Newfoundlands?

A:

Undoubtedly the best place to start are the web sites of the three Newfoundland Clubs that support this database. Click on the logos of each of the Clubs at the top of this page to go to their web sites.

Q:

Where can I find a list of Veterinary Surgeons in the UK qualified to perform echocardiography examinations?

A:

The (British) Veterinary Cardiovascular Society maintain a list on their website at
https://www.vet-cardio.co.uk/heart-testing.

Q:

Where can I find details of the BVA/KC Hip and Elbow Testing Scheme?

A:

Information on the British Veterinary Association schemes can be found on their website here.