The breeding of dogs occurs on a global scale; research benefits from international collaboration. However, transfer of knowledge from research, in a form understandable by and useful for breeders, breed clubs and kennel clubs, is a challenge. Kennel/breed club advisors and other experts are hard-pressed to provide adequate support across all breeds, conditions, and situations or on the increasing number of molecular genetic tests.

The International Partnership for Dogs (IPFD) is a non-profit organization with a mission to facilitate collaboration and sharing of resources to enhance the health, well-being and welfare of pedigreed dogs and all dogs worldwide. Several national Kennel Clubs (Sweden, Finland, Germany, France, Norway, and the UK), The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (USA), the Agria Pet Insurance-SKC Fund (Sweden), and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) were initiating partners. The IPFD is actively engaging more collaborators from many stakeholder groups.

One of the main goals of the IPFD is creation/expansion of DogWellNet.com: both an information hub and a community-building, expertise-sharing platform. For example, the software allows for the creation of 'Forums' where Expert Panels can effectively communicate, share information, reach consensus, etc.

Having grown out of the 1st International Dog Health Workshop (IDHW, Sweden, 2012), the exciting potential for DogWellNet to support/enhance ongoing international efforts in dog health was hailed as a major development at the 2nd IDHW (Germany, Feb. 2015) by participants representing many stakeholder groups from 20 countries. Several initiatives were strongly endorsed, including the IPFD Matrix for information on molecular genetic tests/testing and support for international breed collaborations. The aim is to inform stakeholders and to engage them in further efforts towards international cooperation.