Figure 2

Workflow description of recruitment into the Dogslife cohort. The breeder registers a litter of puppies with the Kennel Club (KC) (1). A flyer advertising the project is included with the registration documentation provided by the KC (2). The puppy owner transfers registration of the puppy (3), and receives a flyer advertising the project with the transfer of registration documentation sent by the KC (4). The Dogslife database receives the KC number (KC No.) and date of birth (DOB) of all new puppy registrations (1) and transfers of registration (3). Puppy owners not registering with Dogslife are contacted by e-mail (5) and / or postcard (6) to encourage participation. The puppy owner joins the project and registers their puppy using the KC No. and DOB, which is checked by the Dogslife database (7).