Hereditary Defects

Congenital deafness is inherited through defective genes from a dog’s parents and generally affects the purebred dog population, with over 40 breeds suffering from this condition. The defective ...

With the successful mapping of the canine genome, DNA screening tests are now starting to help breeders eliminate certain diseases which can be linked to individual genes. By submitting a blood ...

Elbow dysplasia is considered a significant problem in many breeds of dogs by the British Veterinary Association (BVA), to the point where – together with the Kennel Club - it has introduced a ...

Many breeds of dogs suffer from inherited eye conditions in many cases causing blindness and even considerable pain. It is heartbreaking for an owner to watch their pet suffer and for the dog to ...

Much is made of growth defects being present in larger breeds of dogs. Breeders are blamed for these faults and the dog world in general is castigated. In truth pure bred dogs are healthier than ...

Hip Dysplasia is one of the most common genetic diseases affecting dogs and also one of the most feared, as it causes gradual debilitation and severe pain and suffering. Also known as degenerative ...

Inherited heart problems affect many dog breeds and can lead to much suffering both on the part of the dogs and their owners, who may have to watch their pets endure a painful and lingering death or ...

Young large and giant breed dogs are particularly prone to a condition called Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD), which is caused by problems in their joint cartilage. The disease causes considerable ...

Syringomyelia is a dreaded hereditary disease which affects small breeds, especially Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and is also known as “neck-scratcher’s disease” because excessive scratching in ...

As part of its fight against hereditary defects in dogs and the suffering they cause the Kennel Club has introduced the Accredited Breeder Scheme with the aim of promoting good breeding practice and ...