Hereditary Defects...
Below are our articles on the subject of Hereditary Defects. If you can't see what you are looking for our other categories are displayed on the left under 'Our Quick Links'...
Are Purebred Show Dogs Unhealthy?
Since August 2008 when the controversial documentary Pedigree Dogs Exposed was aired on BBC television there has been a public and media backlash against the ‘show...
Congenital Deafness
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...
DNA Screening Use in Dog Breeding
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...
Elbow Dysplasia
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...
Eye Conditions
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...
Growth Defects in Larger Breeds of Dog
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...
Hip Dysplasia and Hip Scoring
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...
Inherited Heart Defects & Diseases
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...
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
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....
Syringomyelia
Syringomyelia is a dreaded hereditary disease which affects small breeds, especially Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and is also known as “neck-scratcher’s disease”...
The Kennel Club Breed Initiatives
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...
