Page 337 - The Complete Dog Breed Book Choose the Perfect Dog for You, New Edition (DK)

HEAL TH 337

SCREENING
The likelihood of breeding
puppies that develop the joint
disorder hip dysplasia can be
reduced by checking whether
the parents are affected. This
is done by assessing an X-ray
of their hip joints and giving
each a score that is compared
to the average for the breed.

CONGENITAL DEAFNESS
Some breeds can inherit
deafness, either complete or
partial. There is a link between
pigmentation and inherited
deafness, and breeds with white
variation, such as the Dalmatian,
are often more at risk. Deafness
should be tested for in all
susceptible litters and any
affected dogs neutered.

Even an ideal screening result is no guarantee that your
puppy will not develop a chronic disorder. If you do have a
problem, contact your vet but also be sure to report back to
your breeder, who may choose not to repeat the mating that
led to your puppy in future.
Think about the future
When you have decided what type of dog you are
going to have, it is important to research which
hereditary disorders are common problems within
that particular breed. Read about each condition and
be aware of the implications of taking on a puppy with
a problem. Some disorders can be managed relatively
easily and do not significantly affect the dog’s general
well-being and natural lifespan, although some adaptations
may have to be made. A deaf dog, for example, needs to be
trained using sign language and will not be able to run safely
off-leash the majority of the time. Other disorders are
potentially life-threatening and may require dedicated
day-to-day, long-term management.
Consider also the increased cost of caring for a dog with
a chronic condition. You could be faced with many years of
vet’s bills, regular medication, and special diets—and the
expenses will soon add up. Work out what you can
realistically cope with before going to visit a litter of
puppies. It is all too easy to be persuaded to take on a cute
puppy, but you may not have the skills, experience, time, or
money to care for him adequately.

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