Breed-specific congenital defects
halted only by selective breeding

MANY of the genetically inherited canine diseases common today are specific to certain breeds . The list below covers some of the more recognised ones and the breeds to which they apply. Readers can build-up this list for themselves and will soon realise that one of the most important ways to help improve their breed is to keep detailed and specific records of all litters they produce and every individual pup.

Each stillbirth needs to be recorded, as well as later developments and even pups sold as pets. If you fail in this task how can you possibly expect to work out recessive characteristics ... percentages of affected dogs ... the suitability of a mating? The human race has much to answer for in producing breeds for purposes without thought to recessive or hidden faults, but we now know enough to make sure that we breed for the health and strength of our breeds, and to breed out those diseases we have inadvertently set loose.

Hip and elbow dysplasia, demodectic mange and non-descending testicles - the four most common defects that apply to a large number of breeds.
Cataracts - Afghan, beagle, Boston terrier, cocker spaniel, German shepherd, German short-haired pointer, golden retriever, Labrador retriever, standard poodle.
PRA - Cocker spaniel, collie, golden retriever, Irish setter, Labrador retriever, miniature poodle.
Glaucoma - Basset hound, beagle, cocker spaniel, fox terrier.
Eye abnormalities - Malamute, basenji, beagle, cocker spaniel, collie, dachshund, German shepherd, German short-haired pointer, great Dane, Labrador retriever, miniature poodle, Pekingese, St Bernard, Shetland sheepdog, standard poodle.
Deafness - Collie, fox terrier, Scottish terrier.
Epilepsy - Beagle, collie, German shepherd, miniature poodle, standard poodle.
Nervous system defects - Airedale terrier, fox terrier, Irish setter, miniature poodle, Scottish terrier, weimaraner.
Hydrocephalus - Chihuahua, cocker spaniel, English bulldog.
Kidney disease - Cocker spaniel, doberman, German shepherd.
Bladder stones - Dachshund, German shepherd, great Dane, Labrador retriever, miniature poodle, Scottish terrier, standard poodle.
Haemophilia - Malamute.
Heart valve defects - Chihuahua, English bulldog, great Dane.
Cardiovascular defects - Beagle, boxer, chihuahua, cocker spaniel, English bulldog, great Dane.
Collapsed trachea - Chihuahua, miniature poodle (and miniature breeds in general).
Obstructed breathing - Boston terrier, boxer, English bulldog, Pekingese, pug, and brachycephalic breeds.
Diabetes - Dachshund, miniature poodle.
Pituitary cysts - Boston terrier, boxer, English bulldog, Pekingese, and brachycephalic breeds.
Cleft lips and/or palate - Beagle, cocker spaniel, dachshund, English bulldog, German shepherd.
Excess or missing teeth - Boxer, English bulldog, fox terrier.
Spinal deformities - Basset hound, beagle, Boston terrier, chihuahua, cocker spaniel, dachshund, doberman, English bulldog, great Dane, miniature poodle, Pekingese, miniature breeds.
Limbs too short, jaw too long or short - Basset hound, dachshund, miniature poodle, Scottish terrier, cocker spaniel.
Tail short or missing - Beagle, cocker spaniel, English bulldog.
Shoulder dislocation - Chihuahua, fox terrier, miniature poodle.
Deformed knee joint - Boston terrier, chihuahua, miniature poodle.
Hernia - Airedale terrier, basenji, cocker spaniel, collie, German short-haired pointer, Pekingese, waimaraner.
Skin allergy - Beagle, fox terrier, miniature poodle, Scottish terrier, standard poodle.
Nasal sunburn - collie, Shetland sheepdog, bull terrier, and white breeds with pink skin.
Tumours - Boston terrier, boxer, English bulldog, Scottish terrier.
Behaviour abnormalities - Cocker spaniel, German shepherd, German short-haired pointer, miniature poodle, standard poodle.

There are many more possible genetic defects, and other breeds are likely to inherit many of those listed, just not as often as the listed ones. And of course inherited traits like 'nasal sunburn' do not mean that other dogs will not be affected by sunburn or skin allergies or hernia etc.