Health issues

Hip/elbow dysplasia: I will try to explain this in non-medical terms. These conditions are certain deformities in the hip and elbow joints. It is about how the socket and bone match, so to speak. Is the socket well-rounded and does the bone fit well in the socket? Calcifications may appear over time if this is a bad match, and may cause the dog a lot of pain.Both parents should bee free of hip dysplasia, FCI A or B.

The photos below shows the hips and elbows of my male Raio. His hips are FCI B/C (the left one is C). His elbow is FCI A.

JDCM (Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy): A dog affected with JDCM may die suddenly while young, usually between 6 weeks and 7 months, but younger cases have been reported. Symptoms bay occur, but also not. Appetite on and off, vomiting, difficuly breathing are some of the symptoms. At least one parent should have the status JDCM: Normal.

GM1 (Ganliosidosis): Puppies will not reach adulthood and will die. At least one parent should have the status: Normal/Clear.

PRA-PRCD: Eye disease which will cause blindness over time. At least one parent should have the status: Normal/Clear.

IC (Improper coat): The coat will look similar to a border collie and does shed like a Border Collie. At least one parent should have the status: Normal/Clear.

Spondylosis/transitional vertebrae: How it is passed on is not clear but that there is some degree of genetics is for certain. I have got documentation from several veterinarians and breed clubs saying that one should not use affected dogs in a breeding programme and one should avoid using siblings. The photo below shows the back of my own male, Raio. There you can clearly see the transitional vertebrae. It caused him discomfort and he needed a chiropractor from time to time to keep going. Sadly, he only made it to 4.5 years of age...