German Shepherd Health.
One of the fundamental differences between Regional Shows run by the British Regional Groups and other conformation shows is that exhibits have to achieved acceptable results in specified health test before they can be entered as adults.
To be shown as an adult each exhibit must have either ; a GSDL Health Certificate or a UK Breed Survey or an SV Koerung. Breed surveys assess several aspects of a dog’s suitability for breeding including the following health tests: Hip scoring is a procedure used to determine the degree of hip dysplasia in dogs and other animals and reporting the findings in a standard way. The hip score is the sum of the points awarded for each of nine radiographic features of both hip joints. The current BVA/KC scoring scheme for hip dysplasia (HD) has been in operation since 1984.
The current BVA/KC scoring scheme for elbow dysplasia (ED) was launched in 1998. Dysplasia means abnormal development, and the degree of elbow dysplasia present is indicated by a grade assigned to each elbow on a scale of 0 to 3 (0 being the best and 3 being the most severe). Only the highest grade of the two elbows is taken as the elbow grade for that dog. Hip scoring and elbow grading is done only once for each dog, at a minimum age of one year.
Hip and elbow results are available online at the Kennel Club Health Test Finder. Males are also required to be tested clear of Haemophilia for a UK breed survey. Haemophilia 'A' is a bleeding disorder. It is normally only MALES that are afflicted.
Whilst it is possible for a female to have the disorder it is EXTREMELY rare normally they are only carriers and as such we are unable to test for the disease in females. The test is performed by Idexx Laboratories and test kits can be ordered by your vet. All UK bred dogs using either the UK scheme or SV, need to be DNA tested if born after 1/1/2013 to enable them at 18 months onwards to enter a UK Breed Survey.
The GSD Breed Council have formed a partnership with Animal DNA Diagnostics Ltd to provide a DNA Profiling & Parentage verification service for GSD breeders and owners. The aim of this service is to verify that the parentage records are correct. Test kits may be purchase using the web shop at Animal DNA Diagnostics. You will need to provide all relevant details including full names and KC Registration Numbers for the dog, its sire and its dam. Upon purchase you will be provided with a sampling kit to take to your vet, who will take the blood sample. Return this in the packaging provided, to Animal DNA Diagnostics. You will be informed by email or by post when the analysis is complete. A DNA profile for the dog will be generated and held on file. When both the sire and dam profiles become available for any individual, his parentage will be verified - DNA “proven” UK, or “gepruft” SV The Government is bringing in compulsory microchipping for all dogs from 6 April 2016 to help reunite owners with lost or stolen pets, relieve the burden on animal charities and local authorities and protect the welfare of dogs by promoting responsible dog ownership.
Dogs can be micro-chipped by your Vet if the breeder hasn't already done so. Dogs need to be positively identified when being entered for a GSD Breed Council Survey and micro-chipping is an accepted method of identification. |