Health Testing and Screening for the Mini Dachshunds and French Bulldogs
My number one priority is and will always be the health of my dogs and the dogs I produce. I believe this is what has propelled me into pole position as the peoples choice as I have always been seen as the leader for health testing in my selective breeds, I also campaign to the general public as such. I remember sending blood samples to UC Davis in California, America 30 years ago as this was the only canine lab available to me.
I work closely with the breed councils of my respective breeds too, to support them and encourage best practice as I have a large following and sometimes people just aren’t aware. These tests are categorised into “good and best practices”. Good practice are tests that have strong evidence and are a minimum level that is expected. Best practice tests are also important but may not be as critical as good practice.
I use either Laboklin or Animal Genetics for all of my diagnostic testing. I use Professor James Oliver BVSc PhD CertVOphthal DipECVO FRCVS who is head of Ophthalmology at the largest specialist veterinary centre in Europe for the BVA eye testing and Essex Vets for the IVDD screening X-rays which are then sent off by the vets direct to Anu Lappalainen DVM PhD in Finland who is a neurology specialist for grading the spine. She is the only person recognised by the British Kennel Club to grade the x-rays.
For dog breeders and exhibitors, the message is clear, the future of pedigree dogs depends on prioritising health, collaboration and education. Whether we’re planning breeding programmes or evaluating show dogs, we all have the power to shape a healthier and more sustainable future for dogs.
Dachshund Health Testing
The health of my dogs is always my top priority, which is why all of my Miniature Dachshunds undergo extensive health testing before being included in my breeding programme. This includes IVDD screening, BVA eye testing, and PRA Cord1 testing in line with Kennel Club recommendations. I also go beyond standard guidelines by testing for conditions such as Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) and Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) to ensure the healthiest possible lines.
French Bulldog Health Testing
The health of my dogs is always my top priority, which is why all of my Miniature Dachshunds undergo extensive health testing before being included in my breeding programme. This includes IVDD screening, BVA eye testing, and PRA Cord1 testing in line with Kennel Club recommendations. I also go beyond standard guidelines by testing for conditions such as Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) and Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) to ensure the healthiest possible lines.
French Bulldog Health Testing
The health of my dogs is always my top priority, which is why all of my Miniature Dachshunds undergo extensive health testing before being included in my breeding programme. This includes IVDD screening, BVA eye testing, and PRA Cord1 testing in line with Kennel Club recommendations. I also go beyond standard guidelines by testing for conditions such as Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) and Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) to ensure the healthiest possible lines.