As in all dogs, whether so called designer 'crossbreds', or purebred dogs, inherited issues can arise. In purebreds, we can isolate many diseases to check our breeding stock for - unlike in 'designer' crossbreeds, which can and do suffer from any of the 350 + diseases that canines can be affected by.
Ethical Breeders of purebred dogs go to considerable trouble and expense to detect any possible issues in their breeding stock, and make the best efforts to produce sound, healthy, socialised and friendly puppies.
The list of inherited diseases in all dogs is well over 350 - (in people the list is over 3,000) - for further information Google "inherited diseases in dogs"
Below is a list of issues which have sometimes been known in Griffons (and crossbreds), they can include but are not limited to:
Eye disorders such as Cataracts, and PRA.
Hip Dysplaysia.
Leg Perthes.
Patellar Luxation.
Syringomyelia, Chiari Like malformation. See Dr Clare Rusbridge's neurology site at:
http://www.veterinary-neurologist.co.uk/
Stenotic nostrils.
Elongated soft palate issues.
For full details on the above issues, more information can be found at http://www.thebrusselsgriffonforum.org/ follow the link to the "Health" page.
When purchasing a purebred dog, remember purebred breeders have been rigorously and cleverly 'designing' these dogs for sometimes hundreds of years - it is a testament to how well we're doing, that
most purebred breeds are very healthy, only a small percentage may exhibit signs of any issues, and most purebred puppies will go on to lead normal happy lives. The same cannot be said for crossbreds, where it is impossible to clear dogs of mixed parentage of the 350+ diseases any dog can suffer from.
Our Club has been proactive and instrumental in fundraising for the Syringomyelia disorder - (see Fundraising page) - this is another example of how purebred breeders are working together for the betterment of our purebreds, by working on finding genetic markers for disease.
See the American Kennel Clubs' Canine Health Foundation site for full details of the exciting research we've helped fund.
Testing for these diseases can be extremely expensive,
There are some specialist veterinary practices who will do 'pre breeding screening" very reasonably, by special arrangement - if you are interested in getting your dog MRI'd, SEE THE MRI RESOURCES PAGE
Our Club is very proud of it's members response to this newly diagnosable possiblity in dogs - a sign of our members commitment to health in the purebred dog.
List of some of the MRI'd griffons
new breeding strategies for purebred dogs are discussed here: