The Keeshond Club & The North of England Keeshond Club both welcome you to KEESHOND HEALTH MATTERS – helping you ‘Kare for your Keesie’.
The Keeshond is a happy, healthy dog; generally enjoying good health with an average lifespan of 13+ years. Three health conditions which can affect the Keeshond are Epilepsy, Primary Hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and Skin & Coat problems.
The Canine Genetics Centre at the University of Cambridge is pleased to announce the launch of a new DNA test, for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) in Keeshonds. The DNA test will be available from 10th February 2025 from Canine Genetic Testing (CAGT; https://www.cagt.co.uk/) at £48 (inc VAT) per dog.
Breeders should inform prospective owners of conditions where DNA tests are currently in place and breed only from animals that are tested negative, or are negative by descent for the PHPT gene. In common with most breeds, we are losing genetic diversity and as a numerically small breed, we cannot become complacent. This is why both UK Breed Clubs are advising that all breeding stock is hip & elbow scored as BVA/KC scheme data suggest that dysplasia does occur in this breed. Eye screening is also a recommendation as very few dogs have been tested to date, and therefore there are little data to draw conclusions from with respect to the incidence of eye disease at this time.
The above applies to ALL breeders. No-one can say that they have not got or never had a problem in their line or their breeding unless they have the data to back it up. If a breeder has not had their dogs tested, then they can not say they have not got or never had a problem – end of.
If any visitor to this site has concerns about their Keeshonds health and well-being; they should remember that it is always advisable to first consult their Veterinary Surgeon.
