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 research done on our behalf by the Animal Health Trust for Epilepsy, PHPT & PRA has now been transferred to the new Kennel Club Canine Genetic Centre based at the University of Cambridge’s Dept of Veterinary Medicine – www.canine-genetics.org.uk. 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 and at some point is eye tested. In January 2023 the Kennel Club announced the most recent updates to the requirements and recommendations for Assured Breeders, including health testing, aimed to further improve dog health and responsible breeding. Elbow and hip screening have been added as requirements for the Keeshond, as BVA/KC scheme data suggest that dysplasia does occur in this breed. Eye screening has also been accepted as a new test under the Assured Breeders Scheme, but at this stage will be placed as 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.
This should apply to ALL breeders – not just ABS members. No-one can say that they haven’t got or never had a problem in their line or their breeding unless they have the data to back it up. If a breeder hasn’t had their dogs tested, then they can’t say they haven’t 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.
