General Health Concerns

In general the pbgv is a robust and relatively healthy breed. Just like humans though, all canines carry a mix of desirable and undesirable genes. Responsible breeders work diligently to minimize penetration of the undesirable genes. Despite those efforts, even a responsible breeder will encounter health issues if they breed long enough or often enough. A breeder who tells you that they have no problems in their lines has either not bred long enough or is being loose with the truth. There is no fault in having a problem occur. The differentiation is how they deal with a problem. A responsible breeder uses the information to make more informed decisions in the future. They are actively seeking to expand their knowledge and experience continuously. Breeders today are blessed to have many tools at their disposal that were not even available twenty years ago….

A responsible breeder has undertaken a daunting responsibility to preserve and protect the breed they love. Responsible breeding requires many things- a deep understanding of genetic principles and specific pedigrees; a well developed understanding for canine conformation and the nuances of the Standard; and the emotional and financial capacity to deal with the eventual disappointments and occurances that will happen. In breeding, as in all things…Knowledge is key…

In 2000, PBGVCA undertook a comprehensive health survey. The results were statisticly valid and insightful for the diseases affecting our breed. Our top concerns included Persistent Pupillary Membranes, atopic dermatitis, epilepsy, neck pain syndrome and immune mediated hypothyroidism. It is important to note that atopic dermatitis, neck pain syndrome and hypothyroidism are all considered to be autoimmune disorders. Since this survey was completed, we have elevated several ocular diseases to our priority list. This was not done due to increase in occurance, but due to the potential severity of disease. These are Lens Luxation and Primary Open Angle Glaucoma which result in blindness. While the penetration of the top five diseases in the pbgv are not greater than the penetration is in all canines, we are fortunate to be able to work now to ensure the health of future generations.

In addition to the diseases sited above, Pbgv can be prone to ear infections. Regularly cleaning and removal of excess hair minimizes these. A ‘blue solution” recipe has proven very helpful as part of the normal care of pbgv ears..

If you purchase or own a pbgv, please consider doing the following:

Keep in touch with your breeder and notify them of the health of your dog

Have your dog examined by a veterinarian regularly

Have your dog’s eyes examined by a veterinary Opthalmologist at least once or as deemed advisable

Submit DNA to the PBGV database

Participate in the PBGVCA online health survey.

Remember, you are a critical partner in our protection of the health of future generations of pbgv.

For more PBGV and general canine health information, please visit our Health Page.