Compared to some other breeds German Spitz are pretty healthy, but
there have been incidences of eye disease in both Klein and Mittel.
PRA
(Progressive Retinal Atrophy) and RD (Retinal Dysplasia) are currently
the main cause for concern, and both these conditions can cause
premature blindness and are hereditary. There is a BVA/ISDS eye testing
scheme available for detecting these (and other) diseases, so in the
days of increasing litigation, breeders would be wise to make use of
this scheme.
When looking to purchase a puppy or older dog, the
buyer should ensure that the breeder they are buying from eye tests
their stock.
Adults should have a current clear certificate before
being bred from (the last test results should be no more than two years
old, though ideally within the last 12 months) and puppies should be
litter screened (usually between 6 and 8 weeks old) as RD and other
potential problems can be detected at this age.
Ask to see these
certificates, and do not accept excuses for testing not being done.
No-one can say their dogs are OK unless they test, and even those that
test and breed from only dogs with Clear certificates may occasionally
produce an affected puppy. By eye testing/litter screening, affected
stock can be removed from breeding programs and carrier animals
identified.
Further information on eye testing is available on the BVA site and there is a list of testing dates/locations on the ISDS site.
BVA Eye testing info
Eye Examination Clinics (ISDS site)
© German Spitz World 2008
