Genetic Health Versus Structural Health
When I refer to Structural Health (a dog's conformation), I am referring to the specific way the dog is "put together" to borrow a horse term. How long is the loin? Is there are correct amount of turn out? Is the dog too low to work or do agility? When I refer to Genetic Health, I am referring to specific conditions for which we are able to test, such as Degenerative Myelopathy, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, hip dysplasia and Interverterbral Disc Disease. In some cases, one can affect the other and sometimes not, but regardless it is important to understand both when dealing with a purebred chondroplastic dog.
In the case of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, there are both structural and genetic issues for which a potential buyer should be prepared. Due to the long, low structure of the dog certain conditions are more common because we are breeding dwarfs and dwarfism affects both bone and cartilage. This can acerbate issues such as interverterbral disc disease, hip dysplasia, and arthritis. I cannot stress enough how important it is that a Cardigan not be allowed to become overweight and the toenails be kept very short. In young dogs, stairs must be avoided and the dog must not be allowed to jump off the couch.
Other issues which have nothing to do with conformation include degenerative myelopathy, progressive retinal atrophy, cancer, heart problems, allergies, Addison's disease, hip dysplasia, and interverterbral disc disease. You might wonder why IVDD and hip dysplasia are mentioned twice, but these particular diseases have both structural and genetic components. Dogs in many breeds can be affected by IVDD and every breed is affected to some degree with hip dysplasia.
For a dog to live a healthy life, there are many things that have to go "right" and fortunately many of them a conscientious breeder can control.
Please feel free to reach out and ask about these health concerns. While no dog breed is free from concern, it is important that potential buyers have a clear understanding of the whole picture of the breed before making a commitment. BEWARE of anyone saying their dogs are completely healthy if they aren't willing to provide the health certificates to prove it.
In the case of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, there are both structural and genetic issues for which a potential buyer should be prepared. Due to the long, low structure of the dog certain conditions are more common because we are breeding dwarfs and dwarfism affects both bone and cartilage. This can acerbate issues such as interverterbral disc disease, hip dysplasia, and arthritis. I cannot stress enough how important it is that a Cardigan not be allowed to become overweight and the toenails be kept very short. In young dogs, stairs must be avoided and the dog must not be allowed to jump off the couch.
Other issues which have nothing to do with conformation include degenerative myelopathy, progressive retinal atrophy, cancer, heart problems, allergies, Addison's disease, hip dysplasia, and interverterbral disc disease. You might wonder why IVDD and hip dysplasia are mentioned twice, but these particular diseases have both structural and genetic components. Dogs in many breeds can be affected by IVDD and every breed is affected to some degree with hip dysplasia.
For a dog to live a healthy life, there are many things that have to go "right" and fortunately many of them a conscientious breeder can control.
Please feel free to reach out and ask about these health concerns. While no dog breed is free from concern, it is important that potential buyers have a clear understanding of the whole picture of the breed before making a commitment. BEWARE of anyone saying their dogs are completely healthy if they aren't willing to provide the health certificates to prove it.