Breed Health

The Eurasier is generally a healthy breed, thanks to the ongoing efforts of the many responsible Eurasier clubs worldwide. It is vitally important that the health checks advised by Eurasier Society UK continue to be carried out to ensure the breed's good health. Any Eurasier being considered for breeding must be tested for all the primary health conditions known to be present in the breed that may have a genetic element. It is also valuable for the breed to test non-breeding dogs for health records and to enhance knowledge.

It is also vital that we are aware of the need to preserve and improve genetic diversity in the breed. We recommend that Coefficient of Inbreeding (COI) calculations consider many generations of ancestry, preferably the entire pedigree. The Eurasier Society Database has extensive data and provides complete COI calculations - members or non-members are welcome to enquire about obtaining such information. 

For further information of Eurasier Genetic Diversity please download the linked document.

Essential Health Tests for the Eurasier include:

• Hip Dysplasia (BVA or similar)
  
  • https://www.bva.co.uk/canine-health-schemes/hip-scheme/
• Elbow Dysplasia (BVA or similar)
  
  • https://www.bva.co.uk/canine-health-schemes/elbow-scheme/
• Patella Luxation (on the non-anaesthetized dog)
  
  • There is no official RKC screening test for Patella Luxation. Instead, a check is performed by veterinarians on a non-anaesthetized dog. You may download this Patella Luxation Test Form.  
• Eyes (Entropion, Ectropion, Distichiasis, Gonioscopy)
  
  • https://www.bva.co.uk/canine-health-schemes/eye-scheme/
• Thyroid Dysfunction/Hypothyroidism
  
  • There is no official RKC screening test for Thyroid Dysfunction/Hypothyroidism. A blood sample drawn by a vet is sent to a laboratory. Eurasier Society UK has a special testing programme with Nationwide Labs Cambridge. A Platinum Thyroid Profile (TT4, Canine TSH, Free T4 ED and TgAA) should be requested. This panel provides the most comprehensive information available from a single sample.
    Please see: https://thehormonelab.com/handbook/thyroid-function/canine-hypothyroidism
• DWLM (Dandy Walker Like Malformation)
  
  • There is no official RKC screening test for DWLM. A cheek swab, or a blood sample drawn by a vet, is sent to a laboratory. Please see: https://www.laboklin.co.uk/laboklin/showGeneticTest.jsp?testID=8260

It may also be advisable to check for other potential health issues, depending on your dog's individual pedigree. 

Please contact the Eurasier Society UK Health and Breeding Advisory Panel for help or further information on any of the above.