HEALTH
The Berger Picard has traditionally been touted as a very healthy breed, free from the many genetic disorders that can plague both purebred and mixed breed dogs. We are learning otherwise as our experience with the breed in the United States grows. There has been a dearth of accurate information being shared within both the European and North American fancies. Dedicated individuals on both continents are learning more as data are being shared and as we test our dogs more thoroughly for potential health issues. Among the conditions that have been identified in the breed are:
Hip Dysplasia
Elbow Dysplasia
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Cardiac Abnormalities
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Retinal Dysplasia (potentially a variant of Canine Multifocal Retinopathy)
Cataracts
Gastrointestinal Issues
Reproductive Issues
Hemangiosarcoma
Lymphoma
Leukemia
Subungual Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Hair Follicle Cancer (very rare)
Autoimmune Hypothyroidism
Idiopathic Hypothyroidism
Symmetric Lupoid Onychodystropy
Idiopathic Renal Failure
Vitiligo
Discoid Lupus
Food and Other Allergies
Temperament/Behavior Issues
Many of these diseases neither affect longevity nor quality of life, however others may compromise either or both. Unfortunately, there are no DNA-based genetic tests available in the breed to assist breeders and owners; we are working in concert with OptiGen, PawPrints Genetics, and the Animal Health Trust (UK) to try and identify markers for some of our known issues. We strongly encourage the dissemination of all Picard health data among all members of the fancy.
When considering the purchase of a Berger Picard, do not simply accept the assertation that the dogs are healthy. Ask for verification from a reputable third-party source. In North America, these include the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (www.offa.org) --hips, elbows, eyes, thyroid, cardiac, dentition, and other databases; PennHip documentation--hips only; Canine Eye Research Foundation (aka CERF, http://web.vmdb.org/) --eyes only (note--as of June 15, 2014, CERF will no longer be accepting new submissions). Ask about the health of not only the parents of your prospective puppy/dog, but also that of littermates, half-siblings, etc. While data may be limited, especially for imported animals, your breeder should be willing and ready to discuss and share whatever information they have and provide appropriate documentation of their own health testing. Many breeders provide a health guarantee on the puppies they produce and will work with an owner if a health issue arises.
Hip Dysplasia
Elbow Dysplasia
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Cardiac Abnormalities
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Retinal Dysplasia (potentially a variant of Canine Multifocal Retinopathy)
Cataracts
Gastrointestinal Issues
Reproductive Issues
Hemangiosarcoma
Lymphoma
Leukemia
Subungual Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Hair Follicle Cancer (very rare)
Autoimmune Hypothyroidism
Idiopathic Hypothyroidism
Symmetric Lupoid Onychodystropy
Idiopathic Renal Failure
Vitiligo
Discoid Lupus
Food and Other Allergies
Temperament/Behavior Issues
Many of these diseases neither affect longevity nor quality of life, however others may compromise either or both. Unfortunately, there are no DNA-based genetic tests available in the breed to assist breeders and owners; we are working in concert with OptiGen, PawPrints Genetics, and the Animal Health Trust (UK) to try and identify markers for some of our known issues. We strongly encourage the dissemination of all Picard health data among all members of the fancy.
When considering the purchase of a Berger Picard, do not simply accept the assertation that the dogs are healthy. Ask for verification from a reputable third-party source. In North America, these include the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (www.offa.org) --hips, elbows, eyes, thyroid, cardiac, dentition, and other databases; PennHip documentation--hips only; Canine Eye Research Foundation (aka CERF, http://web.vmdb.org/) --eyes only (note--as of June 15, 2014, CERF will no longer be accepting new submissions). Ask about the health of not only the parents of your prospective puppy/dog, but also that of littermates, half-siblings, etc. While data may be limited, especially for imported animals, your breeder should be willing and ready to discuss and share whatever information they have and provide appropriate documentation of their own health testing. Many breeders provide a health guarantee on the puppies they produce and will work with an owner if a health issue arises.
