How to Proceed if Your Pedigree Dog Has a Hereditary Condition

The health of any dog involves some uncertainty, but hereditary conditions in pedigree breeds are often known and testable. The Kennel Club and the British Veterinary Association collect data on these conditions and recommend health screening before breeding, helping improve overall breed health.

Responsible, registered breeders participate in health testing to reduce inherited illnesses and provide buyers with more assurance about their puppy's health. Buying from reputable breeders who are members of Schemes like the Kennel Club’s Assured Breeder Scheme supports these efforts.

If your dog is diagnosed with a recognised hereditary health condition, there are important steps to inform the breeder and seek resolution.

Step 1: Obtain a Formal Veterinary Diagnosis

Contact your veterinary surgeon for a detailed written diagnosis that includes the condition, prognosis, and anticipated development. Request permission to share this information with the breeder and relevant organisations.

Step 2: Confirm Pre-Breeding Health Screening

Check if the diagnosed condition has pre-breeding genetic tests available. Also, find out whether the breeder had their parent dogs tested before breeding to understand responsibility and possible risks.

Step 3: Notify the Breeder Formally

Write a registered letter to the breeder including your dog's full pedigree name, date of birth, diagnosis copy, and the date you noticed symptoms. Ask the breeder to halt breeding involving your dog's parents until the issue is addressed. If the breeder does not own the sire, they should also inform the sire’s owner.

Step 4: Inform The Kennel Club and Breed Health Coordinators

Send copies of your correspondence and veterinary report to The Kennel Club and the breed’s health coordinator. This helps breed organisations monitor hereditary issues and enforce health initiatives.

Step 5: Discuss Ownership and Compensation Options

If purchased with a breeder’s guarantee and your dog is young, you might negotiate a refund or assistance with veterinary costs. Decide whether to keep or return the dog in agreement with the breeder, always prioritising the dog’s welfare.

Step 6: Collaborate with Your Vet for Treatment and Care

Many hereditary conditions cannot be cured but can be managed to improve quality of life. Work closely with your vet for ongoing care plans and symptom management tailored to your dog.

Step 7: Consider Genetic Testing for Related Dogs

Consider testing littermates, parents, or other related dogs for the condition. This informs future breeding decisions to reduce inherited disease propagation.

Step 8: Escalate Responsibly if Necessary

If resolution is unsatisfactory, contact the Advisory Council on the Welfare Issues of Dog Breeding, and your local Trading Standards department. Under consumer protection laws, you may be eligible for a refund or legal recourse if the breeder was negligent in health screening.

By following these steps, you contribute to your dog’s well-being, promote responsible breeding, and support improved health outcomes for your breed.