HEALTH INFORMATION

IMPORTANT HEALTH INFO YOU MUST READ IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A SCHIPPERKE

Tribute To A Breeder

In Memory of Sonny http://www.geocities.com/cygnet_schipperkes/sonny.html

and Misty http://www.geocities.com/cygnet_schipperkes/Misty.html

http://www.bonchien.com/MPSIIIB.html

A new genetic disease has been identified in our beloved Schipperkes. Thanks to caring breeders, there is now a test to determine if a Schipperke is a carrier, affected or normal (non carrier). Please go to the link above and read thoroughly all the information. If you are thinking of adding a Schip to your home, don't be afraid to ask breeders if they have tested their stock. Any breeding animal who is not a carrier - cannot produce a carrier or an affected dog if bred to a non carrier. A carrier can be bred to a non-carrier - but the offspring must be tested to determine that they are not affected. No responsible breeder wants to sell an affected animal. Carriers will NOT become affected with this disease. The test to determine the genetic status of our Schipperkes has only become available as of April 1, 2003 so it will be a few months until all results are available. If you do have a Schip right now who is displaying any of the symptoms, please have them tested. If you are waiting for your new puppy to join your household, ask your breeder if they have tested the pups or the parents. If they have not tested, you won't know if they are affected. This disease is fatal - ask that the pups have clearance before purchasing to save you from potential heartbreak down the road. If you need any further information please ask. With this new test and the support of all breeders, we hope to be able to eliminate this problem in our breed.

Schipperkes have also been known to have seizures, Legges-Perthes disease, thyroid problems and other ailments common in dogs. However, on the whole they are very healthy and long lived dogs and the incidence of health problems is very low.

BREAKING NEWS - EPILEPSY RESEARCH STUDY

http://www.canine-epilepsy.net/cerc.html

If you have or know of a Schipperke that has seizures, please go the above website. Participate in the research study by having blood drawn on your dog and sent in so that some day there they can find a genetic marker for epilepsy in Schipperkes. This will benefit all Schipperkes everywhere. Thank you!