Abstract
In the Netherlands, there are approximately 300 different dog breeds and purebred dogs are becoming more popular. The physical appearance, which is recorded in the breed standard, can however be connected with some negative features. Purebred dogs can be more susceptible for diseases. These diseases can be directly related to
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the physical appearance, or it can be a genetic condition which is found in the breed. It is impossible to create a disease free dog breed, but it should be a priority to try to eliminate the diseases found in the breed which are deleterious for the dog’s welfare. The goal of this study is to investigate the diseases found in four popular dog breeds in the Netherlands: the Boxer, English Bulldog, Great Dane and Newfoundland dog. The research is commissioned by the LICG (Landelijk Informatie Centrum Gezelschapsdieren) and the Ministry of Economic affairs.
The analysis consists of two parts, a scientific literature study and study of the University Clinic for Companion Animals (UKG) database.
Each of the studied breeds have many predisposed diseases described in scientific literature, both related and non-related to the conformation.
The UKG analysis revealed which organ systems were most often associated with disease compared to crossbreeds. It also indicated which diseases were diagnosed in those organ systems. The analysis revealed overrepresented disciplines for every breed, except the Great Dane.
Important diseases of Boxers in the Netherlands are subvalvular aortic stenosis, chronic kidney disease (CKD), cystitis, anterior cruciate ligament rupture, seasonal follicular dysplasia, lymphoma and mastocytoma.
The most important disorders for the English Bulldog population in the Netherlands are Brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome (BAOS), entropion, prolapse of the nictitans gland, dystocia and pododermatitis.
Important diseases for the Great Dane population in the Netherlands are: deafness (congenital), gastric torsion, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and osteosarcoma.
The most important diseases for the Newfoundland dog are subvalvular aortic stenosis, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and hip dysplasia.
The results of the analysis will form the qualitative basis for the purebred dog guide of the LICG, which will be combined with quantitative data of the Dutch dog population gathered from primary veterinary practices in a later stadium. The information can help breeders form a health policy for the breed and it can inform consumers on choosing a breed when buying a purebred dog.
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