Inherited disorders and harmful breed characteristics in the Belgian Malinois, English Cocker Spaniel, Shetland Sheepdog and Dutch Kooiker Dog in the Netherlands.

Abstract

Purebred dogs and their harmful breed characteristics and inherited disorders have gained increasing attention from the Dutch media and society. This research aims to provide an overview of the most important inherited disorders and harmful breed characteristics in the Dutch populations of the Belgian Malinois, English Cocker Spaniel, Shetland Sheepdog and Dutch Kooiker Dog as a basis for a dog breed guide. It is of qualitative nature and consists of three parts: a literature study, an analysis of the database of the University Clinic for Companion Animals in Utrecht (UKG), and a comparison of the results of the before mentioned. In the Netherlands, the most important disorder for the Belgian Malinois is hip dysplasia. For the English Cocker Spaniel, the most important disorders are distichiasis and an increased susceptibility for otitis externa, the latter of which is related to a breed characteristic. The most important disorders for the Shetland Sheepdog in the Netherlands are the MDR1/ABCB1 gene mutation, persistent ductus arteriosus botalli and gastritis. For the Dutch Kooiker Dog, the most important disorders are Von Willebrand’s disease type III and patella luxation.