Health of the PWC

Pembrokes are a relatively healthy breed. To keep them that way, reputable breeders test for at least 3 things prior to breeding. Eyes, Hips & vonWillebrands Disease. Breeders should be happy to provide you with copies of the health testing the parents of any puppies they might have available should you request it. Only doing DNA testing is not sufficient and both hip and eye testing are required prior to breeding. 

Eyes

Eyes should be tested by a certified canine ophthalmologist. In Pembrokes they look for Cataracts, Persistent Pupillary Membranes (PPM), Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), and Retinal Dysplasia. Some breeders do not send reports in to OFA and their Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER) but should be able to provide you with a copy of the original report. 

Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia is an abnormality of the hip joint that can affect one or both sides. Severity can be from only visible on an x-ray to severe arthritis. Inheritance is complex, likely involving several genes and environmental factors such as diet and rapid growth. Breeders typically have their dogs x-rayed around 24 months for OFA or earlier for Pennhip. OFA is an open database that is searchable by the registered name of the dog. If you are looking to buy from a breeder, ask the registered names of the parents to confirm their hip scores or ask to see copies of the certificates. 

vonWillebrands Disease (vWD)

vonWillebrands Disease is a clotting factor disorder in some breeds, similar to hemophilia. Pembrokes present with vWD type 1, this typically means that there are few clinical signs of the disorder in genetically affected dogs (they can typically undergo routine surgeries with little problem). Inheritance is an incomplete dominant manner, and a DNA test is available to determine if an animal is genetically clear, carrier or affected. Dogs that are affected will typically have normal lives with proper management. 

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

Degenerative Myelopathy is a degeneration of the nervous and supportive tissue of the spinal cord in the lower back region which causes rear leg weakness and eventual paralysis. DM is usually late age in onset (with the average age of onset being 11 years and older) and is painless. DM has both genetic and environmental triggers. A DNA test has been developed to test one (SOD1) of multiple genes present in the development of DM. While many ethical breeders are testing for the SOD1 gene and working towards clear or carrier dogs, it is known that not all family lines of "at risk" dogs become affected later in life. Please read this article for more information on DM as it pertains to the PWC. 

Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD)

IVDD is a condition that affects the disks of the spine. It typically is a sudden onset injury and can cause pain and paralysis depending on the location of the ruptured disk. There is no definitive test available for IVDD as all Pembrokes are achondroplastic and will carry 2 copies of both the CDDY and CDPA genes except in rare cases. This puts them at increased risk for the development of IVDD. Proper exercise and weight management will help minimise the risk. 

Obesity

Obesity is the largest problem in seen in Pembrokes. Due to their dwarf frames, excess weight can be extremely hard on these dogs and can lead to a myriad of health problems including Hip Dysplasia and IVDD. While their expressive eyes might tell you they are starved, don’t believe them and be sure to carefully monitor their weight. Your breeder can help with recommending proper diet and exercise to ensure your companion has a long and health life.