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Epilepsy Breeding Advice

The Kennel Club gives advice on breeding from individuals that have produced complex inheritable disorders – here

We would interpret that advice, in relation to Epilepsy, as follows

A dog or bitch that has suffered from seizures should not be bred from

If a dog or bitch has produced a single confirmed case of epilepsy, then the dog/bitch’s reproductive life does not necessarily have to be terminated. The advice is

  • Not to repeat the mating that produced epilepsy
  • Not to breed the dog/bitch again with a mate that has any common ancestors within at least 3 generations
  • Not to breed the dog/bitch again with a mate that has epileptic relatives, within the last 3 generations

If the dog/bitch produces epilepsy again (and especially with a different mate) then that dog/bitch should be withdrawn from future breeding programmes

If a dog or bitch has not itself produced epilepsy, but has close relatives to have done so then similar advice applies

  • Do not breed the dog with a mate that has a familial history of epilepsy
  • Do not breed the dog with a mate that has any common ancestors within at least 3 generations

All of this requires breeder honesty – it is vital that familial health histories be thoroughly investigated before mating. This requirement for diligence and DISCLOSURE applies not just to the proposed mate, but also to the breeder’s own dog or bitch.

Prospective puppy purchasers should make it their business to ask lots of questions about the sire and dam’s familial health history and to satisfy themselves as to the breeder’s integrity. If a breeder seems evasive this should be a red flag.

Breeders in the UK must consider their legal position with regard to the provisions of the Animal Welfare regulations 2016 (Schedule 6)

(5) No dog may be kept for breeding if it can reasonably be expected, on the basis of its genotype, phenotype or state of health that breeding from it could have a detrimental effect on its health or welfare or the health or welfare of its offspring.

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/486/schedule/6/made

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