Helping dog breeders combat inherited diseases through understanding genetics.

 
Buying guide | Health of pedigree dogs | Benefits pedigree dogs | Questions and answers

The health of pedigree dogs: the facts

The vast majority of pure bred pedigree dogs enjoy happy, healthy lives. Of course we work continually to improve the health of ALL dogs and there is always work to be done in this area, but the fact is that due to the hard work and dedication of the Kennel Club and responsible breeders, more than 90% of pedigree dogs are healthy and will not suffer from diseases that will shorten their lifespan or impair their enjoyment of life - exactly the same percentage as crossbreed dogs.

There are still inevitably diseases that affect the population of dogs – just as there are in humans - but contrary to popular belief pedigree dogs suffer from a very small range of health problems; the number of inherited diseases recognized in the dog is only around 10% of the number recognised in humans.

But while it may only be a minority of pedigree dogs that suffer from health problems the Kennel Club believes that all dogs should be given the chance to lead happy, healthy lives and that is why it is working tirelessly to help eliminate canine diseases and to ensure that breeders, judges and puppy buyers are educated about how to ensure that dogs are ‘Fit for Function – Fit for Life’.

 
Buying guide | Health of pedigree dogs | Benefits pedigree dogs