Some common genetic disorders that affect dogs:

• Undescended Testicle at Birth
• Dwarfism
• Eye Disease
• Hearing Disorders
• Temperament Issues
• Heart Problems
• Immune System Diseases
• Skin Problems
• Allergies
• Extreme physical characteristics such as oversized dogs, excess sloping of the spine, extra large head, disfigured ears,….
• And unfortunately many, many more

The focus of some purebred breeders has been put on looks and appealing physical features, with little regard for the original intent and function of the breed.  The perfect “show dog” characteristics sometimes take precedence in the breeding program.  These animals may look good, but they cannot perform and they often suffer from many health problems that could have and should have been prevented.

There has been an increase in health problems in both purebred and mixed breed dogs.  The seriousness of the illnesses has been on the increase and is affecting younger dogs more than ever before.  Chronic diseases such as cancer are on the rise and no longer diagnosed in just older dogs; it is affecting dogs of all ages.  Poor immune systems, allergies, skin problems, and behavior problems are affecting many dogs without regard to age or breed.

Mixed breeds are suffering as much as purebreds these days due to poor breeding practices, low quality commercial pet foods, over vaccination, environmental exposures, and the everyday stresses in life.  These exposures can also cause genetic problems which have been present in the offspring of the breeding dogs.