The Importance of Hip Evaluation in Llewellin Setter Breeding
Nothing is any more devastating to the breeder and the owner of a gun dog than to discover that Degenerative Joint Disease (Hip Dysplasia) is present. This is especially sad when it makes itself obvious only after much time has been spent and financial investment has been made in the training of a Bird Dog.
A responsible breeder will try to do everything possible to ensure that this cannot happen. Sadly, there is no way known at this time to eliminate hip problems in any breed of dog. The causes are multi genetic which means that in spite of using all known methods to reduce the incidence of the disease, it can–and does–crop up.
As in all genetic disorders a dog can be completely free of the problem itself but still be a carrier of the disease and pass it onto the offspring. This is why it is very important that any dog you buy be from parents who have been evaluated by one of the two known methods. Not only for your own dog’s sake but also for future generations, should you choose to breed your dog. (Read on …)
Llewellin Setter Breeding llewellin setter health