Health Testing

Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a result of abnormal development of the hip joint. Hip dysplasia is associated with arthritis and lameness. Passing OFA hip scores are "fair", "good", and "excellent". You can learn more about hip dysplasia here. Hip dysplasia is a required health test for Pembroke Corgis.

Elbow Dysplasia

Similar to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is an abnormal development of the elbows and is associated with arthritis. A passing elbow score is "normal". You can learn more about elbow dysplasia here. While elbow screening is not required for Pembrokes, we believe it is important to check the joints of working dogs.

Eye Disease

While eye disease is not common in Pembrokes, we also screen for eye diseases. You can learn more about eye diseases here. Eye testing is required for Pembrokes.

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is a genetic disease that is similar to ALS in humans causing progressive, ascending paralysis. Dogs that are “normal” or “carrier” do not develop the disease, while dogs that test “at risk” may develop the disease. Not all dogs who test “at risk” for developing DM develop DM and those that do may not pass due to DM complications. The disease is one of older dogs and is generally not painful. We have had personal experience with the life of a DM dog. While it is our goal to move towards DM free lines, we use DM test results as part of the entire picture in choosing breeding pairs. DM can be a confusing topic for many Corgi owners, and we are happy to further discuss our choices.

SP110
(DM Risk)

The SP110 mutation is associated in Pembrokes with the development and early onset of DM in at risk dogs. You can read more about the research here. If a dog is at risk for DM, but they are normal for the SP110 mutation, they are less likely to develop DM. If they do develop symptoms, they present later in life.

Other

Not all health issues are testable, but can still have significant impacts for the dog and owner’s lives. We factor in things such as environmental allergies, food allergies, sensitive skin, or other health problems that may affect a dog’s everyday life.