Health Register
The BSDCQ has maintained a voluntary listing of all certified health results submitted by members and owners of Belgian Shepherds.
This publicly viewable list is there to:
This publicly viewable list is there to:
- help breeders make informed choices in bloodlines for breeding purposes
- help puppy buyers research the health history of the Belgian they are considering to purchase
A quote worth remembering from the late, great Dr Malcolm Willis:
"Finally, all breeders will produce defects if they breed long enough. Those who tell you that they do not produce defects have either stopped breeding, breed hardly at all or are being economical with the truth. There is no crime in producing a defect. The crime, if any, lies in what you do about a defect. If you bury yours quickly and keep quiet about it, and I do the same with mine, then sooner or later we may use each other's dogs and pay the penalty for not having been honest with one another and with the breed we probably profess to love."
"Finally, all breeders will produce defects if they breed long enough. Those who tell you that they do not produce defects have either stopped breeding, breed hardly at all or are being economical with the truth. There is no crime in producing a defect. The crime, if any, lies in what you do about a defect. If you bury yours quickly and keep quiet about it, and I do the same with mine, then sooner or later we may use each other's dogs and pay the penalty for not having been honest with one another and with the breed we probably profess to love."
BSDCQ HEALTH STRATEGY
THE BSDCQ HEALTH STRATEGY
GOAL: To maintain and improve upon the health status of the Belgian Shepherd Dog (BSD) within Queensland, Australia.
OBJECTIVES:
ACTIONS:
GOAL: To maintain and improve upon the health status of the Belgian Shepherd Dog (BSD) within Queensland, Australia.
OBJECTIVES:
- To lead the direction for health improvement of the BSD within Queensland
- To preserve current knowledge of the health status of the BSD within Queensland
- To engage with, and support BSDCQ breeders and owners with the implementation of any required health plans
- To develop, Implement and review plans for the health improvement of the BSD
ACTIONS:
- To adhere to the BSDCQ Health Strategy Policy and Procedure
- To appoint a volunteer BSD Health Coordinator on a biennial basis
- To promote the Health of the BSD Position Statement and its accompanying rationale
- To undertake BSD Health Surveys as required
- To develop BSD Health Plans as required
- To evaluate the outcomes of any current BSD Health Plans
- To provide ongoing community education using a variety of mediums about the BSD, its health status and priorities, and how the BSDCQ is tackling health improvement overall
- To regularly review the BSDCQ Health Strategy
THE HEALTH OF THE BELGIAN SHEPHERD DOG
POSITION STATMENT
The Belgian Shepherd Dog Club of Queensland (BSDCQ) recognises that whilst DNA and current screening schemes will assist in keeping the Belgian Shepherd Dog (BSD) healthy, and will reduce the number of inherited disorders in the breed, sound breeding practice also involves genomic selection, and careful study and utilisation of pedigree information in order to maintain genetic diversity within the breed.
The BSDCQ recommends that all BSD are tested according to the current minimum standards of overseas Canine Clubs, that is undertaking hip, elbow and eye examinations. The BSDCQ also recommends utilising full breed DNA profiles, and any other tests for identified health issues in the breed as testing becomes available.
The BSDCQ will undertake the actions outlined within the BSDCQ Health Strategy, the BSDCQ Health Strategy Policy and Procedure, and any required BSD Health Plans. These actions will support breeders in their health related endeavours, and inform the general community about such practices, in particular, anyone looking to purchase a Belgian Shepherd to join their family.
POSITION STATMENT
The Belgian Shepherd Dog Club of Queensland (BSDCQ) recognises that whilst DNA and current screening schemes will assist in keeping the Belgian Shepherd Dog (BSD) healthy, and will reduce the number of inherited disorders in the breed, sound breeding practice also involves genomic selection, and careful study and utilisation of pedigree information in order to maintain genetic diversity within the breed.
The BSDCQ recommends that all BSD are tested according to the current minimum standards of overseas Canine Clubs, that is undertaking hip, elbow and eye examinations. The BSDCQ also recommends utilising full breed DNA profiles, and any other tests for identified health issues in the breed as testing becomes available.
The BSDCQ will undertake the actions outlined within the BSDCQ Health Strategy, the BSDCQ Health Strategy Policy and Procedure, and any required BSD Health Plans. These actions will support breeders in their health related endeavours, and inform the general community about such practices, in particular, anyone looking to purchase a Belgian Shepherd to join their family.
THE HEALTH OF THE BELGIAN SHEPHERD DOG
POSITION STATEMENT RATIONALE
Summary
In order to maintain the Belgian Shepherd Dog (BSD) as a dog fit for its original herding purpose, and to maintain its current relatively healthy status, the Belgian Shepherd Dog Club of Queensland (BSDCQ) recommends that all of the BSD varieties (Groenendael, Tervueren, Laekenois and Malinois) are assessed for hip, elbow and eye disease, full breed DNA profile, and any other tests for identified health issues in the breed as testing becomes available. The BSDCQ undertakes actions to support breeders in these endeavours, and to inform the general community about these practices.
Introduction
Issues about inherited disorders and poor health in some pedigree dogs has increased in recent years as the full extent and prevalence of inherited disorders has become progressively understood. Breeding strategies incorporating screening schemes and DNA testing have been shown to be successful in significantly reducing the prevalence of an inherited disorder and improving the overall health of certain breeds (Farrell et al, 2015).
Breeders are now able to examine and test their dogs for known inherited diseases before the dogs are bred from; this allows breeders to determine the chance that a dog may pass a disease-causing gene on to its offspring, giving them the information required to avoid producing affected puppies. It also allows breeders to adapt their breeding programmes and reduce the risk of the diseases appearing in future generations. Although such testing will not exclude all possible inherited and acquired diseases, it is currently the best available option to increase the chances of producing a healthy dog.
The Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) and its affiliate bodies, which includes Dogs Queensland (DQ), believes that breeding programs should be undertaken responsibly in order to improve the overall health and wellbeing of the breed. The ANKC is currently developing strategies to assist breeders in this endeavour “the ANKC is in the process of trying to develop a nation-wide data base for the logging of all inherited disease test results…there will be both open and closed registers with the end goal of having disease data results printed on pedigrees for easy access to all buyers and potential breeders – again a long term goal” (ANKC, 2010).
DQ now requires all pedigree dogs to undertake DNA parentage testing, which also affords breeders an opportunity to screen for breed specific diseases and traits. For example, the Orivet laboratory currently can test the BSD varieties for degenerative myelopathy, ivermectin sensitivity MDRI, Mucopolysaccharidosis VII - Type II (Belgian Shepherd Type) and Spongy Degeneration with Cerebellar Ataxia.
Overseas, the UK Kennel Club operates an Assured Breeders Scheme to promote good breeding practice to produce healthy puppies. Breeders must adhere to mandatory screening requirements in the choice of sires and dams, and the scheme includes strongly recommended screening for most breeds. Adhering to a mandatory screening protocol means a breeder must comply with any relevant breed-specific DNA disease tests and follow available eye, elbow and hip dysplasia schemes and veterinary diagnostic tests to ensure that a potential sire or dam is not a carrier for a known hereditary disease (UKKC, 2018).
In the United States of America, the American Kennel Club, and other participating parent clubs, have partnered with the Orthopaedic Centre for Animals to create the Canine Health Information Centre (CHIC) to research and maintain information on the health issues prevalent in specific breeds. This includes a recommended protocol for breed-specific health screenings, and dogs tested in accordance with that protocol are recognised with a CHIC number and certification (AKC, N/D).
Although the Belgian Shepherd Dog remains a relatively healthy breed and is not particularly prone to any major health concerns (Honkanen, 2018), the above schemes have identified relevant health (disease) tests for breeding dogs across the four varieties of BSD. These range from the minimum requirement of hip, elbow and ophthalmologist examinations (UKKC, 2018) through to undertaking hip, elbow, and ophthalmologist examinations along with autoimmune thyroiditis, cardiac and dentition examination (AKC, N/D).
Position
The Belgian Shepherd Dog Club of Queensland (BSDCQ) recognises that whilst DNA and current screening schemes will assist in keeping the Belgian Shepherd Dog healthy and will reduce the number of inherited disorders in the breed, sound breeding practice also involves genomic selection, and careful study and utilisation of pedigree information in order to maintain genetic diversity within the breed.
The BSDCQ recommends that all BSD are tested according to the current minimum standards of overseas Canine Clubs, that is undertaking hip, elbow and eye examinations. The BSDCQ also recommends utilising full breed DNA profiles, and any other tests for identified health issues in the breed as testing becomes available.
The BSDCQ will undertake the actions outlined within the BSDCQ Health Strategy, the BSDCQ Health Strategy Policy and Procedure, and any required BSD Health Plans. These actions will support breeders in their health related endeavours, and inform the general community about such practices, in particular, anyone looking to purchase a Belgian Shepherd to join their family.
References
American Kennel Club (No Date). Health testing requirements. Retrieved on the 09/02/2019 from https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/akc-bred-with-heart-program/requirements/health-testing-requirements
Australian National Kennel Club (2010). Improving outcomes for Pedigree Dogs in Australia. Retrieved from http://ankc.org.au/HealthAndWelfare/?id=1100
Farrell, L., Schoenebeck, J., Wiener, P., Clements, D., & Summers. K. (2015). The challenges of pedigree dog health: Approaches to combating inherited disease. Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 2, 3.
Honkanen, L. (2018). Genetic testing of Belgian Shepherd Dogs – what have we learned so far?
Retrieved from https://mydogdna.com/blog/genetic-testing-belgian-shepherd-dogs-what-have-we-learned-so-far
United Kingdom Kennel Club (2018). Breed specific requirements and recommendations including health screening. Retrieved from https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/media/9846/abs_breed_specific_requirements_and_recommendations_web.pdf
POSITION STATEMENT RATIONALE
Summary
In order to maintain the Belgian Shepherd Dog (BSD) as a dog fit for its original herding purpose, and to maintain its current relatively healthy status, the Belgian Shepherd Dog Club of Queensland (BSDCQ) recommends that all of the BSD varieties (Groenendael, Tervueren, Laekenois and Malinois) are assessed for hip, elbow and eye disease, full breed DNA profile, and any other tests for identified health issues in the breed as testing becomes available. The BSDCQ undertakes actions to support breeders in these endeavours, and to inform the general community about these practices.
Introduction
Issues about inherited disorders and poor health in some pedigree dogs has increased in recent years as the full extent and prevalence of inherited disorders has become progressively understood. Breeding strategies incorporating screening schemes and DNA testing have been shown to be successful in significantly reducing the prevalence of an inherited disorder and improving the overall health of certain breeds (Farrell et al, 2015).
Breeders are now able to examine and test their dogs for known inherited diseases before the dogs are bred from; this allows breeders to determine the chance that a dog may pass a disease-causing gene on to its offspring, giving them the information required to avoid producing affected puppies. It also allows breeders to adapt their breeding programmes and reduce the risk of the diseases appearing in future generations. Although such testing will not exclude all possible inherited and acquired diseases, it is currently the best available option to increase the chances of producing a healthy dog.
The Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) and its affiliate bodies, which includes Dogs Queensland (DQ), believes that breeding programs should be undertaken responsibly in order to improve the overall health and wellbeing of the breed. The ANKC is currently developing strategies to assist breeders in this endeavour “the ANKC is in the process of trying to develop a nation-wide data base for the logging of all inherited disease test results…there will be both open and closed registers with the end goal of having disease data results printed on pedigrees for easy access to all buyers and potential breeders – again a long term goal” (ANKC, 2010).
DQ now requires all pedigree dogs to undertake DNA parentage testing, which also affords breeders an opportunity to screen for breed specific diseases and traits. For example, the Orivet laboratory currently can test the BSD varieties for degenerative myelopathy, ivermectin sensitivity MDRI, Mucopolysaccharidosis VII - Type II (Belgian Shepherd Type) and Spongy Degeneration with Cerebellar Ataxia.
Overseas, the UK Kennel Club operates an Assured Breeders Scheme to promote good breeding practice to produce healthy puppies. Breeders must adhere to mandatory screening requirements in the choice of sires and dams, and the scheme includes strongly recommended screening for most breeds. Adhering to a mandatory screening protocol means a breeder must comply with any relevant breed-specific DNA disease tests and follow available eye, elbow and hip dysplasia schemes and veterinary diagnostic tests to ensure that a potential sire or dam is not a carrier for a known hereditary disease (UKKC, 2018).
In the United States of America, the American Kennel Club, and other participating parent clubs, have partnered with the Orthopaedic Centre for Animals to create the Canine Health Information Centre (CHIC) to research and maintain information on the health issues prevalent in specific breeds. This includes a recommended protocol for breed-specific health screenings, and dogs tested in accordance with that protocol are recognised with a CHIC number and certification (AKC, N/D).
Although the Belgian Shepherd Dog remains a relatively healthy breed and is not particularly prone to any major health concerns (Honkanen, 2018), the above schemes have identified relevant health (disease) tests for breeding dogs across the four varieties of BSD. These range from the minimum requirement of hip, elbow and ophthalmologist examinations (UKKC, 2018) through to undertaking hip, elbow, and ophthalmologist examinations along with autoimmune thyroiditis, cardiac and dentition examination (AKC, N/D).
Position
The Belgian Shepherd Dog Club of Queensland (BSDCQ) recognises that whilst DNA and current screening schemes will assist in keeping the Belgian Shepherd Dog healthy and will reduce the number of inherited disorders in the breed, sound breeding practice also involves genomic selection, and careful study and utilisation of pedigree information in order to maintain genetic diversity within the breed.
The BSDCQ recommends that all BSD are tested according to the current minimum standards of overseas Canine Clubs, that is undertaking hip, elbow and eye examinations. The BSDCQ also recommends utilising full breed DNA profiles, and any other tests for identified health issues in the breed as testing becomes available.
The BSDCQ will undertake the actions outlined within the BSDCQ Health Strategy, the BSDCQ Health Strategy Policy and Procedure, and any required BSD Health Plans. These actions will support breeders in their health related endeavours, and inform the general community about such practices, in particular, anyone looking to purchase a Belgian Shepherd to join their family.
References
American Kennel Club (No Date). Health testing requirements. Retrieved on the 09/02/2019 from https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/akc-bred-with-heart-program/requirements/health-testing-requirements
Australian National Kennel Club (2010). Improving outcomes for Pedigree Dogs in Australia. Retrieved from http://ankc.org.au/HealthAndWelfare/?id=1100
Farrell, L., Schoenebeck, J., Wiener, P., Clements, D., & Summers. K. (2015). The challenges of pedigree dog health: Approaches to combating inherited disease. Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 2, 3.
Honkanen, L. (2018). Genetic testing of Belgian Shepherd Dogs – what have we learned so far?
Retrieved from https://mydogdna.com/blog/genetic-testing-belgian-shepherd-dogs-what-have-we-learned-so-far
United Kingdom Kennel Club (2018). Breed specific requirements and recommendations including health screening. Retrieved from https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/media/9846/abs_breed_specific_requirements_and_recommendations_web.pdf
BSDCQ HEALTH STRATEGY POLICY AND PROCEDURE
PURPOSE: To ensure that the sound health status of Belgian Shepherd Dogs (BSD) being bred by members of the Belgian Shepherd Dog Club of Queensland (BSDCQ) is maintained.
ACCOUNTABILITY: The BSDCQ membership.
POLICY
1.0 The BSDCQ Health Strategy demonstrates a commitment to the future health of the BSD, and recognises the value of continuously focusing on health priorities and implementing actions to improve the health and welfare of the BSD.
2.0 The general sound health status of the BSD is the responsibility of everyone who loves the BSD; the BSDCQ, its’ membership, and responsible breeders, are all critical in ensuring this sound health status is maintained.
3.0 The BSDCQ Breed Health Strategy will be reviewed once a year. Its key components will consist of:
- A BSDCQ Position Statement
- A BSDCQ Position Statement Rationale
- A BSDCQ Health Strategy Policy and Procedure
- A current BSDCQ Health Survey
- Any required BSD Health Plans
- A BSDCQ Breed Health Coordinator
4.0 The BSDCQ Health Strategy will guide the ongoing education provided by the BSDCQ to it’s membership about maintaining and improving upon the health status of the BSD.
5. 0 The benefits of a BSDCQ Health Strategy are that:
5.1 Owners and potential puppy buyers of a BSD will enjoy:
- A BSD that is fit for its function (invariably as a companion)
- A BSD that will live a long and happy life, free from health problems
- An owner will not to have to spend lots of money on veterinary fees caused by their BSD’s conformation and breeding
- Talk positively about all the actions they are taking to ensure the breed is healthy
- Be confident that BSDCQ members and breeders fully support their plans for breed health improvement;
- Be proud of their efforts to improve the BSD’s health and welfare
PROCEDURE:
1.0 The BSDCQ will appoint a volunteer BSDCQ Health Coordinator every two years.
2.0 The role of the BSDCQ Health Coordinator is described at Appendix A.
3.0 The BSDCQ will conduct a baseline breed health survey in 2019-2020, and then every five years. This survey will assist the BSDCQ to:
- Gauge the current health status of the BSD
- Clarify evidence of specific conditions
- Pinpoint any problems and monitor progress in addressing these problems
- Provide a baseline of health in the BSD, so as to be able to repeat the same survey and compare outcomes
- Provide evidence-based guidance and recommendations for health tests to BSDCQ club members so as to maintain the good health status of the BSD.
4.0 The BSDCQ will use the outcomes of any current BSD Health Survey to develop BSD Health Plans (as required) at professionally facilitated BSDCQ Health Forums.
5.0 Each BSD Health Plan will include the following information:
5.1 Evidence: Facts about the identified health problem, how common and serious it is (as per BSD Health Survey), and information from published research about the problem
5.2 Communication and education: How information will be communicated to breeders, owners, and potential owners; how information will be built into BSD breed education programmes; and, how information will be communicated to vets and other specialists.
5.3 Testing and screening: What approach will be adopted for testing and screening of the breed (e.g. Clinical, X-ray, DNA); how breeders and owners will be encouraged to participate in testing and screening programmes, and the take-up rates.
5.4 Health outcomes: Facts about specific improvements being achieved (e.g. any reductions in disease prevalence; reductions in Breed Average COI).
6.0 The BSDCQ website will remain the primary source of information about the BSDCQ’s approach to health and welfare and will be current and comprehensive. Information provided will include:
- About the breed and its overall health status
- The top health priorities in the BSD
- What the BSDCQ is doing about these priorities
- What screening schemes are required or recommended
- What advice the BSDCQ provides to people wishing to breed
- News items (regularly updated)
- How the breed is tackling health improvement overall
- Research, screening and education programme
- How to submit a new health report
- Results and analysis of current health surveillance (survey).
APPENDIX A: The role of the BSDCQ Health Coordinator
- Provide a central point of contact between the BSDCQ and Dogs Queensland for all matters concerning health;
- Provide advice, help and support, in complete confidence, to owners/breeders on health matters affecting their dogs;
- Provide accurate, reliable and consistent information to breeders/owners and the general public in order to educate and raise awareness about health issues that affect or could affect the BSD;
- Liaise with Dogs Queensland to inform, update and consult with them over the breed’s health and other relevant general canine health issues;
- Research, compile and publish information and updates on all health matters affecting the BSD via the BSDCQ websites, newsletters/leaflets/flyers, yearbook and any other relevant publications;
- Receive, record and monitor input from owners/breeders concerning reported cases of illness/disease and causes of death, in order to keep abreast of current health issues affecting the BSD and be alerted as early as possible to any significant new issues that may be emerging;
- Compile annual health reports on behalf of the BSDCQ;
- Communicate and liaise with professional associations and institutions (for example, EMBARK, ORIVET, veterinary practitioners, clinicians, researchers, geneticists, and other organisations concerned with canine health & welfare;
- Keep abreast of developments in canine research, legislation, disease knowledge, both within Australia and worldwide;
- Attend meetings, health related seminars, conferences etc. as and when necessary.
Reference
The Kennel Club (2016). The Kennel Club breed health improvement strategy: A step by step guide. Retrieved from https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/media/97934/bhcbreedhealthimpstrat.pdf
Breed conservation
In order to maintain the excellent overall health of the Belgian Shepherd, the Belgian Shepherd Dog Club of Queensland has implemented initiatives to support, promote and educate on all things Health with this breed.
Recommended health screening tests
The BSDCQ recommends that all Belgian Shepherd Dogs are tested according to the current minimum standards of overseas Canine Clubs
- Hip score
- Elbow score
- ACES eye certification
- Full Breed DNA profile (trait and health testing)
- and any available test for any known health issue in the breed as testing becomes available.
Additional health screening tests
Additional health screening tests include Thyroid, Heart and Dentition certification.
Health Register
The BSDCQ has maintained a voluntary listing of all certified health results submitted by members and owners of Belgian Shepherds.
This publicly viewable list is there to:
This publicly viewable list is there to:
- help breeders make informed choices in bloodlines for breeding purposes
- help puppy buyers research the health history of the Belgian they are considering to purchase
BSDCQ Health Initiatives
Health Register - developed and implemented 1990 to current.
Promotion of only health certified breeding stock - developed and implemented 1990 to 2016. To be reviewed 2019-20.
Health Position Statement - developed 2019. To be completed and ratified 2019-20 club year.
Health Survey - BSDCQ Funding Grant - to be undertaken 2019-20 club year.
Dentition certification - develop and implement commencing during the 2019-20 club year.
Encourage participation in the showmanager online open listing of health results for the breed - 2019 onwards.
Encourage participation in the ANKC Orchid open listing of health results for the breed.
Celebrating the excellent health status of this breed, and encouraging all breeders to adopt and live by responsible health screening practices.
Promotion of only health certified breeding stock - developed and implemented 1990 to 2016. To be reviewed 2019-20.
Health Position Statement - developed 2019. To be completed and ratified 2019-20 club year.
Health Survey - BSDCQ Funding Grant - to be undertaken 2019-20 club year.
Dentition certification - develop and implement commencing during the 2019-20 club year.
Encourage participation in the showmanager online open listing of health results for the breed - 2019 onwards.
Encourage participation in the ANKC Orchid open listing of health results for the breed.
Celebrating the excellent health status of this breed, and encouraging all breeders to adopt and live by responsible health screening practices.
Research & Development
Cover photo by Van Moned kennels, Netherlands. With thanks!