From the Genetics Committee of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America, Inc.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a true dwarf (achondroplastic) breed. Therefore,
despite the Pembroke's smaller size, Pems are proportionally built just like the
larger, "normal sized" dogs. Fortunately, in the United States the genetic
pool is quite large, giving breeders options to avoid known genetic problems such
as long coats (fluffies), mismarks (whitelies or bluies), monorchidism, hip dysplasia
and inherited eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy.
Members of the PWCCA are bound by the club's Code of Ethics, which calls for
breeding only animals of sound temperament and structure, with clear/normal
hips and eyes, and clear of other known inherited problems. When evaluating
a breeder and considering the purchase of a puppy, do not hesitate to ask questions
such as:
- Are the sire and dam screened clear of hip dysplasia via an OFA (Orthopedic
Foundation for Animals) evaluation?
- Are the eyes certified clear of inherited conditions by a veterinary opthamologist?
- Describe the temperament of both the sire and dam. Any noise sensitivity
or other observed fears? How do they react to new situations?
- What other inherited conditions are found in Pembrokes? (Hint: if the answer
is "none"-that's not the right answer!) Does the breeder openly
talk about reproductive issues, cancer and autoimmune diseases, hips and eyes?
A survey of PWCCA members produced the following list of top genetic issues
in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye problems: progressive retinal atrophy, retinal folds, persistent pupilarily
membranes, cataracts
- Cancer and autoimmune system problems (including underactive and overactive
immune systems)
- Reproductive problems: uterine inertia during whelping, sterility in males
(related to autoimmune problems?)
What should a prospective buyer or breeder do to increase their odds of avoiding
genetic problems?
Be realistic. There are more unknowns in canine genetic research than hard
facts. It is a buyer/breeder beware world. Look around and ask questions. Pembrokes
typically live 12-15 years. Healthy, active, alert Pembrokes are a positive
indication of a solid genetic background. Only by asking questions, observing
firsthand, and being realistic will you gain insight into the genetics of the
line of Pembrokes you are considering. There are no easy answers, and no substitute
for observation, questions, and above all else, realism.
ANNOUNCEMENT - DNA Test for Canine Degenerative
Myelopathy (in MS Word)
Information on DM (in MS Word)
Link
to information on the ongoing Degenerative Myelopathy Study on the PWC.
Page updated May 9, 2008.
Prepared by the PWCCA Genetics Committee, 1997.
