buyer beware

Some health concerns have been identified within this breed. The most pressing and frequently seen problem is hereditary cataracts. Also Hip Dysplasia is an issue within this breed, as it is in many other breeds. GPCA suggests eye examinations and hip evaluations on all breeding pairs promoted through the club Breeders List. BUYER BEWARE of those that do not have these two minimal tests done on the parents of their litters. If you do not see the results either on the registries website, or hard copies of the clearances,  beware, as FAILING RESULTS do not appear on the CERF or OFA  website. Click CERF to view this registry.  Click Orthopedic Foundation for Animals  to view this registry. It should be the goal of every breeder to only breed healthy dogs. 

General Health information

A problem is Hereditary Cataracts, with a  percentage of the breed showing problems by the age of four. Annual CERF testing should be a requirement of all German Pinschers producing puppies. As cataracts can be an evolving problem in each dog, the CERF exam, is only valid for one year. GPCA requires current  CERF exams of all breeding pairs listed on their Breeders List. Pets should be checked every two to three years for your peace of mind.

The widely accepted radiology exam of the hip joints, through the OFA, for Hip Dysplasia, is required testing for all breeding pairs. This exam can be done any time after the dog reaches the age of two. A new procedure, Pennhip, is gaining wide acceptance as another good indicator of hip joint health. This can be done at any age.  Hips can be a problem in this breed, so testing of several generations, and of as many family members that is possible is preferred.

Today, with the availability of the DNA marker tests, we can now predict the incidence of vWD disease within the German Pinscher population and breed accordingly. This is a one-time test, and can be done at home, at any age. Through testing and prudent breeding, this problem can be eradicated in this breed. The results can return clear, carrier, or affected.

Epilepsy has been diagnosed in some German Pinschers. Several studies are underway, in an attempt to find the DNA marker (gene) that causes this inheritable disease. Lifetime management of seizures is needed and sometimes death can occur.

The incidence of “heart problems” has been well documented in breeds closely related to the German Pinscher, Doberman Pinschers, and Standards Schnauzers. A few undocumented cases have been reported in German Pinschers, but much work has to be done through testing to determine whether this is a problem, and it's overall incidence determined in this breed.

Thyroid dysfunction is the most widely documented health problem among all breeds, so testing once for clearance is recommended, and of course, if any symptoms arise that make this a suspicion.

To view Nevar test results click Health Results. 

 To view information on PennHip vs OFA click here