Do they have a CERF (Canine Eye Registry Foundation) number, indicating they have been cleared of eye problems?
Eye problems reported in our breed include Distichiasis, Entropian and Cataracts. Some of these problems are not nearly as serious as others, and although a dog may have one of these problems, it may be possible for them to have a CERF number. You can confirm whether a dog has a CERF number by visiting www.vmdb.org. CERF information may also be found at the OFA site (www.offa.org) or the GSMDCA Health Database. Breeding dogs should have their eyes checked and submitted to CERF annually if possible, as some eye problems can occur a bit later in life. • Ask if the sire or dam have ever produced puppies with any serious health problems, such as hip or elbow dysplasia, OCD and epilepsy. These are the main genetic health issues found in the Greater Swiss Mountaind Dog, and ALL breeders should be forthcoming in discussing them with puppy buyers. Ask how many litters they have produced. Be wary of any breeder who claims never to have produced ANY health problems (unless this is their first li
