What health problems are in the breed and what sort of health certification should a purchaser be asking for?
Chinook breeders are striving to breed for health, but excellent health of the dam and sire does not always prevent problems in the offspring. While all breeders hope to produce only healthy puppies, new owners should be prepared to deal with any of the health issues known to the breed. The major health problems in the Chinook breed are: hip dysplasia, eye disease, seizures, shyness, and cryptorchidism. Minor issues include skin and gastrointestinal problems. Every purchaser should ask to see OFA/GDC/PennHIP (hip) certification and CERF (eye) evaluation on the dam and sire of the litter. Breeders should provide verbal assurances that, to their knowledge, the sire and dam are free of health problems. The breeder should disclose health problems with progeny from both parents and known health problems in both lines. For a more thorough understanding of health issues, please review the report from the 2003 Chinook Health Survey Test breedings: Sometimes a breeder will attempt a test breedi
