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HIP SCORES
The HD statistics are all as per the KC BVA hip scoring scheme

Have you recently had your Slovakian hip scored? Sandra Rowbury is collating a list of current hip scores on behalf of the Club, so please contact Sandra so that we can keep upto date on this valuable information.

Sandra is available direct on 01580 881125 or email

All stock x-rayed to date have produced good HD scores and a total of 9 is the current BVA KC average. This is taken from the 26 scored = 211 and the scores range between Total 4 and Total 29. It should be noted that represents less than 10% currently being scored. A bit disappointing that this is not higher and we encourage all members to think about health screening as a matter of routine and not just when breeding.

HEALTH ISSUES
All health issues published on our web site and in our Newsletters are of current reported problems only and are printed in good faith.

The Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer is monitored and governed by the Kennel Club as a new and rare breed. As with all new breeds the gene pool is relatively small, and it is in this regard that puppies unknowing to the breeder may present a genetic defect, more so than in an established breed although statistics currently show only a minority defect this being less than 2%. We encourage any breeders and owners with problems to come forward to ensure wherever possible that these faults do not re-enter the gene pool. Some of these conditions are not noted until much older hence it is strongly recommended that all breeders endorse the KC Reg (R) Progeny Not Eligible For Registration until the offspring is at least 2 years of age and relevant screening schemes have been carried out and for the overall confirmation/potential etc. has been assessed.

Current Statistics of Registration April 2009 Of the almost 267 KC registered puppies known to have been bred in the UK 4 have been reported to have bite problems. A veterinary extraction of some teeth seems to have resolved any discomfort issues for the dogs. Please do watch for any bite issues and let the Breeder know so they can monitor the issue and work in conjunction with other breeders to eradicate this problem. One other puppy was seen by the breeder to be undershot and homed as a pet and not to be bred from. However, please do bear in mind that by the law of nature not every puppy is going to have a correct scissor bite!

A 1 year old dog is continuing treatment for an infection in 2 thoracic vertebrae the cause of which is unknown and could only be speculated upon. As this dog had been previously working well and had already passed his Gundog Certificate Grade One we hope for a complete recovery and that 'Gunner' can continue with his training.

There has also been 1 reported puppy known to have a skin problem. Diagnosis and treatment as per web link http://www.tapestrychihuahuas.com/ColorDilutionAlopecia.html It must also be noted that it can take up to 2 years for the coat to develop and some smoother coated puppies can become hairier and some hairy puppies can shed and become shorter coated. As such the puppy coats can only be guessed at and not guaranteed!

There have been no other reported problems but breeders and owners are encouraged to share any information of seen faults. This however should not become a "Witch Hunt", but more a pooling of information so we can move forward and strive to eliminate defects. Responsible breeders should promote the health and welfare of the breed at all times and should not be shunned for their honesty when they have done all the required research and health screening in order to 'Breed the Best'!