Health

Health Co-ordinators

If you have any concerns about a particular health condition in your breed then you may wish to contact the SBT breed health co-ordinator.  They are individuals working on behalf of breed clubs and councils who are advocates for the health and welfare of their chosen breed. They act as a spokesperson on matters of health and will collaborate with The Kennel Club on any health concerns the breed may have.

To contact your breed health co-ordinator please email Gemma Rowe 

You can find the SBT Health Facebook page here

Important Health Schemes and Tests

All responsible breeders should use the following schemes, tests and advice:

• Eye screening scheme (BVA/KC/ISDS) and only breed from clinically unaffected dogs
• DNA test - HC-HSF4 and only breed from DNA genetically CLEAR dogs
• DNA test - L-2HGA and only breed from DNA genetically CLEAR dogs
• Litter eye screening for PHPV (from 6 weeks - prior to leaving the breeder)
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These are MINIMUM requirements for anyone breeding responsibly.  Breeders can also make use of the Puttnam patella scoring scheme, BVA hip and elbow scoring schemes.  There is also DNA testing for coat colour, which although not a health issue, can determine whether you dog carries the genes to produce dilute (blue) or tan point ('black & tan') coat colouring

For DNA health testing and profiling we recommend Animal DNA Diagnostics or Pathways Genetics

For details of upcoming clinical eye testing sessions check here or join this Facebook group

If you are planning to buy a pup and the breeder is not adhering to the above advice they are not considering the future health and welfare of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier