Common Genetic Diseases and Deformities found in German Shepherds.

Imagine raising a German Shepherd puppy perfectly—with the best food, training, and boundless love—only for it to suffer from a debilitating condition that was preventable. This is the reality when genetic health is overlooked. For German Shepherds, a breed prone to inherited health issues, understanding and testing for genetic predispositions isn't just responsible—it's paramount.

It’s not all about how you raise them or what you feed. Some health conditions in dogs—especially German Shepherds—are written into their DNA. No amount of good food or love can undo genetically inherited defects. If the parents have these traits, the pups will likely carry them too. That’s why genetic health must be the top priority for every responsible breeder. With the right testing protocols, many devastating conditions can be prevented.

Even pet owners should understand this: you can raise a puppy perfectly, but if it's genetically predisposed to certain conditions, you're fighting an uphill battle. Genetic health testing isn't just for breeders—it's a tool to protect our dogs' futures.

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Common Genetic & Hereditary Diseases in German Shepherds -

These are the major genetic conditions that every ethical German Shepherd breeder must understand and screen for. These diseases are hereditary and can silently pass from generation to generation without proper testing.

1. Hip Dysplasia -

A malformation of the hip joint that causes arthritis, pain, and lameness. This condition is widespread and can go unnoticed until it’s too late. Dogs without symptoms can still carry and pass on the condition.

2. Elbow Dysplasia

Improper development of the elbow joints, leading to pain and arthritis. Like hip dysplasia, it must be tested with proper screening methods before breeding.

3. Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)-

A progressive, incurable neurological disease that mimics ALS in humans. Starts with hind-end weakness and ends in full paralysis. DNA testing is the only way to detect carriers.

4. MDR1 (Multi-Drug Resistance Mutation) -

This mutation causes hypersensitivity to medications like Ivermectin, Loperamide, and others. Dogs with MDR1 can have life-threatening reactions to common meds. Identified via DNA tests like Embark.

5. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) -

A genetic eye disease where the retina degenerates slowly, eventually causing blindness. No cure. It’s hereditary and detectable via DNA.

6. Cataracts -

Inherited cataracts impair vision and may require surgery. DNA and veterinary eye exams can help identify carriers.

7. Pannus (Chronic Superficial Keratitis) -

An autoimmune disease of the eye that worsens with altitude and UV exposure. It causes chronic inflammation, cloudiness, and vision loss.

8. Subaortic Stenosis (SAS) -

A congenital heart defect that limits blood flow and can lead to murmurs, fainting, or sudden cardiac death. Detected through echocardiogram.

9. Cow Hocks -

A structural flaw where the rear legs angle inward at the hocks. It affects movement, stamina, and soundness. While not a disease, it’s a genetic fault heavily influenced by exaggerated rear angulation trends in show rings—especially Sieger Shows. Breeders selectively bred for “flashy” exaggerated movement, ignoring soundness and functionality.

10. Autoimmune Thyroiditis -

A hereditary thyroid disorder causing hypothyroidism, which affects metabolism, weight, energy, fertility, and coat condition. Detected via thyroid panel.

11. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)

EPI occurs when the pancreas fails to produce enough digestive enzymes, leading to weight loss, malnutrition, and chronic diarrhea.

Detection & Screening:

• DNA Testing (available in Embark panel)

• Clinical symptom review and fecal tests for existing dogs

12. Irritable Bowel Disease / Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBD/IBS)

Chronic gastrointestinal inflammation, often with genetic predisposition, can lead to poor nutrient absorption, vomiting, and soft stools.

Detection & Management:

• No definitive DNA test, but monitored via family history, feeding response, and exclusion diagnosis

• Breeding from lines with no history of chronic GI disorders is preferred.

13. Pituitary Dwarfism

A rare inherited condition caused by underdevelopment of the pituitary gland, leading to hormone deficiencies and stunted, proportional growth.

Detection & Management:

• DNA test available (Embark screens for LHX3 and POU1F1 gene mutations).

• Symptoms may include retained puppy coat, delayed tooth eruption, and infertility.

• Managed with hormone replacement therapy and regular vet monitoring.

• Avoid breeding carriers or affected dogs; genetic testing of breeding pairs is recommended.

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Testing Protocol for Responsible Breeders -

Breeding dogs must be tested—both parents. If a dog fails any of the major genetic or structural tests, it should be neutered or removed from the breeding program. This doesn’t mean the dog is bad—it just means it should be loved as a pet, not bred.

SV (Germany’s Breed System)

1. SV Hip & Elbow X-rays: Evaluated by certified SV vets with detailed scoring.

2. Spine Screening: Checks for LTV (transitional vertebrae), Spondylosis, and OCD.

3. DNA Parentage Verification: Ensures bloodline accuracy and breed standards.

PennHIP Testing -

Detects hip laxity using distraction radiographs.

Provides a Distraction Index (DI) that predicts risk of hip dysplasia with high accuracy.

Can be done as early as 16 weeks old—well before traditional screening.

Why SV + PennHIP is the Ideal Standard -

While the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) is commonly used in the U.S., it lacks the precision and early predictive power of the SV + PennHIP combination:

OFA relies on subjective grades (Excellent, Good, Fair) and voluntary submissions. Results can vary based on positioning and sedation.

SV mandates sedation, certified evaluation, and requires documentation of structure and spine in addition to hips and elbows.

PennHIP uses radiographic distraction techniques to scientifically assess joint laxity, providing an objective Distraction Index (DI) score that is statistically correlated to the risk of developing hip dysplasia.

SV covers structural alignment, spine abnormalities, and overall conformation. PennHIP precisely evaluates hip joint looseness—a key indicator of future dysplasia risk. Together, they create a nearly foolproof screening process.

By using both SV and PennHIP, breeders ensure they are addressing form and function, reducing the incidence of painful, debilitating conditions like hip dysplasia and improving long-term soundness in the breed.

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Additional Tests to Ensure Genetic Health -

1. Embark Full-Panel DNA Test: Screens for over 250 genetic conditions including DM, MDR1, PRA, coat traits, and more. Add Embark gut microbiome testing as well.

2. CAER Eye Exam: Detects inherited eye conditions such as PRA, cataracts, and pannus.

3. Echocardiogram: Essential to rule out inherited cardiac issues like SAS.

4. Thyroid Panel: Identifies autoimmune thyroiditis, affecting metabolism, fertility, and coat quality.

5. Embark Microbiome Testing - Embark Oral Health Test and Embark Gut Health Test need to be done to evaluate the oral microbiome from saliva samples to assess oral health, breath odor, and changes following dental care and to analyze dog’s gut microbiome via stool DNA sequencing to identify bacterial imbalances affecting digestion, immunity, skin, and overall wellness. Should be done atleast once at the adulthood age.

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Not Just for Breeders

Even if you’re not planning to breed your dog, many of these tests are still useful:

If your dog tests positive for a hereditary issue, inform the breeder. They may need to remove the parents from their program.

Knowing your dog’s genetic risks allows you to manage its health proactively.

Participating in breed-wide health awareness helps protect future generations of dogs.

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Infectious & Reproductive Health: Other Tests Breeders Need

The tests above help prevent hereditary and genetic diseases. In addition, breeders must screen for reproductive and infectious conditions:

1. Semen Evaluation: Confirms fertility and quality in stud dogs.
   

2. Vaginal Culture: Detects infections in females that can interfere with mating or harm puppies.
   

3. Progesterone Test: Accurately determines the best time for mating.

These tests don’t address inherited conditions but are vital for safe and successful breeding.

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*Together, these protocols form a holistic, science-backed approach to protecting the health of one of the world’s most beloved and versatile working breeds—the German Shepherd.

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Summary-

Genetic health is not about chance—it’s about choice. Ethical breeders use science and testing to make informed decisions. Testing hips, elbows, spine, eyes, heart, thyroid, and DNA should be the minimum standard for every breeding dog.

If either parent fails any major genetic or structural health test, they must be neutered or removed from breeding programs. This doesn’t make them bad dogs—it simply means they’re better suited as cherished companions than as producers of the next generation.

Every litter influences the breed’s future. Responsible breeding means testing, eliminating risks, and prioritizing health over ribbons or trends.*