M A N R O S E Old English Sheepdogs
Health
Breed
The Bobtail is a robust, healthy dog.
Like any other large breed, care should be taken to avoid Hip Dysplasia.
Tests for different, hereditary Eye disease are recommended. This can often be done at Dog Shows or by an authorised Veterinary in Ophthalmology. - List of Swiss Specialists
We make an effort to breed healthy dogs and ask our puppy owners for their assistance in order to get as much data about the dogs we have bred as possible. Beside breeding regulations for the Old English Shepdog imposed by the Kennel Club we have even stronger personal requirements for our breeding dogs and bitches.
Some Bobtails do have a sensitive stomach and can't have scraps from the table. We find from our experience that feeding a balanced dog food gives the best results. Our dogs do have treats as a reward when they behave well and, on occasion, some other favourite goodies. The subject of nutrition is a difficult one, as every owner and breeder has their own point of view. We recommend feeding the adult dog twice a day, followed by a rest period.
Here we have two articles - but both are in German. One is about Bloat the other one about feeding or what we should not feed to dogs like chocolate and grapes. Please ask your vet to give you more information in your mother tongue.
Healthy teeth are also very important to a dog's well being, you can help to keep them clean. Direction (in German).
As breeders we have to take measures for conservation of the health of the breed - but also the dog owner is asked to contribute. We recommend an Article about the exercise of Junior dogs by Dr. vet Daniel Koch (in German). Of course we will advise all our puppy owners how much exercise is ok for their age.
Excessive or incorrect exercise (especially over exercising at a young age) and false nutrition (over doing the calcium and vitamin supplements) can perhaps contribute to HD (bad hips). We recommend feeding a product for big size dogs. Of course our puppy owners will get detailed information and instructions on what they should know and how to take care while their puppy is growing up.
If a consultation with the vet is needed, beside the yearly appointment for vaccinations and to get treatment for parasites, this will depend on the dog's health. Horse-sense, experience, acquired knowledge and a gut feeling will help to make up your mind if this is necessary. In case of doubt we always would recommend a visit to see the vet.
Do you plan a holiday abroad? Your vet will give you advice about the regulations to enter other countries and what preventative arrangements can be done.
We wish all our puppies a long, healthy and happy doggy life and our puppy owners a huge amount of joy with their new family member.
In the following chart we have listed by different themes external links and pdf-Files. Unfortunately they are all in German.
For the interested breeder there are now worldwide databases for disposition. You can find information about carriers of special hereditary diseases and also health test results of examined dogs.
Several studies are being undertaken to find carriers of certain hereditary diseases by using DNA- analysis. This is very welcome for dog breeding. It is also very important that breeders are active (and keep themselves informed) on health issues and face up to any concerns. In this way new or developing health problems or abnormities can be explored.
If you would like detailed information about breed-specific, hereditary diseases or common health problems of the breed you can approach us.
