Eurasier Health

Health-Tested Conditions

The health conditions in this section are all required or recommended by the United States Eurasier Club for all potential breeding dogs, as well as listed as part of OFA’s CHIC program for Eurasiers.

All dogs that participate in our breeding program are required to pass all of the health screenings, both required and recommended. All results are recorded publicly in OFA, and can be found on our individual dog pages. Where recommended, tests are also repeated until our dogs are retired from our breeding program.

Hip dysplasia is a degenerative orthopedic disease attributed to combination of genetics and environment, wherein the hip joint does not develop properly and causes instability and potential joint degeneration, resulting in pain, and lameness.
Our breeding dogs are assessed by OFA, and when possible, PennHip to determine both the state of the hips at the time of assessment and the possibility of developing HD in the future (the latter only if PennHip is performed).
Elbow dysplasia is a degenerative orthopedic disease attributed to combination of genetics and environment, wherein the elbow joint does not develop properly which leads to abnormal alignment and growth that results in pain and lameness.
Our breeding dogs are assessed by OFA to determine the state of the elbows at the time of assessment.
Patellar luxation is a condition where the patella (kneecap) dislocates from its normal position due to anatomical defects, resulting in irregular gait, pain, and lameness.
Our breeding dogs are assessed by a general practitioner veterinarian to determine the health of the patellas.
Autoimmune thyroiditis in dogs is a condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing inflammation and damage to the gland, leading to reduced production of thyroid hormones and resulting in symptoms such as weight changes, lethargy, and skin/coat problems. This condition is the most prevalent among Eurasiers, affecting approximately 15-18% of the breed.
Our breeding dogs are tested about annually starting from about 1.5 years of age until they are retired from our breeding program. Thereafter, we still test every few years to ensure their thyroid health is normal.
Within the breed standard, entropion and ectropion are specifically mentioned as disqualifying faults for Eurasiers (due to the influence of Chow Chow in the development of the breed).
Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, and can result in pain, inflammation, and damage to the corneas due to the surface of the eyelid irritating the surface of the eye.
Ectropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls outward, and can result in painful conjunctivitis and keratitis due to exposure of the inner surfaces of the eyelids and cornea.
Our breeding dogs are assessed by a licensed veterinary ophthalmologist at 2 years of age, and every 1.5 to 2 years thereafter until they are retired from our breeding program to ensure that their eyes are in good health.
Dandy Walker-Like Malformation in Eurasier dogs is a congenital neurological disorder affecting the brain and cerebellum, causing impaired motor coordination and other neurological symptoms. DWLM is a simple recessive DNA disorder and all breeding dogs should be tested for clear or carrier status to inform breeding decisions.
Our breeding dogs are DNA tested through Embark to determine their DWLM status.
While not a health condition per se, Eurasiers by standard are a full dentition breed (with some noted exceptions).
Our breeding dogs are assessed by a general practitioner veterinarian to determine dentition status.

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Other Health Conditions

The health conditions in this section do not have health testing available, but are suspected to be heritable. Dogs affected by these conditions should be removed from breeding programs.

Some Eurasier lines see more occurrences of these conditions than others. While the goal of a pairing is always to minimize any health risks in the pairing, it is not impossible for these conditions (and some of the ones in the section above) to still appear. Inquire with your breeder to learn about the known occurrences of these conditions within their breeding lines.

Canine gastric dilatation volvulus, commonly known as "bloat" or "twisted stomach," is a life-threatening condition in dogs where the stomach fills with gas and twists upon itself, causing a blockage of blood flow and potential tissue death. Immediate veterinary attention is required to address this medical emergency.
Research suggests there are a number of environment contributors to bloat, as well as a genetic influence. Careful consideration should be taken when determining if a first degree relative of a bloated dog should be bred.
Diabetes in dogs is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels due to insufficient insulin production or resistance to insulin. It can result in increased thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, and other symptoms, and requires lifelong management through diet, exercise, and insulin therapy.
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) in dogs is a condition where the pancreas fails to produce enough digestive enzymes, leading to poor digestion and malabsorption. Common symptoms include weight loss, diarrhea, and increased appetite, and management typically involves enzyme replacement therapy and dietary adjustments.
Glaucoma in dogs is a condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure, which can cause damage to the optic nerve and result in vision loss. It may present with symptoms such as eye pain, redness, cloudiness, and dilation of the pupil, and requires prompt veterinary attention for diagnosis and management to prevent further vision impairment.
Stomach cancer in dogs is a malignant tumor that forms in the stomach lining, often with few early symptoms. It can cause vomiting, weight loss, decreased appetite, and may require surgical removal of the tumor and/or other treatment modalities depending on the stage and type of cancer.
Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) in dogs is a rare genetic disorder that affects the function of cilia, which are hair-like structures that line the respiratory tract. It can result in respiratory symptoms such as chronic cough, nasal discharge, and recurrent respiratory infections, and may require supportive care and management of secondary complications.
Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex (EBS) in dogs is a rare inherited skin disorder that causes the skin to be fragile and prone to blistering and tearing with minimal trauma. It may present with skin lesions, ulcers, and discomfort, and management typically involves wound care, pain management, and avoiding triggers that can worsen the condition.