Our health testing levels for the Dunkerhund (Dunkerbracke - Norwegian Hound)
We group breeding programs into three levels based on testing depth. Ask your breeder directly which level they meet.
A breeder at the Great level performs all mandatory tests plus 3 additional clinically recommended screenings that reduce risk in this breed.
In addition to mandatory tests:
Hip dysplasia(HD)
Bewegungsapparat
Hip dysplasia is an inherited skeletal disorder where the ball and socket of the hip joint do not fit together properly. Instead of sliding smoothly, the bones rub and grind against each other, wearing down the protective cartilage. Over time, this chronic friction causes joint instability, painful inflammation, and progressive arthritis, which is the gradual wear and tear of the joint.
Roentgen · Passing: C or better
Merle coat pattern(M)
Haut und Fell
The merle coat pattern is caused by an autosomal-dominant mutation in the PMEL gene, which affects pigment-producing cells in the skin, eyes, and inner ears. When a dog inherits two copies of this gene, a condition known as double merle, it disrupts the normal development of these sensory organs. This genetic defect can lead to severe structural abnormalities in both the auditory and visual systems.
Passing: Safe mating (no Merle x Merle)
Congenital deafness(CHSD)
Nervensystem
Congenital deafness is a hereditary hearing loss present from birth that affects the inner ear's sensory cells, preventing sound signals from reaching the brain. It is often linked to specific genetic variants, such as those associated with certain coat patterns like merle or piebald, or breed-specific conditions like Early Onset Adult Deafness (EOAD). This genetic defect causes the vital blood supply to the inner ear to fail, leading to the permanent degeneration of the hearing nerve cells.
Physisch · Passing: BILATERAL_HEARING
These levels are a comparison framework, not an official certification. They help compare breeding programs at a glance.