Our health testing levels for the Dutch Kooikerhondje
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 6 additional clinically recommended screenings that reduce risk in this breed.
In addition to mandatory tests:
Cataract(HC)
Augen und Sehvermögen
A cataract is a progressive clouding of the lens inside the dog's eye, which is the clear structure that focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye. When the lens becomes cloudy or opaque, it blocks light from entering, gradually impairing the dog's vision. If left untreated, this condition can eventually lead to complete blindness in the affected eye.
Augen · Passing: CLEAR
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: FCI A or B
Patellar Luxation(PL)
Bewegungsapparat
Patellar luxation, also known as a luxating patella, is a physical condition affecting the knee joint where the kneecap slips out of its normal groove. This misalignment interferes with the mechanical movement of the hind leg and can cause the joint to lock. Over time, this abnormal friction can lead to painful joint wear and tear, known as osteoarthritis.
Physisch · Passing: Grad 0 or 1
Hereditary Necrotizing Myelopathy(ENM)
Nervensystem
Hereditary Necrotizing Myelopathy (ENM) is a severe genetic disease affecting the spinal cord, specifically linked to a mutation in the IBA57 gene in the Kooikerhondje breed. This mutation causes the progressive destruction (necrosis) of nerve tissue in the spinal cord, which blocks vital signals between the brain and the limbs. Because it is inherited in an autosomal-recessive manner, a dog must inherit the mutated gene from both parents to be affected.
DNA · Passing: Clear or Carrier
Kooikerhondje Kidney Disease(KND)
Nieren
Kooikerhondje Kidney Disease is a severe condition affecting the renal system, where the functional tissue of the kidneys is progressively destroyed. As this tissue is lost, the kidneys can no longer filter waste products from the blood, eventually leading to chronic kidney failure. Although the disease is specific to the Kooikerhondje breed, its exact inheritance pattern is currently unknown.
Passing: Clear or Carrier
von Willebrand's disease(vWD)
Stoffwechsel
Von Willebrand disease is an inherited bleeding disorder that affects the blood's ability to clot properly. It is caused by a deficiency or malfunction of the von Willebrand factor, a specific protein that helps blood platelets stick together to plug damaged blood vessels. Without enough of this functional protein, the clotting process is delayed, which can lead to excessive bleeding even from minor injuries.
Passing: Clear or Carrier
These levels are a comparison framework, not an official certification. They help compare breeding programs at a glance.