Our health testing levels for the Kerry Blue Terrier
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:
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) - "dry eye"(KCS)
Augen
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), commonly known as dry eye, is a chronic disease of the ocular system where the tear glands fail to produce enough natural tears. Without this protective moisture, the cornea (the clear surface of the eye) and surrounding tissues become dry, inflamed, and highly susceptible to painful damage.
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: B2 or better
Cerebellar abiotrophy(CA)
Nervensystem
Cerebellar abiotrophy is an inherited neurological disorder affecting the brain, specifically the cerebellum, which regulates balance and movement coordination. In affected dogs, the nerve cells in this region prematurely degenerate and die off. This progressive cell loss disrupts the brain's ability to control smooth physical movements.
DNA · Passing: Clear or Carrier
Degenerative Myelopathy(DM)
Nervensystem
Degenerative Myelopathy is a progressive disease of the spinal cord where the protective sheath around the nerves slowly breaks down. This deterioration disrupts the vital communication signals between the brain and the muscles of the hind limbs. Over time, this lack of signal transmission leads to a complete loss of muscle control in the back legs.
DNA · Passing: Clear or Carrier
Bleeding disorder
Stoffwechsel
A bleeding disorder is a malfunction of the circulatory system where the blood cannot clot properly due to missing or defective clotting factors or platelets, which are the cells responsible for plugging damaged blood vessels. This impairment prevents the body from effectively sealing wounds, leading to prolonged internal or external bleeding.
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.