Healthily Bred Dogs and Cats

Dutch people love pets. We want them to be healthy and stay that way. Unfortunately, harmful physical traits and hereditary diseases in dogs and cats often lead to serious illnesses and negatively affect their well-being. In breeding practice, dogs and cats are selected for physical characteristics that people find beautiful or attractive, such as color or coat type. Additionally, dogs are selected for behavioral traits and working abilities, such as a high drive to track, herd sheep, or protect their home.

The selection for certain physical traits is carried out so extremely that it negatively affects the animals' welfare. Think of dogs and cats with extremely short skulls and snouts, which can lead to difficulties in breathing or eye injuries.

Inbreeding

In the breeding of dogs and cats, inbreeding is often practiced. Inbreeding leads to the accumulation of genetic defects (mutations) in the offspring. As a result, offspring are at a higher risk for hereditary diseases such as epilepsy, congenital heart defects, and hereditary forms of cancer. Animals that are not sick themselves can still pass on hereditary diseases. Often, these are serious, chronic illnesses that veterinarians cannot effectively treat. However, with responsible breeding practices, both hereditary diseases and harmful physical traits can be prevented.

With responsible breeding, hereditary conditions can be prevented

How do we contribute to obtaining genetically healthy pets?

The Expert Centre for Genetics in Veterinary Medicine conducts scientific research on hereditary diseases, harmful physical traits, and behavior in companion animals. The researchers translate the results into practical solutions for veterinarians, breeders, and policymakers. They also provide education on this topic to future veterinarians.

PetScan: collected information on possible diagnoses

Kaart van Nederland met daarop symbolen van dierenartsenpraktijken met pijlen die data sturen naar het midden, naar PetScan. Met als uitkomst gezonde honden en katten.

PetScan is a system in which veterinarians across the country can register the diagnoses of dogs and cats. They receive information about these diagnoses, such as scientific articles, videos, and audio clips. This allows veterinarians to quickly check how a particular skin disease looks or how a specific heart murmur sounds. They can also directly enter their patients' diagnoses into the system. This way, the database grows, and we gain increasing scientific insight into hereditary conditions in dogs and cats in the Netherlands.

Infectious Diseases

PetScan is also useful for tracking outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as Leptospirosis (Weil's disease), which can also be dangerous for humans. The system shows where most cases of the disease occur. We also use PetScan to teach future veterinarians.

The benefits for veterinary clinics using PETscan

Stories about PetScan and Fit2Breed

Fit2Breed: matchmaking for dogs

Fit2Breed is a unique platform designed to prevent hereditary diseases. Breeders can responsibly manage a dog population while maintaining genetic diversity. The application includes all available data on individual animals, such as:

  • medical data
  • pedigree information
  • results of DNA tests
  • data on inbreeding and relatedness between parent animals

As the first breed, data from the Kooikerhondje has been entered. This is done in close collaboration with the Association for the Dutch Kooikerhondje. Breeders and owners of Kooikerhondjes from around the world can now use Fit2Breed to see which Kooikerhondje is a good match for their animal. This helps prevent hereditary diseases. The goal is to gradually expand Fit2Breed to other dog breeds and eventually to cat breeds as well.

Policy for Healthy Dogs

The Expert Centre for Genetics in Veterinary Medicine also advises the government and contributes to the development of policies. For example, regarding the breeding of dogs with extremely short snouts. Research has shown that short skulls can lead to health problems such as breathing difficulties. Therefore, the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature, and Food Quality (LNV) asked the Expert Centre for Genetics in Veterinary Medicine to establish criteria for healthy breeding. In 2019, the government prohibited breeding with dogs that do not meet these criteria. In 2023, the temporary exception (in Dutch) for dogs with extremely short skulls in combination with dogs with longer snouts was also lifted. Minister Adema at the time described the new rule as “an important step” in breeding healthy dogs.

Twee honden portretten van moeder en zoon
Within just one generation, a dog's snout can be lengthened. This is clearly visible in the mother (left) and son.

Within just one generation, a dog's snout can be lengthened.

The Expert Centre for Genetics in Veterinary Medicine has since developed informational materials (in Dutch) for veterinarians so they can advise breeders effectively. Ultimately, breeders are responsible for producing healthy animals and must adhere to the regulations.

Genetic Research

Our researchers identify conditions that are common in certain breeds in the clinic and then initiate research to uncover the genetic cause. Based on those findings, we develop DNA tests for hereditary diseases. Such a DNA test can be used by breeders to prevent more animals that suffer from a hereditary disease being born. Additionally, some DNA tests can be used by veterinarians to diagnose and apply the correct treatment. Several studies on hereditary conditions in different breeds are simultaneously underway, such as studies into:

  • stomach cancer in Belgian Shepherds

  • heart problems in Dobermanns

  • brain disorders in Flat-Coated Retrievers

Stories about research

Screenings, DNA Tests, and Guidance for Owners and Breeders (in Dutch)

In international publications, we share the results of these studies with fellow veterinarians and researchers around the world. Veterinary students also participate in the genetic research to gain experience.

Questions

  • Do you have a question about breeding healthy dogs and cats or would you like to speak to an expert? Call 030-2534722.
  • Are you a veterinarian and have a question? Send an email to ecgg@uu.nl.
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