Health Testing for a Hungarian Pumi

A Guide for Puppy Buyers

When adopting a Hungarian Pumi, ensuring that the dog comes from an ethical breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of the breed is crucial. Ethical breeders perform a variety of health tests to ensure that the dogs they breed are not prone to inherited diseases or health issues that could affect their long-term quality of life. In this section, we will cover the key health tests an ethical breeder should perform for a Hungarian Pumi, how to research prospective breeders, and how to verify health testing through official resources like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), Canine Health Information Center (CHIC), and the Hungarian Pumi Club of America (HPCA).

Health Tests for Hungarian Pumi Dogs

The Hungarian Pumi is generally a healthy breed, but as with any dog, certain genetic conditions and health issues can arise. Ethical breeders are committed to reducing the risk of these issues through responsible breeding practices, which include health testing for common hereditary diseases.

1. Hip Dysplasia

• Description: Hip dysplasia is a common condition in many dog breeds, including the Pumi, where the hip joint does not form properly, leading to arthritis and mobility issues. Early detection through screening can help manage this condition.

• Recommended Test: OFA Hip Evaluation: The OFA provides evaluations for hip dysplasia through x-rays of the dog's hips, which are assessed by a veterinary radiologist. A passing score ensures that the dog has healthy hips.

• OFA CHIC Requirement: The Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) maintains a list of breed-specific health requirements. For the Pumi, a passing OFA hip evaluation is a key requirement for the CHIC certification.

2. Elbow Dysplasia

• Description: Like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia occurs when the elbow joint develops improperly, which can lead to arthritis and lameness.

• Recommended Test: OFA Elbow Evaluation
  This is another radiographic evaluation conducted by veterinary specialists to assess the quality of the dog's elbow joints.

3. Patellar Luxation

• Description: Patellar luxation is a condition where the kneecap (patella) dislocates from its normal position, causing pain and potentially limiting mobility. This condition is relatively common in small breeds but can affect larger dogs as well.

• Recommended Test: OFA Patellar Luxation Evaluation
  During the exam, a veterinarian manually tests the stability of the dog’s patella to detect any issues with the knee joint.

4. Primary Lens Luxation (PLL)

• Description: PLL is a painful and potentially blinding inherited eye condition. PLL occurs when the ligaments in the eye weaken, displacing it from its normal position.

• Recommended Test: OFA DNA Test for PLL
  The Pumi may be tested for PLL through a simple genetic test from an approved lab, which can identify carriers or affected dogs. Testing can help breeders avoid producing puppies that are at risk for the condition.

5. Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

• Description: Degenerative myelopathy is a neurological condition that affects the spinal cord and can lead to progressive paralysis.

• Recommended Test: OFA DNA Test for DM. This genetic test helps identify dogs that are carriers or affected by this disease. Breeders can use this information to make responsible breeding decisions.

6. AVCO Eye Exam:

• AVCO Eye Examination. Results registered with OFA

OFA, CHIC, and HPCA: How to Verify Health Tests

1. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
The OFA is a non-profit organization that provides health screenings for a variety of canine diseases. Breeders can submit their dogs for evaluations, and the results are available in a publicly accessible database. This allows potential puppy buyers to check the health clearances of dogs before purchasing a puppy.

How to Verify Tests on the OFA Site

• Visit the OFA website: www.ofa.org

• Use the “Dog Search” feature to search for a dog’s health records by entering the dog’s registered name or OFA registration number.

• Look for the “Clearances” section to see the specific health tests completed for the dog, including results for hips, elbows, patellas, and genetic tests like PLL and DM.

2. Canine Health Information Center (CHIC)
The CHIC program, a collaboration between the OFA and breed clubs, maintains a database of dogs that have met the health testing requirements for specific breeds. For the Hungarian Pumi, obtaining CHIC certification means that the dog has passed the necessary health screenings for the breed, including tests for hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, and genetic diseases like PLL and DM.

How to Verify CHIC Certification

• Visit the CHIC website: www.caninehealthinfo.org

• Use the “CHIC Dog Search” feature to search by a dog’s name or registration number.

• If a dog has CHIC certification, it means it has passed all required health testing specific to the Pumi breed.

3. Hungarian Pumi Club of America (HPCA)
The HPCA is the recognized breed club for the Hungarian Pumi in North America. The club advocates for responsible breeding and the health of the breed. HPCA maintains its own Pumi DNA and Pedigree Database, which is a useful resource for prospective buyers to understand the genetic background of a dog.

How to Research a Prospective Breeder

As a prospective puppy buyer, it’s important to thoroughly research the breeder you’re considering. Here are steps to help you find a reputable breeder who conducts the necessary health testing:

1. Ask for Health Testing Documentation
An ethical breeder should be transparent about the health tests their dogs have undergone. Request proof of the health clearances for the puppy’s parents (particularly hip, elbow, and patellar evaluations, along with any genetic tests for PLL and DM). A breeder who cares about the health of the breed will happily provide this documentation.

2. Research the Breeder’s Reputation

• Breed Club Membership: Check if the breeder is a member of a recognized breed club, such as the HPCA or the American Kennel Club (AKC). It is important to note that Canada does not yet have a Pumi breed club.

• References: Ask the breeder for references from past puppy buyers. Speaking with other owners can give you insight into the breeder’s practices and the health of the puppies.

• Visit the Breeder’s Facility: If possible, visit the breeder’s facility to see the living conditions of the dogs. A responsible breeder will have clean, well-maintained facilities where the dogs are treated with care.

3. Verify Health Testing on OFA and CHIC Databases
Once you have the names or registration numbers of the puppy’s parents, you can verify health testing results on the OFA and CHIC websites. This allows you to confirm that the breeder has completed all necessary health checks for the breed.

Conclusion

Choosing a Hungarian Pumi puppy is an exciting journey, but it’s important to ensure that you are buying from an ethical breeder who prioritizes the health of the breed. By looking for breeders who perform necessary health tests—such as hip, elbow, patellar evaluations, and genetic testing for conditions like PRA and DM—and who are transparent about their breeding practices, you can ensure a healthy start for your new Pumi companion.

Utilizing resources like the OFA, CHIC, and HPCA databases allows you to confirm health testing results and make an informed decision when selecting a breeder. Researching thoroughly and verifying health clearances gives you peace of mind knowing you are contributing to the preservation and well-being of the Hungarian Pumi breed.