Health and Genetics

Beagles generally are healthy dogs, but certain conditions occur with some frequency. The most notable of these would be seizure disorders, hypothyroidism, allergies, hip dysplasia, and inter-vertebral disc disease. The Health and Genetics Committee will ideally be at the forefront of improving the overall health of our breed. The committee will make a concerted effort to track the incidence of health problems in Beagles and take positive steps to improve the knowledge and information available concerning the problems. (Some of the links below, are to pages on other sites)

Click here for link to the Handout from the Dr Bell health seminar from NBC 2011

1. To develop, distribute and interpret health surveys in a confidential manner, as required to determine significant health issues in Beagles. Ongoing surveys will identify long-term trends and the occurrence of established issues, as well as new health concerns.

Data from health surveys will assist in the evaluation of research proposals and/or projects to be submitted for possible financial support.

Data will also be utilized to develop educational opportunities for breeders and owners by targeting breed specific health issues.

2. Research of significant breed health issues will be identified and evaluated for
financial support. These projects must have the potential for the improvement
of beagle welfare. As well, they must have the potential to produce results that are reasonable, affordable and useful to breeders and owners, while maintaining high scientific and ethical standards.

Research projects requesting financial support will be evaluate by the Health & Genetics committee, and a written recommendation will be sent to the Executive Committee. Written communication will be sent to the researcher submitting the proposal upon initial request and again, after the final decision.

Owner participation in research projects and DNA collection efforts will be encouraged. A listing of all beagle-related research projects will be available on the NBC web site. Specific needs, requirement for participation and contact information also will be posted on web site.

3. Educational opportunities will be identified, developed and offered in a manner available to all beagle owners. Educational opportunities shall be offered in a variety of formats, including but not limited to:

Web site-based articles
Web site seminars
Printed materials
Breeders/Owner seminars at Specialties
Health management articles in national dog-related magazines

4. Utilization of available screening tests will be promoted by:

Providing information on each screening test
Listing those tests which are suggested prior to breeding
Encouraging the inclusion of screening tests and/or their results in all advertisements Continuing education as to the use of screening tests for better breeding decisions