Info' + Health - Korthals Griffon U.K.

General Information & Health

Importing or exporting an example can be found 'HERE'.

There are no significant health issues with the Korthals Griffon breed so far here in the U.K. Any breeder worth their 'salt' will supply Hip, Elbow and very often colour of coat (K-Locus) test data on the Sire and Dam of the puppy/young dog you may purchase. Here in the U.K; expect health & breeding guarantees' to, the breeder will also check over the litter along with his/her veterinarian, making sure they are suitable for sale and in good health. A further assurance of health and good breeding is if the breeder is an "Assured Breeder" and registered as so with the Kennel Club. But this is no warranty as to the dog's pedigree, breeding or health.

One major concern is that some breeders 'line breed' or produce many litters from the same Sire and Dam couple/family. With limited numbers and also still limited pedigree bloodlines here in the U.K. this type of breeding has potential risks attached and in 2014 we have seen young examples with very poor hip scores and some thyroid issues emerging. Purchasers of a Korthals Griffon here in the United Kingdom should demand all the necessary tests and documentation as mentioned. There is also a guide on breeders/puppies in the resource downloads section.

Colour of Coat [K-Locus] Testing

Since a major leap forward in animal DNA testing in 2007 / 8, one test has come to prominence in the Korthals Griffon communities - world wide. That 'test' is the K-Locus (patented) Test. This DNA test is a simple, painless test done on a Korthals Griffon (or any dog) and tests for a colour 'indicator' or chroma marker within the DNA make up of the dog tested. This chroma indicator marker determines if the Yellow/Tan colour is found and also its dominance in a 'ky allele' presence. This indicates the prominence of the 'A-Locus' in the results. The K-Locus Test is a "colour of coat" test and not a 'health' test. There is clear, positive proof that the Korthals Griffon does not carry any Yellow or Tan colours prominently/showing in its twin coat (Source: Original breeding records and breed standards); unaffected Korthals Griffons tested as KB/KB are considered 'positive' as "good". Korthals Griffons tested as showing KB/ky are considered 'negative' because they "carry" the yellow/tan colouring within them - they may not display this in their own coats. Those that do are the offspring of the KB/ky carriers. It is strongly recommended that potential breeding mates be both 'Colour of Coat' (K-Locus) Tested 'good' as KB/KB, preventing the "ky" anomaly's proliferation in the U.K. population. As there are no Kennel Club registration safeguards set up to protect against litters born not meeting the breed standard (in particular the coat colour) from being fully registered as authentic "Pedigree" with themselves.

K-locus plays a pivotal role in coat colour. This locus is a relative newcomer in our understanding of canine colour, and includes traits formerly attributed by some to other genes. The dominant allele in the series is KB, which is responsible for self-colouring, or solid coloured hair/fur in pigmented areas. This trait was formerly attributed to the Agouti (A) locus as AS, but recent breeding studies had shown this not to be the case. There are two other alleles, kbr, and ky. KB is dominant to both kbr and ky, while kbr is dominant only to ky. kbr is responsible for the brindle trait and for a long time had been considered to belong in the E locus. Recent breeding studies had also shown this to be incorrect. The recessive allele, ky, allows the basic patterns of the A locus to be expressed. So too does the kbr allele, but with brindling of any tan, fawn, or tawny areas.
Any animal with at least one KB allele will be self-coloured.
Any animal with at least one kbr allele, and no KB allele will be brindled on agouti background.
Any animal with two ky alleles will show agouti patterns.
The mutations responsible for these alleles were identified and described primarily by Sophie Candille in the laboratory of Dr. Greg Barsh at Stanford University. Canine DNA screening and test's continue to evolve and uncover further depths in the findings for this branch in science.

Feeding Guide

"Pedigree sporting dogs" and in particularly the Korthals Griffon, require correct feeding that depends on its age, lifestyle and well-being. Off the shelf and supermarket dog food is formulated to feed a variety of dog size and breed type and may not be the best choice for your dog; it doesn't matter if its 'organic' or 'pro-biotic' or 'very expensive'. Please use the hyperlink below for my basic guide on feeding your Korthals Griffon along with the links section. Even "well known" brands of dog food can be detrimental to your dog's health and wellbeing. Honest and natural is better.

Special Links and Resource Downloads

Here's a guide on choosing a breeder and a puppy. 'Click here to read/download it'

An article from Colin Perry 2012® © - Entitled "Feeding your Korthals Griffon". 'Click here to read/download it'

An article from Colin Perry 2012® © - Entitled "Korthals Griffon or not?". 'Click here to read/download it'

☆ Embark DNA tests diagnostics ® © - Who carry out complete Dog breeder DNA and Coat Colour tests.

☆ Animal DNA diagnostics Ltd ® © - Who carry out the Coat Colour and Animal DNA tests.

☆ Laboklin (UK) ® © - Who carry out the Coat Colour and Animal DNA tests.

☆ Animal Genetics (UK) ® © - Who carry out the Coat Colour and Animal DNA tests.

☆ VetGen® © - Who carry out the K-Locus and True Pedigree tests.

☆ HealthGene® © - Who carry out the Coat Colour and Animal DNA tests.

☆ Wisdom Panel® © - Who carry out the True Pedigree Test and others.

Training

The Korthals Griffon is a tender and intelligent dog, always aiming to please. One needs a special dedication to 'sequential' and patient training periods; your "Breeder" who supplied your puppy / young dog will be able to offer help and guidance in these matters. Calm assertiveness, patience and dedication are the keys to a rewarding future with your new 'best friend'.

Always enrol your puppy in 'socialization' classes and groups, so as it can learn about other canines (big & small); along with how to behave. Arrange a visit to a farm and introduce your dog to domesticated animals. If you intend to go hunting or shooting or 'not', your Korthals Griffon needs to be trained and worked in some way in order for it to learn about life and gain control of its natural abilities.

You are urged to take part in formal training; why not join a Gun dog / Hunt, Point Retrieve / Breed club or association to help you achieve this. It's fun and your dog will enjoy it too ~ That's what it's bred for!

Training Tools

Once you have mastered the basics, it's now time to guide your Korthals Griffon in using his substantial in-build skills and talents. They learn best in a 'One-On-One' training sessions of around 20 to 30 minutes each, followed by a short 'fun' break. When you see progress and improvement; now is the time to obtain professional guidance. Don't be afraid of this, many have taken this step before you. You may just do it for fun, just for your Korthals Griffon or even to place some healthy food on the table - but do take this step, it will be rewarding for both yourself and your Korthals Griffon - They'll love it.

Further Resources

~ Below I have listed some information as downloads. I hope they will be of interest and help. ~

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