Chondrodysplasia/Dwarfism

In Elkhounds

Chondrodysplasia, commonly known as Dwarfism, is an inherited anomaly in Norwegian Elkhounds. Affected individuals have shortened legs, with normal head and torso. This defect has been present in American Elkhounds since the earliest dogs were imported to America, and has appeared in many lines, much to the surprise of the breeders. The relative frequency with which the condition appears suggests that the mutation is fairly common in US Elkhounds.

Breeding studies have shown that the trait is inherited as a simple recessive mutation. This means that both parents of an affected offspring are carriers; normal littermates of an affected puppy may or may not be carriers.

Recently, the mutation which causes chondrodysplasia in Scandinavian Elkhounds has been identified by Prof Hannes Lohi’s group at the University of Helsinki. They estimate that 20% of Finnish Elkhounds carry the mutation.

A direct genetic test for the mutation has been developed, and is available through www.genoscoper.com. This company is located in Finland.

In addition, the researchers who developed the test are most interested in verifying that the mutation is the same in US dogs. They have offered FREE testing for affected (dwarf) individuals and probable carriers. Contact sgoss001@woh.rr.com for further information on this offer.