Responsible breeders routinely do health screenings for the most common hereditary diseases within their breed.  Of course, dogs with family histories of health problems should never be used for breeding.   Before you buy a puppy, ask your breeder if their KBD's have been tested for hip dysplasia and hereditary eye defects.  Read more about each below.

The most common orthopedic problem in dogs is hip dysplasia, which is a condition of the hip joint in which the bones aren't properly formed.  Hip pain and lameness can range from very mild to extremely crippling, due to a loose hip socket and thighbone connection. 

Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition, but  can be worsened by such factors as too rapid growth and excessive weight gain in puppies.  After the age of 24 months, an x-ray can be taken and sent in to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, OFA, where it can be read by specialists who will determine the quality of the hip joint.  Ratings can range from excellent, good, fair or various ranges of dysplastic, from mild to severe.  If a problem is suspected in a dog younger than 24 months, an x-ray can be taken and a preliminary finding may be made.  

When buying a puppy, ask for a certification that both parents of the puppy have been tested, and what their rating is.  The data base is also available on line at their website listed above.  

While eye defects are relatively rare in the KBD, there have been some recent occurances.  These defects can impair vision in varying degrees. 

Breeding dogs should be tested and certified eyes clear or normal, by a board-certified opthalmologist each year.  The Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) monitors eye problems in purebred dogs, as well as certify dogs that have normal or clear eyes.

When looking for a puppy, ask your breeder for documentation of both the sire and dam's most recent eye exams showing they are free of hereditary eye defects.