Originally Posted by swarthy

When you are adding your kennel name to the dog, you have 40 characters to play around with so for most dogs it shouldn't be a problem - but it is definitely something to bear in mind - even if you feel you don't want to breed at the moment, you may change your mind in the future

There is an excellent vet not that far from you who has people travelling across the country to use for hips and elbows - I can chase up details if you need them

Originally Posted by ChowChowmum

So its 40 characters when adding my kennel name to a dog that already has an affix and 24 characters when naming puppies- is that right?

Originally Posted by ChowChowmum

Yes swarthy any details you can provide about vets would be great- my own vet doesnt provide a service for any sory of health tests, but i would like to do as much research as possible.

Originally Posted by ChowChowmum

Kazchow i know how heartbreaking it can be when dogs are ill- its awful. My older girl had Crutiate surgery on both legs, it was an awful time. With a breed like Chows i would like to be able to say that if I breed the pup i have done it as ethically as possible- my dogs are my family and treat them as such so i would only want whats best for them.

I'm still learning and very much enjoying doing so, any info/guidance I receive is greatly appreciated.

Yes I did get the name of a good vet from Shetland Lover..I guess I am sort of taking it one step at a time and seeing how we go...if hip scores are good then il do elbows..and just see how we go. If her results arent good- she will just carry on being my spoilt pup and wont be mated!

Originally Posted by kazschow

In chows if you are going to breed ethically, it's more than hip and elbows, remember eyes, cTLI to name but a few, then there's the sire you pick to consider too, a LOT of research into heritery conditions going back through both pedigrees to get a good match

Also bear in mind polygenic conditions like entropian, and EPI... one or both parents can be carriers without showing any symptoms themselves. The breed council, health officer, is a very knowledgable lady, and very helpful, make use of her knowledge. As we both know we have a small, and not massively healthy throughout genepool, so all the more important in our breed to aim for improved health

Originally Posted by swarthy

The vets is in Preston, I will get details for you - I don't use them personally as I have a good one much nearer (although still a four hour round trip!!) - but I know they come highly recommended.

if an eye certificate is needed for the breed, you will need to go to one of the specialists - the details are on the BVA website.

Here's the eye panellistshttp://www.bva.co.uk/public/document...Jan_2010-3.pdf

and there's the overview link on the BVA website which may be of some use
BVA - Eye Scheme

Originally Posted by ChowChowmum

Kazchow what is cTLI & EPI? I havent heard of those conditions before (or just dont recognise the abbrv)