Unfortunately I have no plans in the foreseeable future, or have any older pups currently available. The best place to look for ANKC breeders is https://www.dogzonline.com.au .

 

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When looking for your new puppy...

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I do not believe that we should be breeding Belgians before the age of 3yrs. This allows them to mature, as well as some of the health issues like some eye diseases and epilepsy are not presenting until 3yrs or older.

It is highly recommended to speak to as many breeders as you can, and build a rapport. If you can go and see the breeder that is also highly recommended. Go with who you feel most comfortable.
Please also see my health pages for more information.
 

Tests that Should be done on BOTH Parents.

Hips/Elbows - X-rayed and scored - CHEDS approved. Or PENHIPP. Scores should be at or below the current Breed average. X-rays should not be done before the age of 18mths, preferably 2yrs to allow for growth plate closure.
Eyes - by an approved ACES ophthalmologist. - Cataracts, PPMs, Pannus.

DNA - Parentage and ALL current health tests.

Tests that are Optional Health Testing.

Thyroid Testing - (a requirement (Tervs) of OFA -America).  Autoimmune Thyroiditis Free T4 (FT4), cTSH, TgAA. 
Cardiac Testing by a Cardiac specialist.

Spine X Ray.

 

Puppy Tests that Should be done by the breeder and received by you.

DNA - Parentage and ALL current health tests.
Puppies Should come with copies of Parents Health tests.

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Make sure you site any certificates prior to getting your puppy. And please ensure copies of these come with your puppy as well as a copy of all the DNA certifications for your puppy. 

This is a relatively new database for ANKC, but any good breeder should be putting their results on here. http://orchid.ankc.org.au/Home/SearchResults  

 

Generally we do not have big issues with eyes, although we do see cataracts which seem to not cause issues.

The one eye exception is for Pannus. Pannus should not be bred from as it is highly suggested world wide it is an autoimmune disorder and hereditary. 

Also two parents with the same eye disorder (or any disorder) should never be bred together. 

Check for eye certificates over several years, as this can also tell you a story. Also generally we are seeing eye issues come out from 3 yrs.

 

Generally hips/elbows are pretty good. 

 

It is my belief that the puppies should be DNA’d for both parentage (even for a pet - you should know 100% who the parents are - QLD, this is sadly only mandatory for full register puppies), and should also be DNA health certified clear - overall, this does not cost the breeder that much extra (less than $200) - especially with current puppy pricing.

You as the new puppy owner deserve the right to know that not only are the parents who the breeder says they are, but that the breeder has covered all aspects of health.

DNA Testing

 

The current DNA health tests should include - 

Degenerative Myelopathy 

Ivermectin Sensitivity MDR1(Multi Drug Resistance)

Mucopolysaccharidosis VII - Type II (German Shepherd/BelgianShepherd Type)

Spongy Degeneration with Cerebellar Ataxia

Spongy Degeneration SDCA2

Cardiomyopathy and Juvenile Mortality (Belgian Shepherd)
Behaviour Propensity in the Malinois, 
Polydactyl/Dewclaws (Malinois),

Coat length/colour/trait.

The current DNA Trait tests are - 

Groenendael - A, B, E, EM, D, I, K, Liver , Long Hair Gene, Shedding, Coat Composition (Double/Single Coat), Curly Coat/Hair Curl, Curly Coat Phenotype.

Laekenois - A, EA, B. E, EM, D, I, K, Liver , Long Hair Gene, Shedding, Coat Composition (Double/Single Coat), Curly Coat/Hair Curl, Curly Coat Phenotype.

Malinois - A, B, EM, D, I, K, Liver, Long Hair, Shedding, Coat Composition (Double/Single Coat), Curly Coat/Hair Curl, Curly Coat Phenotype, Pied.

Tervueren - A, B, D, EM, I, K, Liver, Long Hair, Shedding, Coat Composition (Double/Single Coat), Curly Coat/Hair Curl.

 

The biggest health issue when looking for your new pup is Epilepsy. Ask how many generations clear (for me- at least 3 gen -parents, grandparents great grandparents MUST be clear) but also check on risks with aunts and uncles, grand and great grand, what they have produced, any siblings or step siblings etc.

While there is no definative test for epilepsy it is a process of elimination so do not let any breeder tell you that because there is no DNA test they can't say for sure,  do your own search on lines, and ask about specific lines, even with other breeders.

 

Talk to as many breeders as you can, and pick one that you feel comfortable with. Preferably go to see the breeder if possible, but this option may not be available to you if not close to you (or with current circumstances). If you know someone closer, you could get them to go on your behalf.

 

Be wary of breeders that advertise dogs/pups or litters, but use photos of other dogs/pups. This rings alarm bells.

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