Hi there,

I have a 12week old Smooth Collie bitch with an umbilical hernia the size of a 5p piece. My vet has told me that she will be no good to show or breed from due to this, is this correct? I was under the impression that a small hernia of this type was due to the cord being cut short and there was no need for surgery. She is from very good breeding stock, she has brothers/sisters from the previous litter that are showing at a good level, inc Crufts and her father is very successful in the show ring. I am planning on taking her to ringcraft in the next couple of weeks but am very nervous about getting grief over this hernia. I am new to showing (although not new to dogs!) so am not sure what to expect.

Thanks :)

It will not stop you showing nor most likely breeding, 12 weeks is too early to make such a statement as it may yet disappear and even if it does not unless the internal organs are involved there is unlikely to be a problem.

Hernia's can be put under strain when the bitch is pregnant and can be caused to become larger. Some people suggest not breeding from bitches who have had a hernia. However it is a very simple operation to put it back in to place.
You can show dogs with Hernia's there is nothing to say they can't, it would be the judges preference as to if they accept them or not. Personally when i judge they do not bother me as long as they are not massive!
I wouldnt worry too much, sometimes they go in by themselves.