Just wondered if there are any Dalmation breeders on the list who have their litters of pups BAER tested. From what I understand, most breeders do and it is actively encouraged and expected. Unfortunatly this is not the case in my breed, which also suffers from deafness.
Have breeders always had their pups checked? or is it a recent concept?

BAER testing started in dals about 15 years ago, and all breeders are encouraged to have their litters tested. Many do, but by no means all - the 'pet' breeders are the least likely to. :-( It doesn't help that there are so few testing centres so a two-hour drive isn't uncommon, which isn't always easy with a litter of pups. But it really should be done; it's completely painless for the pups.

Hi Sorry for the delay in my reply Jeangenie but I keep having problems logging in, don't know why. It seems there are only about 20% of ES breeders do test and many of the big breeders do not have their pups tested. I have always tested my litters and like you say, there is no where local that you can go (last time I went to a vets down near Portsmouth who have taken over from Celia Cox - about 2 hours drive.) I suppose it is down to the breed clubs to encourage new puppy buyers to ensure they are buying from tested relatives.

Congenital deafness is known in many breeds (I even know of a black labrador which was BAER tested at 8 weeks and found to be totally deaf - a very observant breeder!), but I'm afraid the vast majority of breeders of breeds with a known hereditary tendency to deafness bury their heads in the sand. :-(

Just out of interest JG, what breeds are these (or is there a link you can post so I can have a looksie??) :-)

There's information and a link to a list of affected breeds here.

Thsi list with the prevalemnce seems most useful: http://www.lsu.edu/deafness/incidenc.htm

Hi their,
any advice on how where i get this done my little EBT is 5 wks old and i want to get him tested i havent asked my vet yet but his a small practice and i dont think he will do it their,
im in London so any where close to us would be better,
and how much should i expect to pay ? , thanks.

There are some centres listed on your Breed Club website under Health, then Deafness.  The club may be able to help you further.

yes i did go here first and i called the surry one at end of list who say they no longer do it , the rest seem to far away,

Have you spoken to the club about any day sessions that may be planned.  Or you could try other breed clubs such as the Dalmatian club I don't think they restrict it to just their breed.