Continental Toy Spaniel — questions to ask before paying a deposit
A responsible breeder will have these readily available. Deflection is a red flag.
Neuroaxonal dystrophy (NAD)can shorten life or cause chronic pain
A rapidly progressive, fatal degeneration of nerve fibres caused by a PLA2G6 gene mutation. Affected puppies typically develop ataxia, tremor and weakness before six months old, and the disease is relentlessly progressive with no treatment. It has been documented in Papillon-coated dogs since the 1990s, and a validated DNA test for the causative mutation has existed since 2015. Papillon and Phalène are the same FCI breed, differing only in ear carriage, and are commonly interbred, so the mutation would be expected to occur in Phalène-coated dogs at a similar rate, although the published case series specifically name 'Papillon'.
Ask to see: DNA test for the PLA2G6 mutation on both parents.
Initial survey of PLA2G6 missense variant causing neuroaxonal dystrophy in Papillon dogs in North America and Europe (Raj & Giger, Canine Med Genet 2020) (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33292730/) · Neuroaxonal dystrophy in a litter of papillon pups (Franklin et al., J Small Anim Pract 1995) (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8583759/)
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA-1)can shorten life or cause chronic pain
An inherited retinal degeneration leading to progressive blindness. The parent club has worked with researchers to develop a DNA test for this form of PRA in the breed.
Ask to see: DNA test for PRA-1 on both parents, plus an annual OFA eye exam.
Papillon Club of America - AKC Health Statement (http://cdn.akc.org/Marketplace/Health-Statement/Papillon.pdf)
Patellar luxation
The kneecap slips out of its groove. OFA patella screening is one of the tests the parent club requires for a CHIC number, alongside eye and cardiac exams.
Ask to see: OFA patellar luxation exam (graded 0-4) on both parents.
Papillon Club of America - AKC Health Statement (http://cdn.akc.org/Marketplace/Health-Statement/Papillon.pdf)