Nearly two years are past since Factor vii deficiency was identified in Deerhounds and the subsequent DNA test provided by PennGenn. We have looked long and hard at our views, given the fact this is a mild bleeding disorder and one that does not seem to be causing a major problem in the breed. Our own vet is of the opinion we should do all we can to correct this and we do not know any vet who will ( in writing) say we can safely ignore it.

We have had all our dogs tested and know we will never produce an affected animal and in view of the recent BBC programme pedigree dogs and subsequent correspondence from the Kennel Club, we are still committed to breeding appropriately and kicking this into touch. We will not be loosing any of our gene pool, but we will eventually be free from this rogue gene. The status of our dogs is public and we would ask everyone else to be open and do the same as this will make it easier for us all to work together.

This gene follows simple inherited rules and can be easily eradicated. We know it has been around a long time but in the absence of veterinary evidence to say we can safely ignore it we feel we have a responsibility to work towards eradicating it.

The Deerhounds are lucky in that the breed does not have many major health problems, unlike some other breeds that have massive issues. Let us pull together as a breed - use our carriers and affected animals, keeping our gene pool healthy and work towards being Factor viid normal. We do not want the Kennel club or worse still outside legislation to police us. I am sure we can handle this ourselves as responsible caring breeders.

Information on factor viid can be found on FAQ - This is a great opportunity to stop a mutation dead in its tracks before it starts showing up at a higher frequency in the population. We hope that we will have similar tests for osteosarcoma in the future.

Mick and Glenis Peach