Hearing Testing

Deafness was identified in a very small number of Wheatens in 1997/1998. Since this time no new cases have been reported. In each case, one particular dog appears to be the common ancestor. Breeders should contact any member of the Health Group or Committee for advice on high-risk lines and have the pedigrees checked to at least 6 generations. Any puppies bred from such lines should have their hearing tested by the BAER system by a specialist at about 6 weeks of age. They do not require sedation. Further details of test centres can be had by requesting them via the General Enquiries form.

The Club encourages continued Hearing Testing. As a historic fact, hearing tests were carried out on 81 Wheatens with the common ancestor in their pedigree who were born between 1986 and 1999 (including three litters of puppies). Only 5 of those tested were found to have a hearing defect and a further 8 to have a degree of ear infection. The total number of Wheatens born between these years was 2,683.