A GENETIC DISEASE MARKERTHAT HAS BEEN FOUND IN BOUVIERS

BHF is investigating it’s prevalence in our breed in the United States.

In early 2025, the BHF began an inquiry into the prevalence of EIC in Bouviers in the U.S. Research has shown the presence of the EIC gene in European Bouviers is 3%. We did not know if it was an issue here. We tested (DNA swabs) 28 unrelated Bouviers at the National Speciality in September, 2025. Those results were analyzed along with previously tested Bouviers for a total sample population of 122. The final outcome of all samples found 18 carriers (14.7% of the sample), 2 affected (1.64% of sample) and 102 normal. This shows the risk gene at 9% of the population sampled compared to the 3% in Europe.

Exercise-induced collapse (EIC) is one of only three inherited diseases of Bouviers for which there is a known genetic marker. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning that the disease appears only when a dog inherits two mutated copies of a gene, one from each parent. It is considered variably penetrant – meaning that the degree of severity of EIC is variable from dog-to-dog.

Exercise-induced collapse is characterized by muscle weakness and lack of coordination, particularly in the hindquarters, after 5-20 minutes of strenuous exercise in otherwise apparently healthy dogs. Episodes usually last 5-25 minutes with a gradual return to normal with no residual symptoms. Severity of EIC varies and severe attacks can be life- threatening. In addition, even moderate symptoms occurring in an active dog can result in significant injury (falling from an agility A-frame, being unable to avoid being kicked by cattle).