2003 ABGA Puppy Mortality Survey
Summary of Results
Final Data for Puppy Mortality Survey (HTML format)
Final Data for Puppy Mortality Survey (PDF Format)
Mission
In 2003 the ABGA conducted a "Puppy Mortality Survey" in order to asses the difficult whelping practices of the Brussels Griffon and to quantify birth defects which are common in all breeds.
Methodology
The survey was mailed to 536 people, which included 334 ABGA and NBGC members and 202 English and Foreign breeders. (Foreign consists of Australia, Austria, the Chech Republic, Finland, France, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway and Sweden) The surveys were returned to Mark Grigalunas and the information was accumulated. Details of the results of the survey are attached.
General Points of Interest
#1. Out of 536 surveys sent, 97 were received for an average 18% response rate. The majority of the surveys received came from ABGA members for a total of 41 for a 29% response rate. (30% - 50% is considered to be a good response rate)
#2. The "ABGA" reported the highest c-section rate at 50% verses the low of "Foreign" at 19%. This may or may not reflect an issue of convenience or an issue of health. In general, foreign dogs are known to be of a larger size and easier whelpers..
#3. There was an even average of 76% live puppies born per litter across all categories.
#4. The average size of a Brussels Griffon litter is 3.8 puppies with 2.9 live puppies.
#5. Cleft palates were the largest birth defect reported at 5%. The least was hydrocephalic at 1%. Breeders may wish to continue investigating ways to lower the amount of cleft palates.
#6. The average cost of a c-section is $505 with a low of $200 and a high of $1500 being reported.
#7. Based on the surveys statistics, a US Brussels Griffon breeder can expect 47% of their litters to be born involving a c-section with 4 puppies being born and with 3 puppies surviving.
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