Eye problems seem to be one of the bigger problems in the breed over all. Years ago it was realized that several dogs had went blind from PRA. Many of them were very popular dogs that were used in breeding. Because of this breeders have started doing CERF exams. There appears to be both early and late forms of PRA with late forming dogs producing progeny with early form PRA. Dr. Simon Peterson-Jones of Michigan State has started doing studies try and find DNA markers for this disease. Lens luxation and glaucoma along with cataracts and vitreous degeneration has been found in a fair number of dogs. Probally one of the bigger problems and harder to get out of the breed is dry eye. This problem is usually seen in young puppies and often requires treatment for the rest of the dog's life.
There are some heart problems, primarly heart murmurs, ranging from very mild to severe. However, they rarely cause a loss in the quality of life to the dog, but they do need to be checked for and not used in breeding programs. Portocaval or liver shunts and autoimmune hemolytic anemia have also been reported in the breed, but not in a large amount of numbers.
Luxating patellaes are another rare problem seen in the breed that can be checked for by the breeder or a vet. Legg calf perthes is a difficult problem to breed out, as it is thought to be polygenic. Very few breeders OFA hips as the breed seems to stay very agile even into their senior years.
Some breeders have ran into deafness and started doing BAER testing on their stock. Others have had puppies born with closed ear canals. Closed ear canals and dry eye are thought to be linked to the hairless gene. Speaking of the hairless gene, breeders must take care to only breed dogs with good skin. Most will go through a "teenage" stage, but clear as they get a little older. Allergies is also something that can affect the skin quality. Along with improper bathing and/or moisturizing.
Probally a bigger problem coming to light is siezures or epilepsy that affects dogs later in life. It seems to be running in certian lines and while stressful they seem to be mild cases.
Megaesophagus, tracheal collaps, cleft palates and fistulas are sometimes seen be breeders. Along with inguinal and umbilical hernias and cryptorchid and monorchid dogs.
I know it seems like this breed is filled with health problems, but let me assure you if you do your research you will find these same problems and more in every "breed", pure or mixed, of dog out there.
Even with breeders doing all this testing and only breeding clear dogs you can still have dogs with problems pop up. This doesn't make the breeder a bad breeder it's just the luck of the draw in genetics.
As a responsible breeder when you do get any of the health problems listed above your choices are very slim on what to do with these puppies.
In severe cases where the pup's quality of life will be very low humane euthanasia is often the only reponsible option. In the other cases these pups are often adopted out as pets to families on spay/neuter contracts. Obviously using dogs with health problems is not in the betterment of the breed or a responsible choice.