HEALTH SCREENING

The breeding of purebred dogs is not an exact science.  It is not always possible to prevent the occurrence of inherited diseases, as there are not yet definitive tests to identify carriers of genetic diseases in our breed.  A breeder’s obligation with regard to genetic diseases is to make every effort to prevent their occurrence and to share openly and honestly all information available regarding the genetic health status of his/her dogs.  While elimination of genetic diseases is a worthy goal, the converse is that excessive culling of animals from the gene pool may have the equally deleterious effect of limiting the gene pool in the breed.  Breeders should be cautious about removing animals from the breeding pool solely because they are distantly related to an affected individual.  Breeders should be able to provide written proof (signed by a veterinarian) that their breeding stock has been checked for hearing, heart, kidney, and patella related issues. These tests are called BAER (hearing) test, auscultation (heart) and/or Doppler Echocardiogram (heart), UPC (urine protein creatinine ratio – kidney), and palpation for checking patella luxation.

Beware of breeders who claim “DNA profiled” or “DNA screened” in their ads.  A DNA profile is required by AKC only for identification purposes.  As yet, there are no profiles or screens which assure the absence of genetic disease associated with a DNA profile or screening.

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