Border Collie, Bordoodle, and Maremma Sheepdog Genetic Health Testing

by | Apr 22, 2021 | Blog | 0 comments

Border Collie Puppies for sale in Florida

Border Collie, Bordoodle, and Maremma Sheepdog Genetics and Health Testing

2J 2K Ranch is committed to staying updated on the latest developments in genetics. Because canine genetic research and development are continuously advancing, we ensure our high testing standards are kept by staying at the forefront of the latest genetic health screenings.

    Health Tested Breeders of Border Collies, Bordoodles, Poodles, and Maremma Sheepdogs.

    Understanding Canine DNA Test Results

    Most of the above tests are autosomal recessive, meaning two copies of the mutated or abnormal gene must be present for the disease, trait, or disorder to develop.

    A puppy inherits one copy of a gene from each parent. When no copies of an abnormal gene are in either parent, each parent and the puppy will be genetically clear. Furthermore, the entire litter from two clear parents will be clear.

    Whereas when one copy of a mutation is present in one of the parents, that parent is a carrier. If one parent is clear and the other is a carrier, statistically speaking, 50 percent of their puppies will be carriers, and 50 percent will be clear.

    In addition, when a dog or puppy is a carrier of an autosomal recessive gene, they will not be affected by the defective gene; it will only carry the disease.

    Likewise, a dog who carries a mutation bred to a clear dog will produce no offspring affected by the disease. Moreover, only when a dog or puppy has two copies of a faulty gene (one from the father and one from the mother) will they be affected by the disease.

    Most of the tests we test our dogs for are autosomal recessive. According to Casey Carl, DVM, former Associate Medical Director at Paw Print Genetics and former professional services veterinarian at Embark Veterinary, the exceptions are:

    • Chondrodystrophy (CDDY and IVDD Risk): Semi-dominant for leg length decrease (one copy of mutation may shorten the leg, but two copies cause more shortening) and dominant for increased risk of IVDD.
    • Multidrug Resistance 1– Autosomal Incomplete Dominant (some dogs with one copy of the mutation may have adverse drug reactions to problem drugs, and dogs with two copies are significantly affected)
    • Chondrodysplasia (CDPA)- This is a trait associated with short legs. This test is included with CDDY testing when ordered from Paw Print Genetics and is listed in the trait section on Canine HealthCheck. CDPA is also inherited in a semi-dominant fashion (like CDDY’s effect on leg length). However, the CDPA mutation is not associated with an increased risk of IVDD.

    Keeping Carriers In The Gene Pool

    When approached responsibly, breeding carriers with clear dogs contribute positively to the gene pool. Indeed, breeding healthy carrier dogs with good temperaments helps maintain genetic diversity. However, when a breeder uses only clear dogs in a breeding program, they may carry unknown mutations. Undoubtedly, they will pass these undetected defects on to their puppies, affecting future generations. Although no dog is entirely risk-free, a breeder can take ethical and responsible steps to reduce the risk of known and unknown genetic mutations.

    Furthermore, it is advisable to judiciously breed from geographically separated areas for a healthier gene pool with more genetic diversity and include imported dogs and dogs from different country regions. Additionally, there is a division within many breeds, creating subgroups such as sport, show, pet, working, hunting, service dog, livestock guardian, guard dog, etc. Introducing health-tested imported dogs or dogs from various health-tested sub-groups into a program allows a breeder to reintroduce genes, thus contributing to genetic preservation. 

    In conclusion, at the 2J 2K Ranch, we work with industry leaders to bring our puppy families healthy, well-rounded, joyful canine family members. Notably, our dedication is to raising puppies who are healthy, well-socialized, and well-rounded and who will grow up to be the best dogs and bring absolute delight and happiness into their owners’ lives.

    Border Collie Puppies for sale in Florida

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    Poodle:

      Maremma Sheepdog:

      Bordoodle:

       Updated 4/12/2024

      By: Kara Marx

      2J 2K Maremma Sheepdog puppies and 2J 2K Bordoodles for sale near me.

       

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      Kara Marx
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