06/04/2026
Just wanted to get on here and post about testing I do on my dogs and why.
When I started working with this breed the number one thing I would hear from other breeders is how anybody breeding these dogs should always do their best to better the breed. I seen that it was required and recommended to do OFA testing for the dogs which is great but the problem I have is unless you are certifying them yearly the OFA testing dont mean much because heart and patella status can change year to year. OFA recommends yearly testing so that's what I do. I test them for heart and patella yearly starting at one year old and for the entirety of their breeding life. I have not found an ophthalmologist yet for eyes but living near Chicago I should be able to find one. So that is next on my list.
I also do genetic testing. This is another sure way I know I am producing a healthier dog because if my dogs do not carry certain genetic markers or are not affected by the markers, I know the dogs can live healthier, longer lives. My goal is to produce the healthiest dogs I can and this starts with breeding out these negative genetic markers.
I currently test for three things. EFS (episodic falling syndrome), CCDE (curly coat dry eye) and DM (Degenerative Myelopathy).
EFS is a neurological condition that causes muscle spasms, stiffness, and sudden collapse that are triggered by excitement, stress, or exercise. The dog is conscious during these episodes. They are scared, confused and powerless over their body.
DM is a progressive, incurable neurological disease that attacks the spinal cord in dogs. It degrades the protective coating of the nerves (myelin) and the nerve fibers themselves, destroying the brain's ability to communicate with the limbs.
CCDE causes puppies to be born with rough, curly coats and progressive, severe dry eyes and skin issues. Eyes of affected dogs cannot properly produce tears, leading to chronically dry, inflamed, and dull eyes. This can cause painful corneal ulcers and even decreased vision. Skin is affected because puppies can be born with an unusually rough, curly, and brittle coat. As they mature, they suffer from extremely dry, flaky, and itchy skin (especially around the feet), which makes walking and standing painful.
I urge anyone and everyone to look up videos of dogs affected by these diseases. I can not bare the thought of me breeding even the slightest chance of my dogs having any of these genetic conditions, if I can do something as simple and as responsible as genetic testing. So far all my dogs are clear of these markers except 2 of my dogs that carry only one copy of DM. That still means they can not develope the disease. With one breeding I can breed the one copy out. Their puppies will be clear.
My next two genetic conditions Im working on breeding out is MACDD (Medium-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency) and MMVD Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease).
MACDD is where the dog's body cannot break down certain fats for energy. This primarily affects them during periods of fasting or stress, leading to low blood sugar and extreme lethargy. These dogs need specific diets.
MMVD is the most common heart disease in dogs, where the valve between the left chambers of the heart thickens and deforms over time, allowing blood to leak backward and forcing the heart to work harder. It can cause heart murmurs, congestive heart failure, and heart enlargement.
Through the genetic testing and yearly OFA testing I can make sure my dogs are the healthiest I can make them. As a breeder I feel health and breeding to standard are the biggest responsibilities we have. I use Gensol to test all my dogs. Their customer service will take the time to answer any of your questions and there are geneticist available to talk with you as needed also. I know genetic testing is not required by the parent club, but if we have the tools to make the most healthiest dogs.... why would we not?
