When Good Dogs Get Bad Genes

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I came across this article and thought it was very interesting.  It actually raised a lot of questions in my mind.  Although Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are not "officially recognized breeds", I think they are becoming  "breeds" from a practical point of view.  I'm very uneducated when it comes to exactly what Doodle breeders are doing to understand and react to health and genetics issues.  Clearly there is oversight in most other breeds, with organizations committed to the "betterment of the breed".  Thoughts?

http://www.goldendna.org/when-good-dogs-get-bad-genes/

[Melissa & Porter]

Interesting article.  My gut tells me that avoiding carriers of a disease altogether is a bad idea.  In humans, there are several diseases for which being a carrier is an advantage against other diseases.  Sickle cell anemia carriers are resistant to malaria.  Cystic fibrosis carriers are believed to be resistant to typhoid fever and cholera.  There is some indication that rheumatoid arthritis and tuberculosis may have this connection.  We have no idea what advantages other mutations might afford, and why evolution has allowed them to exist.  Of course, using the word "evolution" for dog breeding makes little sense.  There is no natural selection with environmental pressures happening--unless you consider humans to be nature and our quirky preferences for looks and temperament to be an environmental pressure.  Meh, works for me. 

Either way, the article shows a lot of research and thoughtfulness, which is great.

 

[Lorraine Bromley]

It would be wonderful if all breeders would contribute to the data base and use this information in their breeding programs.

[Mustard Seed Ranch]

You will be proud to know that "doodle" breeders as a group (Lab and Golden) do more testing then any other breed (in comparison of numbers.). I can only speak for GANA as I am a member of it , but we are REQUIRED to have at least one CLEAR PRA/PRCD dog in each breeding pair. If in fact you do have a carrier it can only be bred to a tested CLEAR. Yes, this will produce about 1/4 carrier but as long as we keep testing we are not breeding affested, we are not limiting our gene pool, and we are reducing the total numbers. The same is done with Vwd. I know the IALA breeders have similar rules and test their dogs as well, I just dont know the specifics of their program.

Doodle Breeders (Responsible, ethical ones) are doing a lot to ensure the health and well being of the dogs that they produce. I know both organizations (IALA and GANA) are very active in research of disease and DNA testing, and contribute when they can to scientific studies.  

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks so much for sharing this.  I'm intrigued by this....I clearly need to do more research to better understand all that is occurring to safeguard the future of our precious Doodles.

[Melissa & Porter]

That is awesome.  I am so proud to have a doodle.  He has better genes than I do, that's for sure!

[Kate]

Ha! I just read this and could stop laughing! Isn't that so funny? Our families genes are boosted higher by the dogs we have!!! :-)