HEALTH TESTING
Because of the huge gene pool and genetic diversity of the breed Australian labradoodles are generally healthy dogs. From the onset of their breeding history only the healthiest dogs were bred from. With such a large gene pool available to breeders of Australian labradoodles inbreeding is not practiced within this breed and line breeding is also extremely uncommon.
Most breeders of Australian labradoodles use a breeding coefficient (C.O.I.) whilst planning a mating helping them to ensure that genetic diversity is maintained. Calculating the C.O.I. allows the breeder to calculate the fractional probability that any of the offspring would carry two copies of an allele in any gene (a homozygous gene). For a dog to be effected by a specific genetic condition they have to carry the homozygous gene for the given disease. The lower the C.O.I. the less chance there is of the offspring carrying any homozygous genes resulting in a much lower incidence of genetic disorders.
Under breeding licence restrictions if the C.O.I. is above 12.5% then that particular mating is prohibited. Here at Doodle Hall we do not go above a C.O.I. of 3.5% in any mating. This significantly reduces the probability of our puppies being affected by any hereditary conditions.
In addition to using the C.O.I. whilst planning matings here at Doodle Hall we rigorously health test all our breeding dogs. We have carried out D.N.A. testing in our dogs for all the available genetic diseases in the Australian labradoodle. This D.N.A. testing allows us to plan our breeding programme so that our puppies are guaranteed not be affected by these specific conditions.
There are an extraordinary number genetic tests included in our testing but the main conditons that we test for are:
(i)Progressive retinal atrophy CORD, GR-2, PRCD: A group of degenerative eye diseases that cause progressive loss of vision and eventual blindness.
(ii)Exercise induced collapse: A genetic neuromuscular disorder that causes the dog to collapse after a period of intense exercise or excitement.
(iii)Von Willebrand Disease 1: A bleeding disorder which results in excessive bleeding due to a defect in platelet function and the bloods inability to clot.
(iv)Degenerative Myelopathy: A disease of the spinal cord resulting in non-painful progressive hind limb paralysis.
(v)Incorrect Coat: Australian labradoodles require the desired coat type which is known as “Furnishings”. An incorrect coat lacks these “Furnishings” which results in short hair on the head, face and legs.
Doodle Hall breeding dogs also undergo the following additional tests:
(i)Patella Luxation Test: Luxating (out of place) patella can cause limping, pain and osteoarthritis.
British Veterinary Association testing for;
(ii)Eyes: Checking the health of the parents eye for additional disease that may render the dog unsuitable for breeding.
(iii)Hip Dysplasia: Poor congruency of the ball and socket joint resulting in joint laxity and early wear and tear and osteoarthritis to the joint.
(iv)Elbow Dysplasia: Developmental abnormalities in the joint due to abnormal growth resulting in lameness and osteoarthritis.
Here at Doodle Hall you can be confident that you are adopting a happy healthy puppy.