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Pembroke Labradors
Genetics/Pedigree/Questions
Genetics
There are key questions all prospective puppy owners should ask the
breeder from whom they are considering acquiring a puppy. Some of these
questions pertain to the genetic background of the puppy and will help
ensure that you are getting a healthy, happy, sturdy Labrador puppy. Of
course, there are no absolute guarantees. All you can do is make certain
that the breeder of your puppy has done all they can do to provide their
puppies with the best chance of quality of life. Sometimes even despite the best efforts of the most well
respected and reputable breeders, problems do arise occasionally. Do
your research and ask questions.
Information that you will find helpful and useful:
OFA Certifications - Hips and Elbows
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals OFA hip and elbow certifications are absolutely necessary for any breeding Labrador. The x-rays for an OFA hip certification are performed at age two or older. A Preliminary OFA, which can be done at age one, is a good advance indication; but does not guarantee the OFA certification performed at age two will report a passing grade. A Labrador is still growing between ages one and two and the joints can change. Insist on seeing, for yourself, the hip and elbow OFA certification of the dam (mother) and sire (father). All reputable breeders will freely give you a copy of each. OFA rates passing hips as Excellent, Good, and Fair and elbows as normal. These ratings are spelled out on each certificate and an OFA number is assigned. To learn more about OFA, please link to their website http://www.offa.org The OFA website can also be utilized to search for the recorded certifications of any dog as well as each relative (mother, father, littermates, 1/2 siblings, etc.) of the dog that has been recorded with OFA.
Keep in mind that genetics is only one part of the equation when it comes to the joints. There are two additional equally important factors; nutrition and environment. A responsible breeder uses every tool available to them to breed Labradors free of joint problems. But once the puppy leaves the breeder, the breeder has no control over proper nutrition and proper care being given the growing and developing Labrador puppy. Environment plays a very important role in the proper growth of the joints. Puppies raised on slippery floor surfaces, allowed to jump, rough-house, run and/or lay on hard surfaces, allowed too much strenuous exercise, or not given the correct amount of constructive, gentle exercise required to develop healthy bones, joints, tendons, and muscles may experience bone and joint problems.
CERF Certification and OptiGen prcd-PRA Test - Eyes
Another certification for both the dam and the sire is the CERF Eye Certification and Optigen DNA testing for PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy). PRA causes blindness. Once again, all breeding Labradors should have a CERF certificate and an Optigen PRA classification. OptiGen developed a DNA test for Labradors to assist breeders in making more informed decisions in their breeding programs to eliminate the occurrence of PRA in Labradors. The DNA results provide a classification for the tested Labrador of Clear (non-affected and non-carriers), Carriers (non-affected but can produce PRA if bred improperly), and Affecteds (will go blind and can produce PRA if bred improperly). Please link to OptiGen to learn more http://www.optigen.com.
EIC and CNM
DNA testing for EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse) and CNM (Centronuclear Myopathy ) are another of the two (2) most common DNA tests and reports obtained for breeding Labradors.
Labradors affected by EIC may exhibit leg weakness followed by a complete collapse after just 5 to 15 minutes of strenuous activity. The severity and duration of these spells can vary. A recessive genetic mutation causes EIC; therefore, a dog tested as having either clear or carrier status will not have symptoms of the disease. In a breeding pair, at least one parent should be EIC clear.
CNM is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder and is characterized by muscle weakness and exercise intolerance. As a recessive disorder, a dog with clear or carrier status will not show signs of CNM. In a breeding pair at least one parent should be tested clear of CNM to ensure puppies are not affected.
There are other more uncommon genetic disorders that can be determined by DNA testing for breeders who have them in their lines to assist these breeders with proper breeding practices. You can research further by going on the following sites:
Information that you will find helpful and useful:
OFA Certifications - Hips and Elbows
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals OFA hip and elbow certifications are absolutely necessary for any breeding Labrador. The x-rays for an OFA hip certification are performed at age two or older. A Preliminary OFA, which can be done at age one, is a good advance indication; but does not guarantee the OFA certification performed at age two will report a passing grade. A Labrador is still growing between ages one and two and the joints can change. Insist on seeing, for yourself, the hip and elbow OFA certification of the dam (mother) and sire (father). All reputable breeders will freely give you a copy of each. OFA rates passing hips as Excellent, Good, and Fair and elbows as normal. These ratings are spelled out on each certificate and an OFA number is assigned. To learn more about OFA, please link to their website http://www.offa.org The OFA website can also be utilized to search for the recorded certifications of any dog as well as each relative (mother, father, littermates, 1/2 siblings, etc.) of the dog that has been recorded with OFA.
Keep in mind that genetics is only one part of the equation when it comes to the joints. There are two additional equally important factors; nutrition and environment. A responsible breeder uses every tool available to them to breed Labradors free of joint problems. But once the puppy leaves the breeder, the breeder has no control over proper nutrition and proper care being given the growing and developing Labrador puppy. Environment plays a very important role in the proper growth of the joints. Puppies raised on slippery floor surfaces, allowed to jump, rough-house, run and/or lay on hard surfaces, allowed too much strenuous exercise, or not given the correct amount of constructive, gentle exercise required to develop healthy bones, joints, tendons, and muscles may experience bone and joint problems.
CERF Certification and OptiGen prcd-PRA Test - Eyes
Another certification for both the dam and the sire is the CERF Eye Certification and Optigen DNA testing for PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy). PRA causes blindness. Once again, all breeding Labradors should have a CERF certificate and an Optigen PRA classification. OptiGen developed a DNA test for Labradors to assist breeders in making more informed decisions in their breeding programs to eliminate the occurrence of PRA in Labradors. The DNA results provide a classification for the tested Labrador of Clear (non-affected and non-carriers), Carriers (non-affected but can produce PRA if bred improperly), and Affecteds (will go blind and can produce PRA if bred improperly). Please link to OptiGen to learn more http://www.optigen.com.
EIC and CNM
DNA testing for EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse) and CNM (Centronuclear Myopathy ) are another of the two (2) most common DNA tests and reports obtained for breeding Labradors.
Labradors affected by EIC may exhibit leg weakness followed by a complete collapse after just 5 to 15 minutes of strenuous activity. The severity and duration of these spells can vary. A recessive genetic mutation causes EIC; therefore, a dog tested as having either clear or carrier status will not have symptoms of the disease. In a breeding pair, at least one parent should be EIC clear.
CNM is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder and is characterized by muscle weakness and exercise intolerance. As a recessive disorder, a dog with clear or carrier status will not show signs of CNM. In a breeding pair at least one parent should be tested clear of CNM to ensure puppies are not affected.
There are other more uncommon genetic disorders that can be determined by DNA testing for breeders who have them in their lines to assist these breeders with proper breeding practices. You can research further by going on the following sites:
http://www.akcchf.org
http://www.animalgenetics.us/index.htm
http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/CGD_main.htm
http://www.optigen.com/
http://www.vdl.umn.edu/ourservices/canineneuromuscular/home.html
http://www.vetdnacenter.com/canine.html
http://www.vetgen.com/
http://www.animalgenetics.us/index.htm
http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/CGD_main.htm
http://www.optigen.com/
http://www.vdl.umn.edu/ourservices/canineneuromuscular/home.html
http://www.vetdnacenter.com/canine.html
http://www.vetgen.com/
Pedigree
The pedigree of your puppy can provide a multitude of useful
information, apart from the parentage, or "family tree" of the puppy.
Sometimes additional information for every Labrador who contributed to
the genetic background of the puppy is included on a pedigree in
addition to
the name of each dam and sire; such as the AKC registration
number, the OFA certifications, the color, and the titles earned. A
pedigree will also provide the kennel name that bred each Labrador in
your puppy’s pedigree. Many of the pedigrees can be traced back to a
well-known English kennel, which will provide interesting facts into the
history involved in the pedigree. The older kennels and breeders can be
easily researched online or in many of the books authored regarding the history of
the breed.
Questions
Important indicators of a reputable breeder are the time, hard
work, dedication, and finances invested into their line of
Labradors. Many people have been well educated to beware of the many
puppy mills producing litter after litter of improperly bred
Labradors in conditions that are inhumane, crowded, and filthy. You
must also be wary of the "back yard" breeders, who couple any two
Labradors together without consideration to their pedigrees, hips,
eyes, temperament, and genetic disposition. Not only are these
breeders detrimental to the Labrador breed by producing sub-standard
Labradors, it is cruel to produce
puppies that may not be able to enjoy the experiences inherent to
the breed, such as running, swimming, retrieving, hunting, etc. You should be aware
that most responsible and reputable breeders will ask you many
questions pertaining to yourself, your family, your lifestyle, your
home, and your intentions with regard to the puppy. Do you want a Labrador for a pet
and companion, to hunt and retrieve, to show in conformation
competition, to train in obedience, etc.? These are all important
aspects of choosing the right Labrador for you. The breeder will
help you as they are just as concerned to find the right home for
each of their puppies as you are in finding and choosing the right
Labrador. A person whom has become a responsible, reputable breeder
has done so because of their love of the breed and their desire to
become involved in bettering the breed, not to make a profit. They
enjoy the many aspects of the multi-purpose Labrador and typically
get involved in titling and competing with the Labradors in the
conformation ring, obedience, hunt tests, tracking, agility,
therapy, and many more. Any person who simply breeds Labradors just
to produce puppies for selling and profit does not truly have the
best interest of the Labrador breed in their hearts.
Veterinary Care Puppies should
be examined and certified in good health by a veterinarian. A
minimum of one set of shots and three wormings are usually provided
for each puppy by the breeder. The first set of shots being
administered before the puppy leaves the breeder at eight weeks of
age. The wormings are completed at three, five and seven weeks of
age; some breeders worm four times, at two, four, six, and eight
weeks of age. You should always take your new puppy to your
veterinarian within 72 hours for an examination. An independent
examination by a veterinarian of your choice will not only protect
you, but the breeder, as well.
