“Field Testing” for genetic problems?
Question by Loki Wolfchild: “Field Testing” for genetic problems?
Some breeders of working dogs (in the general sense of “a dog that works”, not the Working Group) believe in “field testing” their dogs for genetic issues, rather than having them screened. The basic premise is that if the dog can do its work, it must be healthy…a dysplastic dog could not run all day, a dog with eye problems could not retrieve, a dog with heart problems would not have the endurance for the job, etc.
After all, health databases and genetic testing have only been around for the past 50 years or so (some much less!)…and most of these breeds have been working much longer than that.
Do you believe that this is a sensible, ethical approach in modern times? Why or why not?
Would you buy a working-line dog from a breeder who believed in this theory, knowing that your dog’s pedigree had no certifications for several generations?
Suggested Catagory: Health > Diseases & Conditions > Diabetes
Leigh: Excellent point. I expect my sled dogs to continue working at 12-13 years old…after all, Togo was 12 when he led Seppala’s team 261 miles during the 1925 Serum Run.
My dogs are not disposable.
Best answer:
Answer by Leah
No, because what if both the bitch and the dog were carriers of a gene that was not dominant? It would not show up in the dogs yet the trait could appear in the pups and not be seen until much later in life.
Add your own answer in the comments!
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