Genetics & Health

Before breeding, we spend a lot of time studying other lines that are complimentary and will strengthen the characteristics we want to emphasis in the particular breeding. This often guides our selection for a suitable mate.

Some additional factors in the breeding selection process include identifying inbreeding coefficients, longevity, disease occurrence, number of dogs produced as well as the genetic and phenotypic characteristics.

We only select dogs for our breeding program that have been certified by the OFA for hip, elbows, eyes and heart. In addition our dogs must undergo a comprehensive reproductive exam to ensure success and health of both the mother and puppies.

Potential parents and puppies receive the recommended  genetic testing from the BMDCA to rule out genetic diseases that can be inherited. These tests include DM, SOD-1A, SOD-1B, and VonWildebrands. 

After analyzing the health and lines of the dogs, we will also look for dogs that exhibit desirable traits such as temperament, bone density, head shape, correct structure for the breed standard.

We do not breed dogs that are outliers to the standard, meaning they might be too small, too large, have blue eyes, or a different color overcoat. This is important because you may introduce such deleterious genes that could potentially affect the health and longevity of the dogs.