Information

Choosing to add a member of the family is not to be undertaken lightly.  I've added information that I hope will help anyone looking to add a dog to their life. 

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You may have heard about health testing, but perhaps aren't entirely clear about what it means or why it's important.  And there is a lot of messiness to how terms get used.  There is genetic testing and structural testing.  For most breeds, there are recommendation that specific tests be done, and you can find out what theses recommendations are from the breed parent club and/or Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (www.ofa.org).  

 

Genetic testing can be done by any number of providers.  There isn't yet a single recommended or consensus provider.   Embark and Wisdom Panel are two current well know providers.  The AKC asks for DNA (but not genetic tests) in specific circumstances, but have also recently rolled out some genetic testing capability.  NAVHDA has DNA on everything, but no required genetic testing.  Genetic testing covers hereditary breed specific concerns.  For Irish Red and White Setters Canine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency (CLAD), Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), and von Willebrand's Disease are recommended.  Different breeds can have different recommended tests.

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Structural testing looks at the physical structure and function of an animal.  Some things, like hip dysplasia, can have a hereditary component, but environment can also play a role.  These tests are usually, x-rays, blood tests, or other physical assessment.  Often the results, x-rays for example, are reviewed by a panel rather than a single expert before a final assessment is made.  For Irish Red and White Setters Radiographic Hip Evaluation or PennHIP Evaluation is recommended as one of the structural tests.  The full list of recommended tests can be found here - https://ofa.org/chic-programs/browse-by-breed/?breed=RWI 

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OFA started the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) initiative.  A dog achieves CHIC Certification if it has been screened for every disease recommended by the parent club for that breed and those results are publicly available in the database.  Genetic testing alone, while easy, does not provide a full picture of the health and suitability to be bred.  Expect that a rigorous level of testing has been done, and look for the results on a publicly assessable website, like www.ofa.org.    

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Now, if you are here, it's unlikely you are looking for a "designer" breed, but you might know someone who is.  Consider the health and genetic testing issues with respect to a deliberate mix.  What tests are appropriate?  Should all tests for both breeds be done?  Since there isn't a clearinghouse for test results, it would be hard to know what health issues are potential concerns and there isn't a body helping to make appropriate testing recommendations.

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How does one look up information on OFA?  On the top right corner of www.ofa.org you will see the magnifying glass icon and Search OFA Health-Tested Dogs.  That will open up a search bar above where you can type the name or registration number of the dog in question.  Note that the OFA search function can be a little touchy about how you put in a name; the registration number is a less problematic way to search.  How do you find a dog's registration number?  If you go to an AKC dog show, get a copy of the catalog in addition to the judging program.  The show catalog will have detailed information on every dog entered, including the registration number.  Additionally, a breeder should be willing to provide the registration numbers for a breeding pair.

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