Summary of each disease & how to use the test Updated Sept 2023

Genetic DNA tests are available for a number of diseases that have been found in PWD.

The interpretation of the results and the subsequent actions of a breeder depend upon understanding some basic genetics. Dogs inherit 2 copies of each gene, one from each parent. If a dog inherits a faulty gene from one parent then the effect on the dog depends on whether that gene is dominant or recessive.  If dominant it overrides the healthy gene and the dog will be “affected” . If recessive then the healthy gene overrides the faulty gene and the dog will be a “carrier”.  If a dog inherits 2 faulty genes, one from each parent, then it will be affected regardless of whether the faulty gene is dominant or recessive.

​

CLEAR Clear means the dog has been tested for the disease-causing mutation and it has not been found.  The dog will not develop the disorder and cannot pass them onto their offspring.

CARRIER A carrier is a dog which has inherited one mutated copy of a gene and one normal copy. Where the gene is recessive this means The dog will be healthy but can pass on the mutated copy to any offspring. A carrier should always be mated to a Clear partner, and never to another carrier.

AFFECTED Where the gene is dominant the dog will be affected even with one copy of the gene and has a 50% chance of passing it on to their offspring. Where the dog carries 2 copies of either a recessive or dominant gene it will be affected and will pass one copy on to its offspring.

Screening tests (as opposed to DNA tests) can only give breeders the tools to reduce the probability of a puppy being unhealthy.  This applies to Hips, Elbows and Eye screening.

​

A list of recommended tests can be downloaded by clicking the button below