Health Testing

Patella Scoring

All breeding dogs as off January 2025 are now assesed at 12mths or older by a specalist vet and form lodged with OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.)

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Classification of Scoring

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Grade 1 -  The patella easily luxates manually at full extension of the stifle joint, but returns to the trochlea when released. 

Grade 2 - There is frequent patellar luxation which, in some cases, becomes more or less permanent. 

Grade 3 - The patella is permanently luxated with torsion of the tibia and deviation of the tibial crest of between 30 degrees and 50 degrees from the cranial/caudal plane.  

Grade 4 - The tibia is medially twisted and the tibial crest may show further deviation medially with the result that it lies 50 degrees to 90 degrees from the cranial/caudal plane. 

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Dogs used in our Breeding Program must score a Grade 1 under OFA scoring to be used in our program.  (Note all young dogs have soft bones up to 12mths of age and the Patella must be protected during this time to avoid injury. Eg jumping on and off lounges/beds, doing zoomies are to be avoided.

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Parentage DNA Profiling

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Dogs used in our program are DNA Profiled and Parentage Tested to prove parents are who we say they are and Pedigree Papers are Provided.

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DNA Genetic Testing

Information coming soon

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Hips and Elbow Scoring

Although not a requirement under Dogs Australia for our breed and is an expensive exercise we believe this test is vital to improving the breed in our country overall.

Our dogs scoring is done via PennHIPP.

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COI Testing

Our Breeding Dogs are now entered into a Breeding database so that we can determine COI % prior to matings.

What is COI?

• Pedigree-based COI:

  This method estimates inbreeding based on the known pedigree of the dogs, looking at the frequency of common ancestors. 

• Genetic COI:

  This method uses DNA testing to directly assess the proportion of an individual's DNA that is identical by descent, providing a more accurate measure of inbreeding. 

• Why it matters:

  Inbreeding, or the mating of closely related dogs, can increase the likelihood of inheriting recessive genetic conditions. 

How to use COI in breeding:

• Assess breeding pairs:

  Breeders can use COI to evaluate the expected inbreeding level of a potential litter and compare it to the inbreeding levels of the parents. 

• Minimize inbreeding:

  By understanding the COI of their breeding stock, breeders can make informed decisions to reduce the risk of inbreeding and its associated health problems. 

• Genetic diversity:

  Breeding programs should aim to maintain genetic diversity within a breed to prevent the accumulation of deleterious genes.