DNA Testing and Genetics

Visit the following links to learn more about genetic testing and how hereditary disease can be eliminated from domestic dogs via DNA testing.

 

DNA Testing and Domestic Dogs

Genetic Testing of Domestic Dogs

Eliminating Genetic Disease

 

**NOTE: Complete health testing for breeding dogs should include more than just DNA (Embark/Wisdom) testing. 

A simple DNA test is not sufficient enough to determine if the breeding pair is afflicted with the multitude of genetic diseases that affect Rhodesian Ridgebacks. All health testing is reported to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals Database. You can easily search health testing for any dog by using their registration number at: https://ofa.org/

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At a minimum, the following genetic screening tests should be completed:

1. Hip and Elbow Xrays evaluated by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals  OR  elbow Xrays and PENN-HIP rating.

2. Cardiac exam to include EKG often called "advanced Cardiac" on the OFA site.

3. 24-hour Holter Test for Inherited Ventricular Arrhythmia (a certificate of the holter test is sufficient as proof). Less than 50 VPC should be considered a normal reading. 

4. Full-panel Thyroid testing (beyond the basic thyroid testing this should be done annually).

5. Eye exams to check for juvenile cataracts and other eye anomalies (annually).

 

ALSO.... NORMAL DNA testing results to include:

6. Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy, Degenerative Myelopathy, Early Onset Adult Deafness, Exercise Induced Collapse, and  Hemophilia B, 

 

If your breeder is not doing these tests or cannot provide proof from the OFA website or provide certificates from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals...  do not give them a down payment, and find a breeder who is.