Health Testing
We recognize the importance of the "whole picture;" structure, temperament, and health. For folks working in performance or who are just wanting a healthy companion, these are major factors in achieving a long and prosperous life/career.
Striving to go above and beyond in our program, we health test much more than just CHIC recommendations.
Our goal by doing efficient testing is to set our puppies up for a successful and healthy life.
OFA's CHIC program, Canine Health Information Center, provides protocol for the breeds whose parent clubs have provided breed specific testing to be completed on a breeding dog. Once your dog has been tested on those recommended tests, it is issued a CHIC number.
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In Miniature Poodles CHIC requirements are: PRCD Progressive Retinal Atrophy, CAER Eye Exam, Patellar Luxation, and Hip Dysplasia.
In our program, with the strong belief of ethics and transparency, we go above and beyond by also testing things such as: Elbows, Legge Calve Perthes, RCD4 PRA, Osteochondrodysplasia, Dygenerative Myelopathy, Chondrodystrophy (IVDD) and more! Sticking with that concept, all health testing results are uploaded to OFA for buyer knowledge. In uploading to OFA, I hope to grow buyer’s knowledge of tests to look for in breeding dogs; as well as leading by example in showing other breeder’s the importance of doing their part in uploading OFA. The more knowledge shared, the healthier the breed becomes!
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The big new question: CDDY/IVDD... My girls were part of the initial study run by UC Davis in 2020. It was determined that the vast majority of small Poodles (think around 90%) carry at least one copy of CDDY. Being a carrier does not mean the Poodle will develop IVDD, nor the severity of the case if developed. It is also not determined if carrying one vs two copies increases IVDD risk/severity in small Poodles. Imagine my surprise, and happiness, when Flirt came back Clear (N/N) during that initial study! CDDY is still a relatively new test for Poodles, more and more breeders are beginning to test their breeding prospects. Many still don't test under the belief that since the majority of small Poodles are a carrier and it is all unknowns as far as risk factor, there is no reason to test. I personally test all of my girls AND upload it to OFA. With more CDDY results on OFA, the more we can work towards Clears! I hope more breeders will follow suit. CDDY genetic testing does not influence breeding decisions at this time, but it is in the back of my mind and I do actively search for nice Clear boys (hard to find!). As a buyer, it is best to learn about the lines you are interested in and see if there are IVDD cases in those lines: If there is IVDD popping up repeatedly, avoid those lines. Look at the CDDY testing as a conscientious breeders working towards a long-term goal. I continue to watch for new studies, but have not seen any related to CDDY/IVDD in small Poodles in a couple years.