At MajAnns Australian Labradoodles, the health and comfort of our dogs are of great importance. We therefore take professional pride in implementing WALA breeding practices. To that aim, all our breeding dogs undergo a thorough screening benchmark of DNA profile tests from Genomia Genetic Laboratory – an OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) approved laboratory – to detect potential health disorders or diseases. Additionally, from another approved laboratory, they undertake eyes tests, and screening tests to show any existing abnormalities of the hip and elbow joints (canine hip and elbow dysplasia clearance).
WALA recommends the following:
1. DNA Profile Testing (The ‘ID Card’)
Think of a DNA Profile as a genetic fingerprint or a permanent ID card. This is often referred to as a DNA Parentage Profile, whose purpose is to uniquely identify an individual dog and prove parentage. It looks at specific markers called SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) or STRs (Short Tandem Repeats). These don’t do anything, They are just unique patterns. Exploring your dog’s genetic makeup is both a fascinating journey and a vital tool for proactive care. By screening for a broad spectrum of disease-associated genes, genetic testing moves beyond novelty and becomes a primary defense in predicting and preventing serious health issues. Ethical breeders have integrated these screenings into their standard practice for years, using DNA insights to eliminate known hereditary conditions and carefully manage genetic diversity to avoid the pitfalls of inbreeding. For those investing in pedigree dogs, these health panels provide essential peace of mind, confirming that a new addition to a breeding program is as physically sound as their lineage suggests. A DNA Profile will not tell you if your dog will have a curly coat or if it carries a genetic disease. It only identifies who the dog is.
2. DNA Trait & Health Testing (The ‘Blueprint’)
Trait testing is an analysis of the functional parts of the DNA. This tells you about the physical and biological makeup of the dog. Its purpose is to predict physical appearance (Phenotype) and screen for inherited health conditions. It measures specific genes known to control certain characteristics.
Key categories for ALD are:
- Progressive rod-cone degeneration (PRCD)
Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRCD) is a hereditary, late-onset version of Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) found across a wide variety of breeds. This condition triggers the gradual breakdown of the retina’s photoreceptor cells, systematically stripping away a dog’s ability to see in different lighting conditions.
- Von Willebrand Disease (vWD)
Von Willebrand Disease (vWD) is an inherited bleeding disorder that makes it difficult for blood to clot. It is the most common inherited bleeding disorder in dogs, and it can be seen more frequently in certain breeds, such as Doberman Pinschers. Dogs with vWD may show signs of bleeding, such as skin bruising, bleeding from the gums or nose, and excessive bleeding during surgery. While there is no cure for vWD, dogs can have a normal lifespan with proper care.
- Furnishings and Improper Coat (RSPO2)
The term furnishings describe the longer moustache and eyebrows seen in some breeds and is due to a variant of the R-spondin-2 (RSPO2) gene. In some breeds such as the Australian Labradoodle, the lack of the dominant RSPO2 variant (IC) causes Improper Coat which is characterized by short hair on the head, face, and legs.
- Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC)
Exercise-induced collapse (EIC) is characterized by muscle weakness, lack of coordination, and life-threatening collapse after intense exercise in otherwise apparently healthy dogs. Affected dogs tolerate mild to moderate activity but will display signs of EIC after 5-20 minutes of strenuous exercise. The severity of EIC varies. EIC episodes last from 5-25 minutes with a gradual return to normal with no apparent residual weakness or stiffness.
- Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a fatal inherited neurodegenerative disease that affects older dogs. It affects the spinal cord in dogs, causing progressive muscle weakness and loss of coordination. It initially results in paralysis of the pelvic limbs but progresses to affect all limbs.
Additionally, the following conditions are checked:
- Hip dysplasia (HD)
Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a condition that begins in dogs as they grow and results in instability or a loose fit (laxity) of the hip joint, The hip joint laxity is responsible for potential clinical signs (symptoms) of hip pain and limb dysfunction and progressive joint changes. The hip joint is a ball and socket joint and continual abnormal movement of the femoral head (ball) deforms the acetabulum (socket). The long-term response to this joint laxity is the progressive loss of cartilage, the development of scar tissue around the joint, and the formation of osteophytes (bone spurs) around the ball and socket. The cause of CHD is multifactorial; however, hereditary (genetics) is the biggest single risk factor. Rapid weight gain and growth through excessive nutritional intake can complicate the development of CHD. Hip dysplasia occurs most commonly in large breed dogs. While certain anti-inflammatory drugs as well as dietary supplements compounds may help maintain the strength of an animal’s connective tissues.
- Elbow dysplasia (ED)
Canine elbow dysplasia (ED) is a condition involving multiple developmental abnormalities of the elbow joint. It is an inherited condition that can occur in most dog breeds but is most seen in large to giant breed dogs. It is a disease that encompasses several conditions grouped into medial compartment disease (fragmented coronoid process (FCP), osteochondrosis (OCD), joint incongruity, and cartilage anomaly) and ununited anconeal process (UAP). The cause of ED in dogs remains unclear. In a young dog, a deformed elbow may be the problem. While hip dysplasia tends to get the headlines for canine orthopedic health, elbow dysplasia can be equally debilitating. Elbow dysplasia is the second-most common cause of elbow lameness in dogs. While elbow dysplasia cannot be cured, it can be well-managed. With surgery and the appropriate medical management, many dogs have a good long-term prognosis.
- Hereditary eye disease scheme for dogs
This screening is used to detect several hereditary diseases such as cataracts or progressive retinal degeneration, to identify and exclude affected dogs from breeding. There are many types of hereditary eye disease, both congenital (conditions that exist from birth or soon after birth) and non-congenital (conditions that develop later in life), that affect dogs. Many of these conditions can have serious effects on health and welfare, causing pain, blindness, or the need for lifelong medication. Dogs subject to these screenings are those intended for breeding or puppies that the breeder wishes to have examined before sale. At MajAnns Australian Labradoodles, we perform this exam every 2 years (for males) or just before a litter (for females) to ensure that no disease has developed during this time.
