Knowing Pedigree and health
bloodlines
Battis PWD's practice responsible breeding and pride ourselves on picking quality sires to co-produce healthy litters. Several factors go into choosing a mate. Pedigree, disposition, health testing, achievements and overall looks.
When deciding on a pure bred dog it's good to pay attention to the bloodlines of the dame and sire. This is especially true with the PWD breed. Be sure to look back a few generations check for any relation.
A line breed can occur when two animals are related to each other. When this happens, just as in humans genetic problems can occur by receiving two of the same copies of any given gene.
test for Hip Displasia
Hip Displasia is a serious issue with pure bred dogs and PWD's are no exception. Early detection and an educated owner are keys to ensure supreme health.
Battis uses and prefers PennHip testing for our dames and sires. Here are some reasons:
- PennHip requires 3 radiographs from separate angles giving a better view of the ball and socket joint.
- PennHip requires veterinarians be certified to give test.
- According to PennHip, 80% of dogs evaluated as "normal" by other types of testing were found to be predisposed to hip osteoarthritis by PennHip
- PennHip can be reliably performed as early as 16 weeks.
- PennHip uses a percentage score other tests estimate using fair, good, excellent nomenclature.
Love what they are
Breeds were formed and perfected not to grace Westminster and win ribbons but to ensure the livelihood of ranchers, fishermen, hunters or even get rid of rodents. Placed in various roles to benefit the human race. Keeping the integrity of a specific breed means you truly love what they are, how they are and why they are.
AKC is an organization that works to maintain the purity of its registered breeds. By becoming a member you are supporting both purebreds and history.
types of health testing
The following are the health tests useful for Portuguese Water Dogs
- PennHip - Osteoarthritis & Hip dysplasia evaluation
- PRA DNA Test - Degeneration of the retina eventually causing blindness
- CERF - Veterinarian performs eye examination certifies then submits to OFA Eye Registry
- contact local veterinarian
- GM-1 DNA Test - A recessive genetic disorder when two carriers breed together
- JDCM DNA Test - Disease of the cardiac muscle primarly in puppies 1-4 weeks old
- OFA - Hip dysplasia evaluation
What are these tests and what do they mean? We are happy to speak with you and walk thru all the terminology.