Posted on March 6, 2024/Updated 6/23//24

As a Board Certified Genetic Counselor and experienced dog breeder, I have dedicated my life and my career to providing people access to the most accurate and up to date genetic information and testing available. The goal in human medicine has long been to give people access to the best information and care possible to have healthy children and improve their own health. My long career in Human Genetics has been incredibly rewarding and I have been extremely successful in helping people with genetic information and testing. Helping canine health with accurate genetic information beyond my own dogs has been far more challenging.

Genetics plays an extremely important role in canine health and well-being. Through years of experience, I have witnessed firsthand how the accurate application of Genetic principles can be used to manage disease and improve the health, longevity and wellbeing of dogs and how a lack of understanding or a disregard for these principles harms them. I have experienced the heartbreak and disappointment of pouring my love, time and devotion into an amazing dog to lose them at an early age to hereditary disease.

I am here to help you understand how the practical application of genetic education and information can profoundly impact your dogs' lives. I will teach you how to apply these principles and interpret this information to reach your breeding goals whatever they may be as long as those goals include the health and wellbeing of your animals. There is no one type of breeder (show, performance, crossbreed etc.) that is by definition ethical or unethical. Many people have strong opinions but we love and seek to help every "type" of dog and breeder be healthier and happier!

I am also here to help you if you are seeking to purchase or adopt a puppy or dog. We will provide you with information on how to research and ask questions in order to get the right puppy or dog and what warning sigs to look for. Health issues are what break your heart and dash whatever hopes and dreams you have for your dog. Temperament issues run a close second which is why puppy raising is also a vital topic.

Our goal is to empower you with an understanding of sound breeding practices based on this sciences of genetics, fetal development, behavioral development and how to apply these principles to reach your goals for your dog, dogs or breeding program. 

We seek to share the knowledge and experience gained through my formal education and 32 years of experience as a Board Certified Clinical Genetics Specialist and 30 years as a hands on breeder. Our goal is to give you the ability to process genetic information a way to allow you to select the best breeding pairs or the best parents for your puppy. There is never a way to eliminate the possibility if health problems but you can minimize genetic disease risks while keeping the good genes your dogs have to offer. This will truly "improve your breed" promoting the overall health of your breeding program and your breed in the process.

Understanding Genetics in Breeding

Breeding and raising dogs is hard work and potentially fraught with heartache. With any pregnancy--and living creature, there is always a chance that things will go wrong. In many ways the dogs do much of the work. Putting 2 pretty dogs together and having pretty puppies is not all that complex. Doing it well, ethically and having consistent outcomes of beauty, performance, functionality and health is extremely complicated and is not for the feint of heart. Just like with having human children-there's disappointment and setbacks along the way. Be wary of those who claim "I have been breeding dogs for X years and never had a health problem". Ensuring health and managing issues requires a honesty, attention, a good eye and an understanding of the application genetic principles. Undoubtedly many successful breeders have figured key practices out intuitively over the years. It is far more than "doing the health tests" and being able to explain basic inheritance patterns.

Population genetics has long reigned supreme in animal husbandry but we are not breeding livestock. By applying the principles of Clinical Genetics you can better observe and understand genetic conditions and traits and use this information to manage issues that occur in individual dogs, their lines, your breed or your breeding program. Puppy buyers: you can use this information to ask informed questions and determine the "best" puppy to bring into your world. 

By understanding genetic principles and how to apply them, such as how to identify the when a disease is likely to have a genetic basis, interpret inheritance patterns, how to identify high and low risk dogs, understand genetic testing/genetic mutations (now referred to as variants), and and truly understand the benefits/limitations of genetic testing-you can improve your selection process and reduce the occurrence of genetic disease.

We are not here to say what your goal should (purebred, crossbreed, performance, conformation, companion etc. as long as the wellbeing of the animals and future owners are at your core) but to give you the best tools achieve them.

Identifying Genetic Disease

Managing genetic disorders requires far more than "health testing". The issues that decrease lifespan and cause pain and suffering are often not part of the "health testing" or such testing is unreliable at best. Cardiomyopathies, Bloat (GDV), Seizures, Cancer, Autoimmune diseases, kidney problems and so many other diseases affecting dogs do not have a reliable health testing more often than not. Many are not recognized as "genetic disease". Recognition is the fist step to prevention. Understanding the occurrence of a problem in related individuals and the PATTERN of that inheritance in related individuals is vital.

Preventing Genetic Diseases

The primary goal and benefit of genetic education is preventing of genetic disease in your dogs. The field of Medical Genetics started in 1945-long before genetic testing. Testing for known genetic mutations can identify carriers of of these mutations--and these disorders are readily managed, allowing breeders to avoid producing affected dogs. Far more complicated but also achievable is minimizing the risk of genetic disease without a genetic test. This thoughtful analysis and educated approach can lead to insights that breeders and owners have struggled with for years but will lead to healthier dogs and subsequent generations of dogs, and can be used systematically to reduce the burden of genetic diseases in breeds.

Promoting Responsible Breeding Practices

Genetic education also promotes responsible breeding practices, such as avoiding inbreeding and maintaining genetic diversity within a breed (this is an in-depth topic that we will delve into extensively). Inbreeding while touted in certain circles because it increases "homozygosity by descent" can lead to an increased risk of genetic disorders and reduced overall health in offspring. New genetic testing tools can allow breeders to determine the predicted/potential inbreeding of potential breeding pairs and exciting and more accurate estimate of relatedness than mathematical calculations based on pedigrees of already related dogs due to closed gene pools, population "founders" and genetic bottlenecks. By understanding the importance of genetic diversity and responsible breeding practices, we can improve the overall health and well-being of dogs.

Enhancing Canine Health through Genetic Research

Genetic research plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of canine genetics and improving canine health. Research collaboration and resources for genetic studies can increase understanding and contribute to the development of new genetic tests and to the prevention and treatment of genetic disorders. This research-driven approach to canine health can lead to significant advancements in the field of veterinary genetics (and human genetic) and ultimately benefit dogs and scientific understanding worldwide.

Empowering Dog Owners With Genetic Knowledge

In addition to breeders, genetic education benefits dog owners by empowering them with knowledge about what questions to ask when purchasing a puppy and to a better understanding of their dog's genetic health. This knowledge is invaluable as it allows owners to take proactive measures to manage and potentially prevent the impact of possible genetic diseases, to improve the quality of life for their furry companions.

Understanding their dog's genetic risks enables owners to make informed decisions about their pet's care. For example, if a dog is predisposed to a certain disease such as the development of kidney stones, owners can work with their veterinarian to develop a proactive healthcare plan tailored to their pet's specific needs. This may include regular check-ups, specialized diet plans, or early intervention strategies to mitigate the impact of the potential for disease.

Moreover, genetic education can lead to early detection and treatment of genetic disorders. By recognizing the signs and symptoms of genetic diseases early on, owners can seek prompt veterinary care, potentially slowing the progression of the disease and improving their dog's prognosis. Early detection can also help owners better understand their dog's health needs, allowing them to provide the best possible care and support.

Most importantly, genetic education empowers owners to make informed decisions about selecting their dog and potentially breeding their dog/s. Armed with knowledge about their genetic health, owners can make responsible choices about breeding or not breeding, Breeding if their dog has valuable genetic contributions to make or not breeding of they are at risk of passing on issues to future generations.

In Summary

Genetic education and information based on sound genetic principles is a powerful tool for improving the health and well-being of dogs. We seek to provide this education and guidance to help breeders long frustrated by genetic misinformation and health setbacks, By promoting responsible breeding practices, preventing genetic diseases, and empowering dog owners with genetic knowledge, we will make a positive impact on the lives of dogs. As a True Genetic Professional who is experienced dog breeder, I am committed and excited to provide the genetic education , insights and tools to help breeders make the choices that will improve the genetic health of their dogs and help the take away some of the guesswork through understanding. Look for webinars, short courses and videos as well as my private services at DogGenes. Contact me today to learn more about how our genetic education and Genetic Counseling services.