Foxfire Health Testing Protocol

As with all dog breeds, pomskies are prone to genetic health issues.  Modern technology has provided many tools for breeders to test their breeding dogs for inherited genetic conditions so they may improve the overall health of the breed.  Pomskies are prone to several genetic problems, including luxating patellas (knees), hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, etc.  It is critical, therefore, to be thorough in health testing dogs that are being considered for breeding so we can avoid propigating these serious and heartbreaking conditions.  

 

Genetic testing or DNA testing IS NOT an actual health testing certification.  But, it is a valuable tool to screen for common heritable issues and genetic traits such as color, markings, ect.  Genetic tests determine if a dog carries a certain number of a specific gene.  Genetic testing is a mouth swab taken by the dogs person.  It is then mailed back to the testing company for results.  Embark is one of the most commonly used DNA companies. The results of genetic testing helps us make an informed decision on pairing certain dogs, but should never be the determining factor for allowing a certain breeding to take place.  Genetic testing DOES NOT tell you anything about a dogs hips, elbows, ect.  Health testing, on the other hand, does just that.  Health testing for hips and elbows are radiographs performed by a licensed veterinarian.  Radiographs are sent to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for certification.  Knee and heart certifications are also performed by a licensed veterinarian.  Eyes are checked by a certified ophthalmologist.

 

Well bred dogs incur a higher cost for good reason.  A well bred dog can be thought of as an investment.  Costing more up front to ensure a higher likelihood of paying less for health and behavioral issues over the life of the dog. Health testing is a third party unbiased opinion that the dog is qualified to produce future generations.  It is one of the most important factors in a quality breeding program.  The goal is to produce an overall healthier next generation by passing on the best genes. 

 

Verbiage can be tricky.  Health tested lines vs. health tested parents.  Health tested lines means generations of dogs in each parents pedigree have been health tested.  Health tested parents means just that - the parents of a current or upcoming litter have been health tested.

 

Here at Foxfire Arctic Spitz we complete both health and genetic testing on each of our dogs.  This includes OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certifications for hips, elbows, patellas/knees and cardiac. We only breed dogs that pass these tests and will contribute to the betterment of the breed.  We are determined to do what we can to develop the pomsky into a healthy, robust dog that will live many years as a devoted family companion.  We do not cut corners and we do not compromise on these principles!