I have them show up every once in a while here. They are easy to repair and I haven't noticed a pattern to when they appear, so not convinced they are genetic. Frankly, I've been inclined to think they were more related to how the cord was severed and/or tied off at birth. I have no medical knowledge other than what I've acquired through breeding, so am open to the hows and whys umbilical hernias appear. I wouldn't fault a breeder for one.
As for the health testing, I'm very open to information about that and don't wish to argue for or against. As previously stated, I'm examining the advantages. Certainly there are no disadvantantages other than cost. It may be mroe accurate for me to say I'm still weighing cost vs benefit. I consider myself quite a good, responsible breeder trying to improve the breed without having to price puppies out of the reach of all but the wealthiest 1%.
It's turning out to be quite a mild day here, in the Great North Woods of NH where we're preparing for the long isolation of winter.
