If it is a genetic defect, it is probably one that each of the parents carry the gene for and only when it is on both sides (unseen) it produces a cleft baby. I don't think anyone would actually breed one that has a cleft palate.
There have also been studies that link it to too much Vitamin A given to a pregnant female. Liver is extremely high in Vitamin A. I have also seen that a pregnant dog being exposed to chemicals on a lawn could be the cause.
I might be wrong, but I don't think breeders take a dog out of the breeding program for producing one cleft palate baby. |