Once again Genetic Tests vs Health Screenings
 

Please be advised these two are very very different. A genetic test is discrete and identifies the gene responsible for a certain disease. It will ascertain if a dog is a carrier, clear, or affected. Genetic tests can be done on the breeding pair actually at the puppy very young age puppy and categorically state that for this particular disease this puppy is clear or a carrier or affected.


Health screenings are what we still have when we don't have genetic tests available - which is for the bulk of the diseases that affect the YT and other purebred dogs.


For the Yorkshire Terrier there is only CDA as a genetic test - health screenings per YTCA are PRA LP evaluation and recommends BAT testing. There are more than a few health screenings I would recommend prior to breeding a YT.


Let me share with you a real story as a breeder of a large rare breed. Having waited for 3yrs for a show dog from a world renowned breeder I was finally on select for a female from this litter. I insisted on the genetic test be done for Hyperuricosuria - and despite what was posted as both dogs being clear for this genetic defect - guess what - I paid for the 2 show promise females to be tested - one (my pick) came back affected!! and one clear - I passed on the affected gal. My breeder was honest enough to show the results for both gals - and that for an autosomal dominant genetic trait told the tale. Which was one dog was bred that was Affected by this genetic trait. Let the breeder beware is the message here.


And IMO any breeder that does not know the difference between genetic tests and health screenings is not worth their salt! For they have not done even the minimal health education on breeding!

Most people think a once over from the vet, or a simple blood panel proves their dog is healthy. Or that they defend a breeder they bought their pup from bc their dog is perfectly healthy (and only a few months old). :rolleyes:

Now another story. I was at a big Pet Expo here in Toronto, I dearly miss my cat , and there was an international show for cats there. Well I went to the exhibitor booths and salivated over the many beautifull cats.


I got into a convo with a Maine Coone Breeder, and when I asked about health tests they assured me their cats have been DNA'd. I blinked and said so what? DNA only proves parentage - Do you really mean DNA tested? Or do you actually mean you have done the genetic tests for cardiomyolopathy for Maine Coone cats? They answered yes. But they had no clue that someone from the public would actually query what they meant by DNA tested. It is like a buzz word, as many breeders seem to think and probably get from would be purebred pet owners have your dog/cat been DNA tested.


That is not the question you ask! As a result of this breeders response, I would not get a purebred cat from them.....