In the world of responsible dog breeding, there’s a temptation to focus on just one or two aspects of a dog’s desirability: a sparkling pedigree loaded with champions, or perfect conformation that wins big in the show ring, or passing OFA CHIC requirements. However, breeding is far more complex than choosing a dog with the most titles or the best body type and style. In fact, focusing solely on these factors can be detrimental to the breed in the long run. As breeders, we have a responsibility to take a much broader, science-driven approach that incorporates health, genetics, and diversity into our breeding programs.
Genetic Health Testing: A Non-Negotiable Standard
One of the most critical advancements in modern breeding is the availability of genetic health testing. Today, we can screen for a vast array of genetic diseases that can negatively impact the health and quality of life of a dog. For Standard Poodles, this means testing for conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), degenerative myelopathy (DM), von Willebrand’s disease (VWD1), and neonatal encephalopathy with seizures (NEwS).
However, it doesn’t stop at running a few tests and calling it a day. Standard Poodles require testing through multiple laboratories because no single lab covers all the possible genetic markers we need to monitor. A thorough breeding program involves checking every possible genetic disease marker available, even if it means sending samples to different places (for example day blindness is only analyzed by a lab in the U.K.). Cutting corners here is not an option if we aim to breed healthier dogs and avoid passing on devastating conditions.
Example: Katerina’s OFA record as of today
OFA CHIC Requirements: The Bare Minimum
In addition to genetic testing, orthopedic and other physical health screenings should be completed to meet at least the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) requirements. For Standard Poodles, this includes testing for hip dysplasia, eye certification through a board-certified ophthalmologist, and an elective (thyroid, sebaceous adenitis or cardiac).
While CHIC is a great standard, it is the minimum we should aim for. Breeders serious about preserving the integrity and health of the breed should consider going beyond these tests and completing additional evaluations. Keeping meticulous records of each generation of your dogs’ health and ensuring that potential breeding pairs are tested before breeding helps reduce the risk of passing on hereditary health conditions.
Genetic Diversity: Avoiding the Bottleneck
One of the biggest threats to dog breeds today is the lack of genetic diversity. A genetic bottleneck occurs when a breed becomes too inbred, leading to an increase in hereditary diseases and a weakened gene pool. For Standard Poodles, this is a very real concern. The breed has already experienced multiple genetic bottlenecks, and if we aren’t careful, we risk compromising the future health and vitality of these dogs.
Outbreeding, or breeding dogs with diverse genetic backgrounds, is key to avoiding this issue. Canine genetic diversity testing through U.C. Davis and BetterBred allows breeders to make informed decisions about which dogs will add the most genetic variation to their lines. While outbreeding too much can compromise breed type, careful, well-informed outcrosses can help ensure that we are maintaining the health and strength of the breed without sacrificing other important traits.
There Is No Perfect Dog: The Continuous Journey
Another essential point for fanciers to understand is that there is no “perfect” dog. No single dog will have flawless conformation, the best temperament, perfect health (including zeo recessive carrier genes), and all of the genetic diversity you want. And that’s okay! The goal of breeding is not to find the unicorn but to continuously improve upon your lines and the breed as a whole.
Improvement comes in increments: you may breed to improve structure in one generation and focus on increasing genetic diversity in the next. The key is balance. A dog with a perfect pedigree but poor health isn’t a win for the breed. Similarly, a dog with perfect health but no adherence to breed standards in conformation also doesn’t help preserve what makes a Standard Poodle a Standard Poodle.
Breeding Is a Long-Term Commitment
It’s important to approach breeding with the mindset of a long-term commitment to the breed. Each litter should be viewed as part of a larger plan to enhance the health, temperament, structure, and overall well-being of Standard Poodles. Breeding responsibly takes patience, research, and the ability to make hard decisions for the good of the breed, even if it means stepping back from a promising pairing because of genetic concerns.
As science continues to advance, so too should our breeding practices. Staying informed about the latest research and health screenings will allow us to make the best choices for the breed’s future. Breeding should be about more than just producing puppies. It should be about safeguarding the health, vitality, and beauty of the breed for generations to come.
In the end, the ultimate goal isn’t to produce a perfect dog—it’s to produce a dog that’s better than the last, with healthier genes, stronger structure, and a temperament that shines. That’s the real art of breeding: constant improvement for the benefit of the breed.
Ongoing Monitoring: The Importance of Lifelong Health Tracking
Breeding responsibility doesn’t end when a dog retires from the breeding program. In fact, continued monitoring of retired breeding dogs is crucial for identifying health issues that may not yet have a genetic test or screening available. Certain conditions, like autoimmune disorders, cancers, or late-onset diseases, can appear later in life and may not show up during a dog’s active breeding years.
By tracking the health of breeding dogs throughout their lives, breeders gain valuable insights into potential genetic concerns that may influence future breeding decisions. This long-term commitment helps ensure that issues are not inadvertently passed down to future generations, allowing us to adjust breeding strategies and avoid repeating mistakes. Lifelong monitoring also reinforces the breeder’s dedication to producing healthier dogs and improving the breed as a whole.
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