Welcome back to the Stormforge Working Dogs blog! We’ve introduced you to our kennel, shared our breeding philosophy, and discussed the importance of early socialization. Today, we want to focus on another crucial aspect of our breeding program: health and genetic testing.
Our Commitment to Health
At Stormforge Working Dogs, the health and well-being of our Dobermans are our top priorities. We believe that responsible breeding starts with a thorough understanding of the genetic health of our dogs. By conducting comprehensive health and genetic testing, we aim to produce puppies that are not only robust and fit but also free from hereditary diseases.
Why Genetic Testing Matters
Genetic testing is essential in identifying potential hereditary conditions that could affect a dog’s health. By screening for these conditions, we can make informed breeding decisions that reduce the risk of passing on genetic disorders to future generations. This proactive approach helps us maintain the highest standards of health in our breeding program.
Our Testing Procedures
Here are some of the key health and genetic tests we perform on our breeding dogs:
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: We screen our dogs for hip and elbow dysplasia to ensure they have healthy joints. This is particularly important for working dogs, as joint health directly impacts their performance and quality of life.
- Cardiac Testing: Dobermans are prone to certain heart conditions, such as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). We perform thorough cardiac evaluations to ensure our dogs have healthy hearts.
- Von Willebrand’s Disease: This is a genetic bleeding disorder that can affect Dobermans. We test for von Willebrand’s disease to ensure our dogs do not carry this genetic mutation.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): PRA is a group of genetic diseases that cause blindness in dogs. We test our breeding dogs to ensure they are not carriers of PRA.
- Thyroid Function: Regular thyroid testing helps us monitor and maintain our dogs’ overall health and metabolic function.
What This Means for Our Puppies
By implementing rigorous health and genetic testing, we aim to provide our puppy families with healthy, well-bred Dobermans. Our commitment to health extends beyond testing; we also provide our puppies with the best possible care, including a balanced diet, regular veterinary check-ups, and a nurturing environment.
Lifelong Health Support
We believe that our responsibility doesn’t end when a puppy leaves our kennel. We offer lifelong support to our puppy families, providing guidance on health, nutrition, and general care. If you ever have any concerns about your Doberman’s health, we are here to help.
Stay Connected
Thank you for joining us on this journey. We hope you find this information helpful and reassuring. Stay tuned for more posts about our breeding practices, training tips, and insights into the world of Dobermans. If you have any questions or topics you’d like us to cover, please feel free to reach out.
Warm regards,
The Stormforge Working Dogs Team