@Abby Neill I first tested Sophie with an Australian Orivet DNA test around six years ago to better understand her breed background. Last year, after she had an adverse neurological response to a wormer, I tested her for the MDR1 mutation. This gene, most common in herding breeds, can cause sensitivity to drugs such as ivermectin and loperamide. She was later screened with Embark, which assessed over 270 genetic markers and provided an inbreeding coefficient (COI%) to measure genetic diversity. For pedigree dogs, PennHIP remains one of the most reliable ways to assess hip laxity early, and I believe orthopaedic imaging should always be combined with DNA testing. It is important to note that IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) is not a single genetic marker but a disease outcome influenced by both genetics and environment. CDDY (Chondrodystrophy), caused by an FGF4 retrogene, is the marker linked to shortened limbs and premature disc degeneration, which increases IVDD risk. Dogs can be clear of CDDY and still develop IVDD, but the marker does raise likelihood. Breeding with carriers can be acceptable if carefully managed against clear dogs, ensuring health while maintaining genetic diversity. I can share her panel. I will link it here :)

OMG Cute name, Cheque Mate really suits him! Looking at his DNA results: - A locus (Ay/at): fawn/sable carrying tan points. - B locus (B/b): carries chocolate. - D locus (d/d): dilute, meaning his base colour is lightened. - E locus (EM/EM): mask present. - Merle (m/N): heterozygous, so he carries one merle gene. Based on this combination, Cheque Mate is genetically a blue fawn sable merle with a mask. His dilute (d/d) status lightens his coat, the sable gene contributes to his fawn pattern, and the merle gene is responsible for the mottling. One important note: because he is merle (m/N), he must never be bred to another merle. Two copies of the merle gene (M/M) can result in severe health issues, including deafness and vision impairment. Even if its not present visibly in the dog. This particular DNA report is on the lighter side compared to more comprehensive panels like Embark or MyDogDNA, which screen hundreds of genetic conditions and provide clearer health insights. This one is mostly color-focused with a limited health panel, so it’s good for identifying coat genetics, but not the full picture for breeding or long-term health. Plus more fun to nerd out on!

@Rebecca Escobar Thank you <3

@Rebecca Escobar ohhh you’re so welcome. Any chance to talk dogs is my jam 🐾