DNA TESTING
&
FIRST GENERATION
DNA TESTING
Our main goal is to breed healthy pups with the qualities of the parents so highly sought after, but minus the genetic issues that can be passed on by purebred lines.
Pure Bred dogs are more likely to pass on genetic inherited conditions.
It is extremely difficult to find a pure bred dog completely clear of all hereditary conditions, in this case, we breed to ensure the offspring are not "positive" for any conditions and at the most a "carrier" which means they will not be affected.
We strive to protect the genetic problems that can be passed on through dog breeds, by DNA testing all our dogs. It is very important that breeders understand how dogs who maybe carriers, or positive to genetic diseases are correctly matched to dogs who are a suitable pairing. Many pure breed dogs have been bred for appearance, rather than their health, and this has taken a toll on the popularity of these breeds. By selectively cross breeding first generation dogs, genetic and inherited problems are significantly reduced.
We appreciate that without our gorgeous purebred mums and dads, we wouldn't be able to breed our 'designer' dogs. Here is a lighthearted explanation which helps explain why health issues can arise with Purebred dogs.
FIRST GENERATION
My breeding parents are all purebred, which ensures a first-generation cross. The intention with Cavoodles is not to develop a "new breed" of dog. The name "Cavoodle" came about because it was shorter than saying "Cavalier King Charles Spaniel cross with a Poodle".
All pure bred dogs came about from cross breeds way back when. The way in which the purebred dog was developed and 'fine-tuned' was to continue breeding into the same lines to get the particular look and temperament that dog associations were wanting. After years of doing so, it means there is a limited gene pool and so it is more common for pure breed dogs to continue to inherit and pass on genetic disorders.
By crossing one current-day purebred dog with another, you have the benefit of hybrid vigour. This means the chance of having puppies with the common genetic diseases in their pure breed mix is significantly reduced.
My aim is not to create another 'breed' of dog. And in fact, by law, my domestic animal license requires me to have customers sign a form stating that they will have their puppy desexed by the time it is 6 months of age. Aside from this though, my aim is to breed the healthiest pups with the advantages of both purebred parents, minus the potential health issues. Breeding only First Generation is the best way to achieve this.
There are many terms being developed for second generation pups. The important thing to know is that breeding a cavoodle back in with a cavoodle does not make the genetics "even better". It actually makes less predictability in the look, temperament and genetics of the dog as they can throw back to be more cavalier or more poodle.
