03/04/2026
🧬 Let’s talk about DNA testing! 🧬
It’s recommended that all breeding dogs get DNA testing before breeding. Genetic screening is performed to not only look for genetic diseases but also to better predict physical appearance of the puppies. For Belgian Malinois, we frequently look at health results as well at physical attributes like coat color, length, and dilute mutations.
While the Malinois is an overall healthy breed, there are a few diseases we see more frequently and screen for carefully. These are just a few of the diseases out of over 200 that are screened for in dogs:
🦠 CNS Atrophy with Cerebellar Ataxia- CNS Atrophy with Cerebellar Ataxia (C**A) is a neurological condition characterized by uncoordinated movements and intention tremors beginning at two weeks of age.
🦠 Hereditary Ataxia- Hereditary Ataxia is a neurologic disorder characterized by uncoordinated movements and partial paralysis of the hindlimbs. Signs usually first develop during puppyhood and are progressive.
🦠 Hyperuricosuria- Hyperuricosuria (HUU) is a condition that predisposes affected dogs to the formation of urinary stones, such as kidney or bladder stones.
🦠 Cardiomyopathy and Juvenile Mortality- CJM is an inherited condition associated with the death of young puppies following nonspecific signs of illness.
🦠 Spongy Degeneration with Cerebellar Ataxia- SDCA is an early onset disease of poor coordination, muscle twitching and seizures.
Spongy Degeneration with Cerebellar Ataxia 2- SDCA2 is an early onset disease of loss of coordination, seizures, circling, and blindness.
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Now, I’ve heard discussion about breeding dogs that are carriers for genetic diseases should not be bred at all… Here’s my opinion… we NEED that genetic diversity. This is where being a responsible breeder comes into play. It’s our responsibility to screen our dogs for diseases and pair them appropriately to not be affected by the disease.
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There are tons of companies that do the DNA testing for dogs. Here at Opalite Malinois, I rely on Embark Vet as they collaborate with Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. It’s important to do your own research on companies and work with a qualified lab for genetic screening! AKC also offers genetic testing through Neogen and is required in some instances!
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Here are Nyxie’s and Lyta’s Embark results to help you familiarize you with how to look for traits and genetic conditions! As they are not public, I will not share other dog’s DNA test results unless explicitly given permission by the owner. Embark Vet
https://app.embarkvet.com/pet/dd64944a-e232-4ad5-8c24-6c1d45b0b5a6/about?source=share
https://app.embarkvet.com/pet/abe8d0b0-15fb-4f6c-9dde-a921081ab761/about?source=share
