05/20/2025
Copied/pasted:
**the Dachshund Club of America does NOT suggest/recommend at this time that DNA testing be done on our breed as a diagnostic tool. This is why:
**Not my Information ***
PRA occurs in less than 1% of dachshunds. And of that 1%, only 1% actually lose their vision. The test is perceived as so inaccurate because the testing varies from lab to lab, that some labs have stopped performing it, unless it is verified for breed specific accuracy. Testing is a tool. Not all testing is backed by diagnostic science on a specific breed and no standards are in place to ensure that when comparing one labs’ results to another you are comparing like environments, processes and scientific foundations. In my program, we test for certain traits and genetic mutations in our adults, our Champions are OFA cleared, when we feel it is necessary, as long as the science is there to "back up" the results are used as a breeding tool
Only.
PRA is a flawed test for a gene that MIGHT lead to a gene that MIGHT lead to PRA. The UK stopped testing in 2013 due to testing being deemed inaccurate. Even an affected dog may never get PRA, and a clear tested dog can get PRA.
PRA can be bred out in 3 generations. Sad to think we would discard potentially excellent DNA when there are breeding solutions. So many dogs were culled over PRA testing and sadly we will never recover some incredible bloodlines as a result.
The other issue with PRA testing is that there are over 40 cords and labs only test cords 1 - 4, 5. So it’s very misleading for any breeder to claim dogs are clear, when they are only clear of 4/40 cords. Current testing is only designed to provide the number of mutations within a specific tested universe; if a lab is testing cords 1-4 and another cords 1-5 the results on the same dog can vary. And what if the mutation resides on a cord not within the testing scope of either of these labs?
Additionally, what if you test and you have a recessive mutation with both parents? Only the dominant results in the tests. So, you could have two tested dogs that have a clear screening, but if both parents carry a recessive mutation you can have it result in bred offspring.
I will continue testing my adults as a breeding, not a diagnostic tool. I avoid producing puppies that have two copies of PRA, but we will not abandon well structured lines, the best defense against IVDD (an insideous disease that affects 25% of our adults) over PRA that affects 1% of our breed. Now think about the logic of a breeder that prioritizes pra over proven structure? We endeavor to avoid producing puppies with two copies of the pra mutation on cords 1-4.
***Always do your YEARLY OFA'S to get the most accurate & updated results**
