At AZ Doxies, each dam and sire have a DNA test ran to verify health and get specific traits, colors, patterns, and structure information. This allows us to match up sires with dams that will complement each other’s features while focusing on health above all else. 

 

Optimal Selection’s Wisdom Panel for dog breeders includes 270+ genetic health tests, now including Chondrodystrophy (CDDY), Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), PRA, and Dermatomyositis risks, along with 50+ traits, now including cocoa and roan, and genetic diversity.

 www.wisdompanel.com

DNA testing is honestly a no-brainer for any breeder. Some breeders don’t know or don’t care about the specifics of their sires and dams, which is not only lazy but can be reckless. 

 

For example, you should never breed two dapple dogs together. You may think a dog is not dapple, but it could still carry for the Merle gene (dapple) and not show any dapple marking. Breeding 2 dapples is a serious health risk for the puppies and should be frowned upon.

 

If you are looking to buy a dachshund, always ask the breeder if they have an Embark or Optimal Selection FULL DNA test on the parents of the puppy.

 

We can explain most of the DNA results if you have questions about your test, however an Optimal Selection test is very detailed. We have some breeder friends who are experts, which is who we turn to when we have questions. We are learning more every day on how to help to preserve the dachshund breed.  

 

Structure, color, and pattern standards provided by the AKC and others are important to us.  A dachshund should have a certain look and walk which the AKC has provided a guide to.