Hello. I am new to this site so apologize if I'm using the wrong forum for my question. I have a female lab that I absolutely adore and am interested in breeding. I have the paperwork from the breeder to register her with AKC. The breeder tells me that she is full English Labrador but as she has grown, I think that I see some American lab characteristics as well. Since AKC doesn't separate the lab standards between American an English style, it is impossible to tell from her parent's pedigree's whether she is a mix of both styles or not. FINALLY, my question is... can DNA testing tell me if she is both American and English style or can it only tell me if there is another completely different breed?
No, DNA can't tell you that. DNA testing can, and has even on known purebreds, come up with other dog breeds. That's because so many breeds had others in their background and that's why DNA testing for breed generally isn't regarded as much more than something fun to do. Her pedigree should tell you if you research the parent's names. Hopefully some of those names themselves would give you some clues if the antecedent dogs had any titles put on them. Not all competing dogs win a title though so lack of designations does not necessarily indicate no competitive background. Do you have a mentor for breeding? ARe your girl's parents both completely health tested for hips, eyes, heart, CNM, EIC? Heck, there might be more now. You would have to, well, should, do that testing on your girl too. Ideally a breeder is a member of their local breed club and works their dog in some way; conformation, field work, obedience, rally, agility, SOMEthing to prove the dog is worthy of being bred. I dare say a reputable breeder will not let their stud dog near a bitch who isn't health tested.
Hi Shanna. If you haven't already read these articles, take some time to have a look http://www.thelabradorsite.com/labrador-breeding-should-you-let-your-dog-have-puppies/ http://www.thelabradorsite.com/health-screening-for-labrador-diseases/ And welcome to the forum! jac
Thank you for your response. Yes, the parents have had health clearances for hips, etc. and per pedigrees, the parents have Champion bloodlines. My girl is not yet old enough for the recommended health tests but I do plan to have them completed before I make final decision to breed.
