*WHAT IS A LINKAGE TEST?

DNA sequences that are close together on a chromosome tend to be inherited together. Because of this, we can use genetic variation surrounding a specific variant to infer the presence or absence of a variant that is linked to a health trait.

*linkage tests are not as predictive of your dogs true genotype as a direct assays used in conditions we test for* It is further not a diagnosis and is only 1 possible factor that is thought to be linked to increase risk.

*Please Note: A large number of Miniature Poodles, Toy Poodles and Spaniels are found to carry IVDD. Please do no be alarmed! Poodles and Spaniels ARE NOT affected by IVDD/CDDY like other breeds such as Corgi or Dachshund. Geneticists are NOT recommending we remove carriers of IVDD from our breeding programs as this could result in breeding pools becoming extremely limited.

At Northern Heart Standards, we always strive to breed only the best health and temperaments to provide the Healthiest & Well adjusted puppies possible; this includes limiting ivdd/cddy carriers when possible. 84% of all miniature poodles carry an IVDD linkage marker. The current recommended practice, is to continue breeding 1 marker of ivdd to clear lines to safely breed out of population while maintaining breeding line diversity & population. Northern Hearts will honor the best practice & most up to date recommendations by our Veterinarian, Geneticists, Embark & UC DAVIS Veterinary Medicine.