Good Dog’s Clear by Parentage (CBP) policy

Clear by Parentage allows a breeder to determine that puppies are clear of a specific genetic health condition because both parents are clear of that condition.

Good Dog requires breed-specific genetic or phenotypic testing to prevent the breeding of dogs with health issues that they could pass on to their offspring. In order to keep the dog population healthy and thriving, the goal is to prevent serious, hereditary diseases from being passed on to puppies.

Health is a complex issue. Often, there are multiple factors that contribute to whether a dog experiences a health condition, including genetic and environmental factors. 

Genetic testing examines an individual’s DNA for changes, known as mutations, that are associated with the presence of a disease or condition. Not all health conditions have a genetic test that can be used to help identify the presence of the condition.

However, some conditions have what is known as a direct mutation. This means there is a genetic test available where results are considered 100 percent accurate and are not subjective. In this case, dogs may be cleared by parentage for that condition. Puppies can safely be determined to be free of that condition if both of their parents have tested negative.

Breeding Dogs on Good Dog are eligible for Clear by Parentage (CBP) if:

• The disease risk is controlled by a single mutation and a direct mutation test is available.
• Both parents have been tested and are clear of the mutation/genetic variant.
• The parentage of the breeding dog has been confirmed (via DNA identity profiling) and is of two clear dogs for that mutation/genetic variant.

Under what conditions does Good Dog allow dogs to be declared Clear by Parentage?

• CBP is only good for one generation of offspring. Due to the possibility of genetic mutations or the discovery of new genetic conditions, CBP cannot be extended beyond one generation. 
• A dog can only be CBP for specific conditions that both parents have had direct mutation tests for. 
• Any dogs planned for breeding should be given appropriate, breed-specific health testing first, including additional phenotypic or genetic tests as required.

When Clear by Parentage is not accepted

• A dog cannot be CBP if they have not had a DNA identity profile to confirm their sire and dam. 
• If a condition is polygenic (caused by more than one gene), or the genetic variant(s) are unknown, a dog cannot be CBP for that condition.
• If a condition is assessed by phenotypic testing (e.g., PennHIP, CAER), then dogs cannot be CBP for that condition. Phenotypic testing (such as for hip dysplasia) minimizes risks but cannot be considered adequate to ensure that offspring do not have those conditions.

What about linkage tests?

In some cases, the specific genetic mutation that causes a disease is unknown, although researchers may have identified the general region of the genome responsible for the condition. These regions can be tested for in some cases (they are known as linkage or linked tests). These tests are not considered 100% accurate or predictive of disease, and are not accepted for CBP. 

How to get CBP testing

CBP testing can be obtained through multiple genetic testing programs, including Paw Print Genetics, and Animal Genetics. In addition, the AKC, Neogen, and DNA Diagnostics Center offer parentage DNA tests.

Registering results with OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals)

Results may be registered with OFA and their policy on CBP can be found here. The health test results for both sire and dam must be on record with the OFA. DNA profiles for the sire, dam, and offspring must be on record with OFA. The owner of the offspring can then apply with the required OFA processing fee (currently $15). The offspring’s status will be listed on OFA as “CBP”, indicating that they were not tested and cleared, but both parents were.

Examples of conditions that are eligible for CBP: Degenerative Myelopathy (SOD1), Exercise Induced Collapse (DNM1), von Willebrand disease, Hyperuricosuria (SLC2A9) 

Examples of testing that cannot be exempted via CBP: hip and elbow dysplasia, patella luxation, cardiac evaluations, CAER/Eye certification, BAER testing 

Note: it is not possible for us to include a complete list of conditions that can or cannot be cleared by parentage. If you have questions about whether direct mutation tests are available, we encourage you to reach out directly to genetic testing companies, and to our team at help@gooddog.com.

Resources

Good Dog: Genetic Testing Your Dogs What You Need to Know

Good Dog: Modes of Inheritance and Your Breeding Program

Direct vs Indirect Genetic Testing by Casey R. Carl, DVM and Blake Ballif, PhD

Review of the Current State of Genetic Testing - A Living Resource by Liza Gershony, DVM, PhD and Anita Oberbauer, PhD

Wade, C. M. (2011). Inbreeding and genetic diversity in dogs: results from DNA analysis. The Veterinary Journal, 189(2), 183-188.