Airedale Terrier DNA Testing

Well I’m sure we’re all familiar with the DNA testing to determine one’s heritage and where your forbearers originated from.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                             Larger Airedale Terriers

But, also the fact is that for certain groups DNA test can also determine whether you have the genes for certain specific diseases. For the general public the tests that are widely available are just for determining lineage.

Now you might be asking yourself where my going with this, and I just wanted to say for dogs especially specific purebred dogs, there’s a big enough database to be pretty accurate in not only determining the lineage but also being very precise in determining whether your pet carries a specific gene for certain breed-specific ailments.

With the AKC registered dogs, there’s not much that can be gained from a DNA test just for lineage. This is because the AKC gives you a certificate when your dog is registered showing you the exact lineage of your pet. But, with that said there are several companies that also test for breed-specific ailments.

Airedale Terrier DNA Testing

With that said and considering the fact that I’ve been thinking of breeding Anne for a second time (and the last time), with Teddy (my 75 pound, nine-month-old Airedale). I decided to look into DNA testing for Airedales specific breed maladies for both Annie and Teddy prior to actually breeding them.

Naturally, if these tests showed that there may be a problem, then I would not breed them. At this point I’d like to say that I realize there are other test that can be done where x-rays and sedation are required, I personally didn’t think this was necessary because of the fact that my Airedales are companion dogs and not show dogs.

Having had Airedales for many years and having visited a few Airedale breeders, I have not seen any other breeder of companion Airedales offering their potential puppy buyer’s the results of DNA testing on the bitch and sire. Hopefully, DNA testing on companion dogs will become commonplace.

When we breed Annie last year, we brought her into the veterinarian prior to her giving birth and again two days after she did give birth. We also brought Annie and her puppies back to the veterinarian, when the puppies were six weeks old for individual medical review to make sure that there were no problems, I’m sure a number of other breeders do the same. Now to add actual DNA testing, prior to breeding, will help to ensure that these puppies have the best chance for a happy and healthy life.

Before I get into the actual opinions of the DNA testing for Annie and Teddy, as a matter of disclosure I just want to say that I paid full price for the DNA testing on Teddy and was given a complimentary test to run on Annie. I have not been paid for this article, and the company has in no way put any conditions on what I’m saying.

First of all I’d like to say that I don’t think this test is necessary for a companion AKC registered dog that you have no intention of breeding. As I stated before, if you are thinking of breeding your dog hopefully you will do this test to be sure that your dog is not a carrier for a specific ailment that could affect the puppies.

The DNA test itself comes with two swabs that you used to collect DNA from the inside of your pets’ mouth. You then seal these swabs and mail them back in the prepaid container provided. Online you fill out some of the specific information about your pet such as the breed, age and weight.

About three weeks after you mail back the swabs, you will get an email notification that the tests have been completed. You then can go online and enter your account information and you will be able to view the results of the testing. Then, if you wish you can also print out the test results so you can provide these to the new puppy’s humans.

Although I was just interested in the DNA health issues, it was still very interesting to see the lineage going all the way back to England. Additionally, the Optimal Selection test has a breeder tool, that that you match up other potential mates for your pet that have clear DNA test results.

The results of this DNA testing were very extensive. I have selected a just a few parts of the report to give you an idea what you can expect. Before we get to those excerpts from the report, here is some background information on the company and what they say about DNA testing for your pet.

This test was the Optimal Selection by Wisdom Health.

Wisdom Panel covers more than 350 breeds, types and varieties, including 99% of AKC-recognized breeds and tests for more than 150 disease risks. This company also offers a less expensive Wisdom Panel 4.0 breed identifier test if you are not as concerned with learning your dog’s health indicators.

• Comes with 2 swabs, and they’ll replace for free if damaged
• Charitable partnerships with animal rights groups
• Genetic mutation testing for over 150 canine health conditions
• Results back in 2-3 weeks (quicker than most)
• Phone, email customer service for any questions
• Good website resources about canine DNA testing
• Mars Veterinary was founded in 2005, after its Breed Determination Patent was licensed by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.
• Mars, Incorporated doesn’t need any special introduction. According to Forbes, it is the 6th largest private company in the US, netting around 33 billion dollars in annual sales. Apart from its famous chocolate program, it incorporates a pet care division as well, holding brands like Whiskas, Pedigree, Royal Canin, and many more.
• As for Wisdom Panel, in 2015/16, the Wisdom Panel 4.0 test was launched, alongside the brief attempts to incorporate feline genetic testing into the portfolio. This Wisdom Panel review will focus the company’s mission to provide unique insights into your pets as individuals.

Let’s take a look at what makes Optimal Selection by Wisdom Health stand out:

• A decade of experience
• Modern testing technology
• Constantly updated products
• Professional and knowledgeable team of geneticists and scientists
• Over 250 dog breeds checked, which covers 99% of the 180 breeds recognized by the AKC
• More than 15,000 samples in its ever-growing database
• Multiple corporations in the field, including Washington State University, Genoscoper Laboratories Finland, Geneseek, Waltham, Morris Animal Foundation, Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, and others
• Patented testing technology
• Over 1 million tests performed
• Constant research contributions
• Reasonable pricing
• Free shipping
• Customer satisfaction guarantee
• Extensive refund policy
• Professional customer service

Just a few highlights from the Annie’s test results:

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If you like to view Airedale Terrier videos, here is a link to our Youtube Airedale Terrier channel.

President Roosevelt claimed that “An Airedale can do anything any other dog can do and then lick the other dog, if he has to.”

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Airedale Terrier DNA Testing