DM tests?

    • Gold Top Dog

    DM tests?

    Any other breeders or fanciers out there familiar with DM testing?  As I understand this is relatively new?  DM is a big deal with GSDs so I figure since it's simple for me to do the test kit (cheek swab) and relatively inexpensive, I'd get Pan tested through OFA but I'm wondering how reliable it is or if it's really worth it?  The GSD community seems to be putting more and more pressure on breeders for common health problems other than the usually hips and elbows but people disagree on whether the tests available now are all that accurate.

    I haven't decided which direction to go with Pan and won't for some time due to his age but right now I'm leaving the options open and treating him as if he is a breeding dog.  I'd rather do all the testing and not use him than have him turn out super nice but be way behind on the health testing. 

    • Moderators
    • Gold Top Dog
    Lies the discussion over the broader testing is huge on a gsp board I'm on. GSP's are a fairly healthy breed (no doubt as they get more popular that will change) yet there seems to be a strong movement to do the broader range of testing amongst the good breeders. The ones that aren't doing the extras are by and large breeding for hunting ability/drive alone.
    • Gold Top Dog

    I can't decide to do it or not.  The problem I'm seeing right now is that so many GSD breeders are doing EVERY health test they can get their hands on.  Now that sounds like a good thing....but for the breed, it is not.  Too often breeders are substituting these tests - many of which are very new and not yet reliable - for knowledge and experience with their dogs' lines and *proven* health.  They are selling dogs based on passing all these tests but not any real knowledge of proper temperament and how to fit pedigrees together.  Also many dogs are DM carriers and I think this freaks people out.  A dog should always be evaluated for breeding based on the total picture, not just hips, or Schutzhund titles, or DM status....