FAQ's About Our Testing |
|
|
|
Q: What tests do you do on your dogs? |
|
A: We CERF test our dogs. It is a yearly exam, and our goal is to CERF test our dogs once a year. We also do genetic (DNA) testing on our dogs. Our vet performs OFA/patella exams on our dogs. Read more below about the tests. |
|
|
|
Q: What is CERF testing? |
| |
A: CERF is short for Canine Eye Registration Foundation.
A certified ophthalmologist tests the dogs for specific canine genetic defects involving the eyes, such as cataracts. |
| |
|
|
Q: What is DNA testing? |
|
A: We do DNA testing to make sure that our dogs are not affected with PRCD (Progressive Rod Cone Degeneration), which is an eye disease. Most of our dogs have been genetically tested; we are in the process of testing the remaining dogs. |
|
|
|
Q: What is OFA/patella testing? |
|
A: OFA is short for the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. This organization certifies testing on canine hips and elbows for specific genetic defects. Patella testing is for the knees, which is where most problems occur. All of our dogs will have their patellas examined by our vet by the end of 2009. |
|
|
|
Q: What does AKC traceable mean? |
|
A: AKC stands for American Kennel Club. If a dog is AKC traceable, then the pedigree will lead back to an AKC registered Cocker Spaniel or Poodle. Some other registries are UKC (United Kennel Club), CKC (Continental Kennel Club), ACA (American Canine Association). At this time, the AKC is the highest standard for registries of Cocker Spaniels and Poodles in the United States. If our dogs are not AKC traceable, their pedigree comes from one of the other registries. |
|
|
|
Q: What do the numbers F1, F2, etc. stand for? |
|
A: The "F" stands for the generation of the dog. A first generation Cockapoo (F1) is the result of breeding a Cocker Spaniel to a Poodle. A second generation Cockapoo (F2) comes from breeding an F1 Cockapoo to another generation of Cockapoo (if an F3 Cockapoo is bred to an F1 Cockapoo, then their offspring are still F2). To get an F4 Cockapoo, parents must both be F3 or higher. |
|
|
|
Q: What do the "BbEe" letters after the color mean? |
|
A. Knowing what combination of colors your dog has gives more information when it comes to breeding. Breeders will be able to predict what colors of puppies they will probably have in the litter.
"B" (big B) means lack of brown (you will get black puppies)
"b" (little b) means brown (chocolate)
"E" (big E) means lack of yellow (light)
"e" (little e) means yellow (buff, cream, apricot, red) |
| |
|
|
Q: What does it mean if there is a "B" after the F1? |
|
A: An F1B is a Cockapoo resulting from the breeding of a dog (usually an F1) back to a Poodle. This is done in order to produce puppies that have a more hypo-allergenic coat and to ensure that more puppies will have wavy coats rather than straighter (which tend to shed). |
| |
|
|
Q: What do the "BbEe" letters after the color mean? |
|
A. Knowing what combination of colors your dog has gives more information when it comes to breeding. Breeders will be able to predict what colors of puppies they will probably have in the litter.
"B" (big B) means lack of brown (you will get black puppies)
"b" (little b) means brown (chocolate)
"E" (big E) means lack of yellow (light)
"e" (little e) means yellow (buff, cream, apricot, red) |
