2x copies of IVDD gene = puppy mill/farm?

[BlueCupOrangeCup]

Turns my dog has two copies of the IVDD gene. Am I right in thinking that therefore

a) one copy was inherited from each parent

meaning....

b) the parents were not appropriately screened and therefore his background is from a puppy mill at worst BYB at best?

it was wisdom panel if that makes any difference. He is almost 1 year old, I've had him a few months. Cockerpoo.

There are not many decent Cockerpoo breeders and so hardly any that do proper genetic testing, instead peddling the fallacy that a cross breed is inherently more healthy than a single breed dog.

As your poor dog illustrates, this leaves room for them to inherit problems from both sides. Genetic testing is as important in cross breeds as in single breeds when purposely bred.

Unfortunately, most cockerpoo breeds are suspect and basically ‘puppy farms’ (which I use as a catch all for poor breeding, multiple bitches and no health tests).

But yes, I would be deeply sceptical of the breeder. You say he’s a year old but you’ve only had him a few months? Is he a rescue?

If you can afford it, I’d get the full range of testing done for the diseases prevalent in both breeds for your dog - particularly PRA. That way you know for certain what your dogs future holds

There are very, very few reputable breeders of cockapoos so yes, he probably is from a puppy farm or BYB. The vast majority of them are, sadly.

I know someone with a fully health tested pup but they were on a list for months and knew the breeder. They are extremely rare.

Many pups, both purebred and otherwise are not from health tested parents. Where did you get your dog from? I'm assuming a rescue or similar due to his age?

You've done the right thing getting him tested. He won't necessarily develop IVDD but he obviously has an increased risk. Now you know, you can take steps to help his potential condition. Keep him lean and build up his core and lower body strength. Swimming and hill walking is good for this. Avoid throwing balls etc, which might result in him jumping up and twisting his spine.