What Age To Start Testing

[Amerigo]

any ideas???

also what is an acceptable age to start breeding from them should they receive good test results?

[dancinbcs]

any ideas???

also what is an acceptable age to start breeding from them should they receive good test results?

You should have copies of the parents DNA results for Ataxia and one of them must be "normal". If the other one is affected then the puppy is automatically a carrier and does not need testing. If the one of the parents is a carrier then your puppy has a 50/50 chance of being a carrier and will need to be DNA tested some time before you start looking for a suitable mate. If it turns out to be a carrier it can only be mated to a partner with a normal result.

Hips and elbows can be done from 12-18 months.

Most breeders do not breed from medium size dogs until at least 18months -2 years and it should be after they have proven themselves in the show ring.

Unless you have serious plans to show and breed for the betterment of the breed, think very carefully before breeding Amstaffs. The pounds are full of them as well as SBTs so there is already a huge oversupply of pet quality puppies.

[WreckitWhippet]

You can swab at any age to either test for ataxia or to " clear by birth "

Hip and elbows are done after 12 months of age.

Your ACES eye cert should be done on a regular basis every couple of years.

[Hafhafa Hounds]

any ideas???

also what is an acceptable age to start breeding from them should they receive good test results?

Amerigo... your dogs' breeder should be a good knowledge base to answer your questions.

Also, have a look at this website - lots of good info for novice breeders.

http://www.learntobreed.com/

In particular: http://www.learntobreed.com/questions.html

Sonia