Page 108 - The Pembroke & Cardigan Welsh Corgi Worldwide Magazine

these effects; we should learn from them.
Stress on Breeders:

Breeders may feel overwhelmed by the need to perform
HEALTH of stress to an already challenging occupation. This can
multiple genetic tests on their dogs, adding an extra level

lead to a decrease in the quality of care and socialization
of puppies. It can also push breeders towards the simple
convenience of addition and subtraction, limiting them to
focusing on a health profile rather than enhancing the
creative process that breeding represents.

Genetic Uncertainty:

Not all genetic tests are equally reliable, and in some
cases, they can produce false positive or false negative
results. This can lead to incorrect breeding decisions and
the loss of dogs with valuable genetic contributions.

While genetic tests in canine breeding are an important
tool to prevent hereditary diseases, it's essential to
balance their use with other aspects of dog care and
breeding. An excessive focus on genetic testing can have
unintended consequences, such as reducing genetic
diversity and making purebred dogs less accessible. The
key is to use these tests wisely and responsibly, without
forgetting the importance of overall dog health.

Other Emerging Diseases:

As research advances, genetic tests can be developed
for diseases that were previously undetectable or
little-known in a breed. Genetic research in dogs is a
constantly evolving field. As more studies are conducted
and new genetic variants are discovered, genetic tests
can be adapted to include specific tests related to these
emerging diseases. Does this mean it's an endless trend?

Examples of emerging diseases in dogs could include
genetic disorders related to metabolism, breed-specific
health issues, or hereditary behavioral problems. A
hypothetical example could be a new genetic variant
identified in Corgis associated with a previously
unknown metabolic disorder.

Identifying genetic variants related to emerging diseases
is beneficial because it allows breeders and owners to
take early preventive measures. This includes avoiding

108 | The Pembroke & Cardigan Welsh Corgi Worldwide Magazine