DNA & health
Healthy dogs are happy dogs.
Thackerys performs full DNA testing, including PRA and FN, on every breeding dog to ensure puppies are healthy and safe. Every puppy leaves with a DNA PRA and FN clear laboratory certificate.
Two diseases in dogs that you must understand.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an inherited condition that causes the retina to degenerate, leading to loss of vision and eventual blindness. There is no known treatment. Early signs include night blindness progressing to day blindness.
Familial Nephropathy (FN) causes significantly high protein levels in the urine of young dogs due to a genetic defect in the glomerulus. It is common in English Cocker Spaniels and can lead to chronic kidney failure. The disease is passed from parents to offspring.
PRA and FN are serious diseases. When buying a puppy from any breeder, ensure you are getting a DNA-tested bloodline. Request the laboratory certificates — they should be willing to share them.
What the results mean
Three possible outcomes from a DNA test.
- Clear
Clear
No mutated DNA indicative of PRA or FN detected. The dog is healthy and will not develop or pass on the disease.
- Carrier
Carrier
One copy of the disease-carrying DNA is present. The dog is healthy but may pass the disease to offspring — approximately 50% of puppies.
- Affected
Genetically affected
Two copies of the disease-carrying DNA are present. The dog will likely develop the disease, typically around age five for PRA.
Our promise
Every Thackerys puppy is PRA and FN clear.
We DNA-test every breeding dog and re-test where required. Every puppy is sold with laboratory certificates you can verify yourself. If a breeder cannot produce a certificate for both PRA and FN, ask why.
These tests help you make an informed decision when adopting a puppy — and they give us confidence that every dog we place is set up for the longest, healthiest life possible.
Ask us for the certificates