BOXER INFO
Boxer Info
Good with children, being both affectionate and patient, boxers do best when companions are near either human or canine. They enjoy a group setting, and will engage in cuddling, playing or working. They have a protective streak, which in combination with their affectionate nature makes them a popular choice among families. They’re also used as service and therapy dogs. They can be found in K9 units on police forces and even as herding dogs on ranches.
Helpful Links:
Health Testing and Certifications that we complete on our breeding adults.
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
Hips and Heart Certified
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC)
Description: Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy, or ARVC, is an inherited condition that affects the muscles of the heart. ARVC is associated with sudden cardiac death and congestive heart failure. It is thought that these are a symptom of irregular heartbeats.
Dogs affected by ARVC typically begin showing symptoms around 6 years of age, however, this can vary widely. The best method to detect the symptoms of ARVC is through the use of a Holter monitor, in which the dog’s health ECG is monitored for 24 hours, detecting any abnormalities such as ventricular premature complexes (VPCs) that may suggest ARVC.
Currently, there is one known mutation that is highly associated with ARVC. Testing for the mutation is a helpful tool, however, it is important to note that this mutation is not necessarily definitive. There are other unknown mutations responsible for ARVC in a smaller percent of the population, so a negative result does not ensure that the dog will not be affected. This is particularly true is the parents of a dog also test negative but experience symptoms. Additionally, dogs that test positive for ARVC will not necessarily experience symptoms, they are just at a substantially higher risk for developing the disease. Dogs that do test positive should report these results to their veterinarian; proper veterinary care can help manage the condition and promote a healthy life for the dog.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
Description:Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the spinal cord of dogs. Dogs that have inherited two defective copies will experience a breakdown of the cells responsible for sending and receiving signals from the brain, resulting in neurological symptoms.
The disease often begins with an unsteady gait, and the dog may wobble when they attempt to walk. As the disease progresses, the dog’s hind legs will weaken and eventually the dog will be unable to walk at all. Degenerative Myelopathy moves up the body, so if the disease is allowed to progress, the dog will eventually be unable to hold his bladder and will lose normal function in its front legs. Fortunately, there is no direct pain associated with Degenerative Myelopathy.
The onset of Degenerative Myelopathy generally occurs later in life starting at an average age of about 10 years. However, some dogs may begin experiencing symptoms much earlier. A percentage of dogs that have inherited two copies of the mutation will not experience symptoms at all. Thus, this disease is not completely penetrant, meaning that while a dog with the mutation is likely to develop Degenerative Myelopathy, the disease does not affect every dog that has the genotype.
Results:Animal Genetics offers DNA testing for Degenerative Myelopathy (DM). The genetic test verifies the presence of the recessive DM mutation and presents results as one of the following:
***DM/DM: At RiskThe dog has inherited two copies of the mutated SOD1 gene and is homozygous for the mutation. The dog is at risk to develop the disorder during its lifetime. The dog will always pass a copy of the mutation to its offspring.
**DM/n: Carrier/Low RiskBoth the normal and mutant copies of the gene detected. The chances that the dog will develop the disease are very low and could pass on either allele to any offspring.
*n/n: ClearDog tested negative for the DM mutation and will not pass on the defective gene to its offspring.
