Health Testing

Regarding Genetic testing:

Genetic testing has been done on our dogs which are mostly clear therefore we do not breed together two dogs that might be a carriers of the same condition. Both parents must be carriers of a disease for it to reflect onto their offspring. All of our parents have had DNA testing through Embark, and have no known genetic health risks. If both parents are carriers of the trait their offspring can exhibit the disorder; therefore, we vigilantly deject breeding two dogs that might be a carrier of the same condition.

Regarding Patellar Luxation :

As of yet, there is no known genetic test for knees and patellas, nevertheless, scientists are working to make one possible soon. Since X-rays do not always show signs of hip and knee issues that might arise in offspring; and since hormones, environment and nutrition may also influence skeletal, we do not x-ray our dogs. Producing healthiest offspring is always our priority.

Patella Luxation - Enviromental - Prevention

https://www.luvmytoypoodles.com/puppy-development-growth-stages

Studies:

Research for Patellar Luxation has found that unaffected offspring produced despite both parents being affected. In the other end of the spectrum you can also find affected dogs where both parents were considered to be unaffected. There could be many reasons for this. One being that there is a posible type of mutation. Another explanation could be that dogs are examined for patellar luxation at a young age, and dogs considered luxation free at that age may still develop patellar luxation later on. A third reason could be the uncertainty of the method used today to diagnose patellar luxation. In Avelsdata you can find dogs that have been tested by several veterinarians, and obtaining different clinical findings by each veterinarian. It would be valuable to find a more objective method of evaluating patellar luxation. It seems likely that that patellar luxation is not inherited in a monogenic fashion. (https://stud.epsilon.slu.se/7503/7/zanders_s_141202.pdf)

Regarding CDDY/IVDD

Here is a quote from an email from Embark:

..."CDDY/IVDD is largely fixed for small breeds, (Miniature/Toy Poodles, Corgis, Dachshunds) due to the standard at which they are bred. Much like Pugs, Bulldogs are Brachycephalic and are at greater risk for breathing issues, many smaller breeds are Chondrodystrophic by their very standard. And so are at increased risk for IVDD. However, as I stated above, as long as a dog's weight and activity are monitored as they aged, they should remain relatively healthy. However, there is a chance that some dogs in this category will not be carriers
If you have any further questions, please let me know.
All the best,

Tom
Embark Vet"

IVDD Prevention

There are some easy and practical things a pet owner can do to minimize the risk of IVDD for their pets:

Keep your dog’s weight down to reduce neck and back stress, especially for breeds predisposed to the disease.
Use a harness when going on walks to reduce neck stress that can occur if using a neck leash. The best harness for IVDD is one that distributes the weight across their chest and away from their neck.
Minimize jumping on/off furniture
High-risk dog breeds with long backs, such as dachshunds, need to be supported when picked up. Dachshunds should only be picked up when their entire body is supported from underneath by your arm. Never pick up a dachshund from behind their front legs with their body dangling, this is bad for their back.
Finally, consider a back brace to minimize risk.