What is K-9 data?

“K9DATA.COM is an open database for pedigree information on Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers, run by K9data LLC”. Since the information is entered by individuals, it is basically on the “honor system”. The dog’s pedigree information can be verified through the AKC, UKC or CKC and the health clearances through the OFA and the CERF. K-9 data is very essential to the Golden Retriever breed and is paid for by donations. We support K-9 data and encourage others to donate what they can.

How does it work?

From the K-9 data homepage, enter the dog in question”s registered name in the provided box as closely as possible. If not exact, check the box underneath saying that the name is not exact. After clicking search, you will be given options of several dogs or the one exact dog…click on the dog’s name for the information. From our page, either click the button that says “K-9 data” or click on the photo of the dog..this will take you directly to the dog’s “homepage”.

Another option is the second line below “OTHER OPTIONS”, this allows you to search using call names, breeder or owner names, etc.

What am I looking at?

Once on the dog’s “homepage”, first thing that you see is the dog’s registered name, titles and date of birth and possibly the date of death. Most will have a photo of the dog. Keep scrolling down and you will see self explanatory things such as owner, breeder, cause of death, registration and microchip numbers. Scroll down further and then you will see OFA clearances for heart, eyes, hips, elbows, possibly thyroid, pen hip score. Then DNA testing results. Then the dog’s 3 generation pedigree. And finally at the bottom are options to expand the pedigree, looking at genetic information, view siblings or offspring, etc.

When looking at the pedigree?

When looking at the pedigree, you can click on any dog in the ancestry and that will take you to that dog’s “home page” then you have the same information and options as you did on the previous dog. This allows you to look into life spans, honorifics, clearances, etc of dogs in the past generations.

What are OFA Clearances?

According to the GRCA Code of Ethics, “ The following reports are acceptable for dogs residing in the U.S.:

1. Hips – a report from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or PennHIP at 24 months of age or older. Since PennHIP results are not automatically published, these results should be recorded in an approved online database as described above.

2. Elbows – a report from the OFA at 24 months of age or older.

3. Hearts – a report from a Diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Cardiology), at 12 months of age or older. Report should be recorded in an approved online database as described above.

4. Eyes – a report from a Diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology. Examinations should be done within 12 months prior to a breeding, and results should be recorded in an approved online database as described above.

   1. Dogs that produce offspring should continue to have ophthalmology examinations on a yearly basis for their lifetime, and if the findings permit recertification, the results should continue to be recorded in an approved online database.

   2. For frozen semen from deceased dogs, either an ophthalmology examination within 18 months of the date of death, or status that was in compliance with the Code of Ethics in effect at the time of the dog’s death, will be considered current.”

These clearances can be verified on the OFA site by clicking on the code next to OFA prefix.

What is meant by genetic testing or DNA testing?

DNA testing is available and encouraged for several diseases that affect the Golden Retriever breed, which include but not limited to prcd-PRA, PRA 1 and 2, Ichthyosis, DM and NCL. “The ideal use of the DNA tests is to prevent producing affected puppies, while at the same time maintaining genetic diversity and gradually decreasing the precedence of the disease gene(s) in the breed.” What this means is that because breeding a clear to a carrier can result in only carriers and clears and no affected pups, it is totally acceptable and encouraged as to not limit the genetic pool of the .breed.

prcd-PRA?

“PRCD affects the photoreceptor cells in the eye involved in both night and day vision. The cells of the retina involved in low light vision, known as rods, are affected first, resulting in night blindness. Subsequently, the bright light photoreceptors known as cones, which are important for color vision, are also affected, resulting in daytime visual deficit. The age of onset and rate of progression vary among breeds, but retinal changes can be identified by screening performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist from adolescence to early adulthood. Most PRCD-affected dogs have noticeable visual impairment by 4 years of age, typically progressing to complete blindness “ (UCDavis)

PRA 1/ PRA 2?

According to UC Davis, “Progressive retinal atrophy is characterized by bilateral degeneration of the retina resulting in progressive vision loss leading to total blindness. Clinical signs of PRA1 appear around 6 years of age. Clinical symptoms of PRA2 appear around 4 years of age.”

Ichythosis 1 & 2

“A skin condition that results in a mild to moderate and in some cases severe scaling of the skin, usually excluding the head, extremities, paw pads, and nose. Scales become pigmented, progressing to gray or black, and range in size from small to large. These scales may give the dog’s hair and skin a “dirty” look as the scales progress to a darker color.” ( UC Davis ) Testing for Ichthyosis 2 is relatively new therefore not many dogs have been tested for it, yet….

DM?

As quoted from UC Davis “Affected dogs usually present clinical signs of disease in adulthood (at least 8 years of age) with gradual muscle wasting and loss of coordination typically beginning in the hind limbs. Disease progression continues until the dog is unable to walk. Small breed dogs tend to progress more slowly. In late stages of the disease, dogs may become incontinent and the forelimbs may be affected. Affected dogs may fully lose the ability to walk 6 months to 2 years after the onset of signs”

NCL?

The most recently “discovered” genetic disease in the Golden Retriever breed, also is the most serious because there is no treatment. UC Davis describes it as follows “Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis is characterized by a progressive loss of coordination, blindness and behavioral changes beginning at 1.5 to 2 years of age.” NCL ultimately results in death of the affected dog.

Again, carriers DO NOT exhibit signs of the disease and when bred with a clear will result in puppies that are either clear or carriers. In the case of Ichthyosis, an affected can be bred to a clear which will result in carriers. Knowledge is power when breeding, testing is necessary.

While there are several companies to choose from for genetic testing, all of the information for this page was taken from UC Davis’ page for genetic testing of golden retrievers. (website https://vgl.ucdavis.edu)