Probably Carrier - sigh of relief …

[ChaseandZahrasmom]

Zahra's results came in today and she is Probably Carrier of Fanconi Syndrome. Since she is a pet store dog I was sure the results were going to come back that she was affected but I am so happy that she is just Probably a Carrier. It has been a stressful month waiting for the results to come back. but I am so happy!

[mauigirl]

Congratulations! What a relief, I'm happy for you

[snorky998]

What GREAT news Jenn. That had to be a huge relief for you.

[Duke]

So happy for you!

[sharronhurlbut]

Great., its wonderful you know your b will never come down with Fanconis.
Yea!!!!!!!!!!

[agilebasenji]

must feel like you can breath again. i'm glad for you!

[tanza]

Great news…...

[seko]

Good news for you and Zahra

[Janneke]

That's great news! I'm happy for you

[Andrew]

Oooooh yay!!!!!!!!!! I cried when Booger came back carrier, so I know exactly what you're feeling! Sooooo happy for you!!!!! Congratulations!

[Schouiffy]

congrats!!!!!!

[pedro]

how do i read the test? if a b is a carrier can i breed him?.

[Andrew]

If you get a test through OFA (the only way to get one), the results will come back very clearly marked. Either "Probably Carrier" "Probably Clear" "Probably Affected" or "Indeterminate between Clear and Carrier." Its very difficult to misinterpret the results.
A basenji that is a carrier can be bred (technically, any basenji can be bred, regardless of results), but the question is, why? You would not want to breed an affected dog because it not only perpetuates carriers of Fanconi, but it also puts stress on that individual dog, which makes it more likely Fanconi symptoms will show themselves sooner rather than later.
A carrier can be bred, if done carefully, and only if that particular individual has a lot to offer the breed. That's a matter of opinion amongst breeders; some will never breed a carrier just to avoid the risk of perpetuating Fanconi, and some will breed a carrier to a clear if the dog is a particularly remarkable dog conformation, performance, temperament, health wise.
So, regardless what your dog's test results are, Fanconi results are not the only factor you want to look at for breeding.

This is my layman's understanding; I'm sure the breeders can chime in and give you better insight into their own opinions and practices.

[pedro]

hi, if i breed him he would only have to be clear, NOT A CARRIER!, and the thing with the ribbons and trophies mean nothing to me it dosen't make the dog any less better!!, then one that has the ribbons or trophies! or if you could explaine this more to me what id the difference!!!.

[lvoss]

Actually, titles and accomplishments do mean more than just a ribbon or trophy. Conformation is a venue designed to evaluate breeding stock based on their physical resemblance to the standard. Conformation is what makes a basenji look like a basenji so a dog that has earned a conformation championship has shown that it conforms to our written standard. Performance venues like lure coursing, sprint racing, and nose work, show that a dog has the instincts to do what the breed has historically done, hunt. Basenjis that have earned titles in these venues have demonstrated competency in chasing things by sight or locating by scent.

In addition to competition, it is also important that breeding stock is able to pass their health clearances. The Basenji Club of America recommends that at a minimum dogs have the Fanconi DNA test, OFA hips, yearly CERF exams, and thyroid testing as recommended by OFA. Dogs with all this testing are awarded a CHIC designation on the OFA website. Here is an example of what a CHIC certified dog's listing looks like, http://www.offa.org/display.html?appnum=1199808#animal

[pedro]

okay i still don't get it there is no difference from that basenji then mine other then the basenji had all the test done already whatch i'm going to do one at a time. but other then that there is no difference between them!. i guess that's why i don't get this dog show thing here!!.trying to understand this better !!.

[tanza]

@pedro:

okay i still don't get it there is no difference from that basenji then mine other then the basenji had all the test done already whatch i'm going to do one at a time. but other then that there is no difference between them!. i guess that's why i don't get this dog show thing here!!.trying to understand this better !!.

Have you had your Basenji evaluated by others educated in the breed? People that have been in the breed and bred for years and years? Difference between a dog that has a conformation title and performance titles is that the owners laid in all on the line to show that the dog they have produced is of the quality that makes up our breed standard. And even that said, it doesn't mean that every dog should be bred. I have many a champion but really didn't feel they had anything more to offer the breed, so they were spayed/neutered and were and are great family companions.

Also it is not only important to test the dog that you want to breed, but the mate needs to be well test too. And most important, regardless of you testing your dog is to know the lines behind your dog and the dog you are breeding to. We only have DNA testing for Fanconi and HA, we have lots of other health concerns that we think are recessive, so not know the lines (offspring/siblings/grand sire/dam/great grand sire/dam) you have not a clue what might pop up. By know much information as you can get, you can make an educated decision in breeding.

[pedro]

so basicly the only difference is this is a chow basenji and mine isn't!??? that's what i'm getting here. i must be just stupid here on this stuff!!>this is frustratting!

[EskiLovr]

A show dog has been evaluated by experts within the breed. Every time a dog wins it means they are the best representation of the breed in the ring on that day. It means they possess the characteristics of the breed. The whole point of showing a dog is to find the ones that are the BEST representations of the breed standard.

And for the record, I don't show my dog, never will. He's neutered, even though he tested Fanconi clear, and I think he's perfect in every way. I won't breed him, because I don't know enough about his pedigree to be certain that his good traits would breed totally true.

[lvoss]

How well do you know the standard? If someone asked you to describe your dog's conformation strengths what would you tell them?

I show my dogs in conformation and know their strengths and weaknesses. When I am planning a breeding I can talk explicitly with the owners of the dogs I am considering about what I am looking for and what my dogs faults are. Part of being able to do that is having gone to enough shows and seen lots of dogs in person to learn what I was looking at.

As for performance competency, if you aren't actually working your dog how do you know it is able to perform the job. What are criteria are you using to measure proficiency?