Dog & Cat Genetic Testing Guide
How to read Clear/Carrier/Affected results plus key breed-specific tests.
Three Result Categories
No copy of the disease gene. No risk to the individual or descendants.
One copy of the disease gene. For recessive diseases, the individual is unaffected but can pass the gene to offspring.
Two copies for recessive diseases (will develop) or one copy for dominant diseases.
Parent Pairing & Offspring Probability
Recessive inheritance examples. Dominant inheritance differs because Carriers also develop disease.
| Parent Pair | Offspring Probability | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Clear × Clear | 100% Clear | Ideal pairing. |
| Clear × Carrier | 50% Clear / 50% Carrier | No affected offspring; test Carrier pups. |
| Carrier × Carrier | 25% Clear / 50% Carrier / 25% Affected | Avoidable pairing for ethical breeders. |
| Affected × Clear | 100% Carrier | No affected pups but all carriers. |
| Affected × Carrier / Affected | High affected risk | Should not be bred. |
Inheritance Patterns
Autosomal recessive
Disease develops only when both copies are affected. Most canine/feline diseases (PRA, GM1, DM). Avoiding Carrier×Carrier prevents disease.
Autosomal dominant
One copy is enough to cause disease (feline HCM, PKD). Affected/Carrier should not be bred.
X-linked
Risk differs by sex (males more affected). Hemophilia, certain PRAs.
Key Tests by Dog Breed
PRA-prcd, vWD, NEwS
DM, HUU, JHC
PRA-prcd, NCL
PRA-cord1, myopathy, IVDD risk
PRA, GM1, liver shunt risk
MDR1, CEA, DM
GM1 (critical for Shiba), PRA
PRA-prcd, EIC, DM, hip dysplasia (CHD)
Key Tests by Cat Breed
HCM (MYBPC3 A31P), PKD, SMA
HCM (MYBPC3 R820W), PKD
PKD1 mutation, PRA
Osteochondrodysplasia has no DNA test; avoid fold-to-fold breeding. HCM/PKD recommended
PRA-b, PK-Def, HCM
HCM, PKD
PK-Def, PRA-rdAc
GSD IV, HCM, PK-Def
Where Results Appear
- Listing page "Health Info" section.
- Parent dog/cat results listed alongside, with lab name and date.
- If absent, contact the breeder via messaging.
Important Caveats
Frequently Asked Questions
Is genetic testing legally required?
Not legally required, but responsible breeders perform it voluntarily. We recommend choosing breeders who publish results.
If both parents are Clear, do we need to test the pup?
If both parents are Clear, offspring are Clear barring mutation. If one parent is Carrier, the offspring may be Carrier or Affected — testing is needed for breeding candidates.
How much does testing cost?
Approximately ¥3,000–10,000 per gene; ¥10,000–30,000 for panel tests.
Where can I see the results?
Breeders can optionally publish results on their BreederDirect listing. If not listed, contact the breeder via the messaging feature.
Is it safe to buy a Carrier puppy?
For recessive diseases, Carriers are clinically as healthy as Clears, provided they are spayed/neutered and not bred. Choose Clears if breeding.