We have 1,000 dogs in our survey. Approximately 34% of these dogs came from breeders; the remaining 66% came from pet owners. Of the 1,000 dogs, 40% (401 dogs) were affected with one or more of the 57 Genetic Defects listed on the chart; conversely 60% (599 dogs) were unaffected. All of the genetic traits listed on the chart were reported in at least one dog. Remember that in Dr. Padgett's book, "The Control of Canine Genetic Disease," he listed 138 diseases for the German Shepherd Dog. So, while 57 diseases for our dogs may seem like a lot, it falls way short of 138.

An important number to remember is 7.1! This represents the average number of defects carried in each of our dogs. Does this surprise anyone? What this means is that whether you know it or not, your beautiful dog carries the genes to pass along, on an average of 7.1 different genetic defects to its offspring. Dr. Padgett's work and the results of this survey will help you to identify these traits and breed healthier dogs.

The first column is the number of dogs reported with "diagnosed genetic conditions." If there was doubt that a vet diagnosed the condition, it couldn't be included. There were many other conditions affecting our dogs that are not genetic and, therefore, are not included in this chart (see the list later in this report).

The second column is the Mode of Inheritance. "Und" means undetermined. "R" means it is a recessive trait. 'Poly' means Polygenic (more than one gene is involved), "D" means dominant and the one with a "?" indicates there is still uncertainty about the mode of inheritance.

The third column indicates the % of dogs affected with the disease per 100 dogs. For example 1.0 signifies 1 in 100 dogs is affected with the disease.

The fourth column is the one you will want to learn to use and become very familiar with. This column was figured by using the Hardy-Weinberg Law. Based on this law, a formula was used to determine a guesstimate of carrier frequency in our general population of White Shepherds. One way to interpret the meaning of this column is to understand that if you randomly pick a dog for your bitch, this column indicates the risk that the dog you pick will be a carrier of a particular disease. For example, the risk for Esophageal Hypomobility in the general population of White Shepherds is 6.2%. If you have picked a mate that you know based on your research is "clear" for that disease, you reduce the risk to zero.

Following the chart is a page entitled "Using the Genetic Trait Worksheet." I put this together when I was trying to find the best mate for Kyra. Dr. Padgett thought the worksheet was helpful and so I decided to include it with the report. I've included a blank one you can copy and one with an example of a hypothetical pair of dogs: "Beauty and the Beast." I've also included the chart from Dr. Padgett's book (with his permission, of course) that shows you the risk your dog carries if it is related to an affected dog. The numbers you see next to the genetic traits on the worksheet are derived from this chart. I strongly recommend that you buy a copy of Dr. Padgett's book so you will have all the tools at your fingertips.

After you have researched your bitch's pedigree and discovered, on average of 7.1 defects, you then call the prospective owner of the dog you are considering. Obviously, after watching Dr. Padgett's video and reading this report, they will either have their list ready or be working on it. (We hope!) Then you go to the chart listing all our WS conditions and find the carrier frequency. You write this % in the appropriate column. It is highly likely that the two canines will not have all the diseases in common. For any disease your bitch carries that the dog does not, the carrier risk becomes zero, less than the carrier risk for the general population. For those diseases they both carry, you need to see whether their risk is lower than the risk of a random mate (the carrier frequency column), and or decide that the risk is one you are willing to take.

If you decide the risk is one you think you are willing to take, use the formula to determine the risk of each puppy being affected with the disease. Then, make your decision.

If you have been a breeder who has kept records of all diseases thrown by your dogs, you are ahead of the game. If you have not, you will have to gather records, go back through the pedigrees, call other breeders, and call puppy buyers. The good news is that you only have to do this once and from then on, keep good records. Since we buy dogs from each other, we can help each other gather the information. The biggest job that you have to do is go back and call every puppy buyer you can locate and find out whether your puppy is healthy or whether it is affected with one or more genetic defects. Some are easy to pinpoint like the missing teeth, umbilical hernias, etc. Others need to have been diagnosed by a veterinarian. There are at least a dozen more probable cases of hip dysplasia that we could not include because the dog had not been diagnosed by a vet. Once you accumulate this data, you will have the facts you need right at your fingertips to help make good breeding decisions.

The oldest dog reported in our survey period was 18 years old. The same person had a White that lived to be 21 but had died prior to the start of the survey period.

The following is a list of problems that are not genetic in origin; therefore they are not included in the survey. If detail is wanted, feel free to contact me.

Lick sores, bacterial skin infections, nose rash, and hot spots were reported.

A female and three males were reported to have anal gland problems.

Three females and four males were reported with benign tumors or cysts.

Dr. Padgett points out that one out of four dogs will develop cancer – same as us. The one cancer known to be genetic and the two suspected of being genetic are reported on our Survey Chart. Others reported were brain cancer, Hemagiopericytoma, Pancreatic, site specific cancer, Bone Cancer, Lymphoma, Colon Cancer, Fibrosarcoma, blood vessels and spleen, Liver Cancer, spine, growths on lip, mouth, gums, nose, leg, lung, and type unknown.

Dogs reported with ear infections, ear mites, and ear aches.

Reports of eyes that tear, epithelial folds, itchy eyes, and runny eyes.

Infection of lining of the heart reported, a couple of murmurs with no attendant problems, congestive heart failure, and heart disease without a specific diagnosis.

A female with Small Intestinal Malabsorption reported and three with nervous stomachs.

Three dogs reported with Lyme disease

Females with bacterial infections of reproductive organs, split heats, abnormally long heat cycles, erratic seasons, pyrometria, constant yeast infections, unable to reproduce, brittle uterus, endometriosis and fissures reported. Males with prostate problems requiring neutering.

Spinal deterioration after age 11, embolism on spine, and spinal instability reported.

Three female Stool Eaters

A female died within 48 hours of becoming ill; vets believed she had CoonHound Virus

A male cannot keep on weight

Giardia, ringworm, coccidia, Parvo and bouts with worms reported.

Sporadic vomiting, Valley Fever, kidney failure due to dehydration, internal bleeding, strangles, unhealed sore, inflamed liver, RACL, torn meniscus, skull improperly closed, anterior cruciate ligaments torn, and hematomas reported.