MDBA’s Current Position, Data, and Guidance for Breeders
DNA is a cornerstone of the MDBA breeding strategy. As responsible breeders, it’s natural to ask:
What does the CFA12 (FGF4 retrogene) mean for Cobberdogs?
Is it harmful? Should it be eliminated—or managed more carefully?
This article explains MDBA’s current evidence-based position, drawn from the largest Cobberdog DNA and health database in the world.
1. MDBA already has extensive DNA data (not just voluntary reports)
- As far as we are aware all Cobberdog breeders DNA test their breeding dogs.
- Orivet provides DNA results directly to MDBA.
- Breeders using other labs also submit results as part of our health tracking.
Therefore, MDBA holds a large, reliable dataset across the stud book.
We are already analysing CFA12 frequencies alongside pedigrees and health outcomes.
2. No Cobberdogs have been reported with clinical IVDD
Despite the presence of CFA12 in the population:
MDBA has never received a single report of a Cobberdog with clinical Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).
In other breeds (e.g. Dachshunds, Corgis, French Bulldogs), IVDD is common because of two major differences:
- They often carry both CFA12 and CFA18 (a second retrogene).
- They have extreme structure (short legs, long backs, high spinal load).
Cobberdogs do not have these structural exaggerations or the same gene combinations.
3. MDBA also reviews spinal health via X-rays
When breeders submit hip and elbow X-rays, MDBA reviewers also examine the spine for:
- Vertebral anomalies
- Disc space narrowing
- Early signs of degeneration
This allows us to combine DNA data with real clinical and radiographic evidence—a far more accurate approach than DNA alone.
MDBA is the ONLY registry linking DNA + X-ray + pedigree + health data in this way.
4. CFA12 often needs CFA18 or structural traits to become a problem
Scientific research shows:
- CFA12 = disc degeneration risk
- CFA18 = limb shortening/chondrodystrophy
- Highest IVDD risk = CFA12 + CFA18 + long-backed/short-legged structure
Cobberdogs:
- Have balanced, athletic, functional structure,
- Rarely carry CFA18,
- Have no recorded IVDD cases.
This strongly suggests CFA12 behaves differently in this breed.
5. Higher current health priorities in Cobberdogs
While CFA12 requires monitoring, Cobberdog breeders must also focus on conditions with proven clinical relevance
We must not sacrifice diversity needed to solve real problems in pursuit of a theoretical one.
6. MDBA’s interim breeding guidance (until full data is published)
Do NOT double up the gene
No Homozygous × Homozygous
No Homozygous × Heterozygous
If using a homozygous dog:
- Only if it adds unique value,
- Only to a clear (N/N) mate,
- Only with a plan to reduce the gene in the next generation,
- Only in very limited, strategic matings.
Heterozygous (carriers) may be used responsibly:
- Preferably to a clear mate,
- If they contribute key traits (type, health, diversity, temperament),
- Offspring should be DNA tested.
Balance is everything.
“Don’t double it up. Don’t ignore it. Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.”
7. MDBA is actively analysing CFA12 in the breed
We are currently:
- Consolidating DNA data across the population,
- Mapping CFA12 to pedigrees,
- Comparing lines and size varieties,
- Reviewing X-rays for spinal findings,
- Consulting genetic and veterinary experts.
Once the dataset is large and accurate enough, we will publish a breed-specific frequency summary (not guesswork from other breeds).
8. MDBA is the only registry doing this level of work
No other registry is:
- Collecting DNA, X-ray, health, and pedigree data across the whole breed,
- Analysing gene interaction with structure and clinical outcomes,
- Comparing multiple breeds for context,
- Building breed-specific recommendations based on evidence.
This is why MDBA breeders are leading the world in responsible Cobberdog development.
9. Why breeders MUST send DNA results and health outcomes (good AND bad)
To protect the breed, we need complete and accurate information.We ask breeders to submit:
DNA results from any lab
Hip, elbow and spine X-rays
Any diagnosed health issues (major or minor)
“All clear” / normal results as well
Why?
- Only reporting GOOD results = misleading
- Only reporting PROBLEMS = unfairly negative
- We need the FULL picture to see patterns and make informed recommendations
MDBA does NOT collect health data to punish breeders—we collect it to SUPPORT them with tools and strategies that no other registry can offer.
10. MDBA also surveys puppy buyers directly
Not all health issues are reported back to breeders. So MDBA encourages puppy buyers to send us feedback and conducts periodic follow-up surveys with them to identify:
- Any unreported health issues,
- Trends within certain lines or matings,
- Environmental vs genetic influences.
By combining:
DNA + pedigree + X-rays + breeder reports + owner reports
MDBA can detect health trends EARLY and develop proactive solutions based on reality, not rumours.
11. MDBA educates and supports—rather than dictating
We will provide:
- Data summaries,
- Educational articles,
- Case studies,
- Multigenerational breeding tools.
We will not impose one-size-fits-all bans because ethical breeding decisions depend on the whole dog, the whole pedigree, and the breeder’s long-term plan.
Bottom Line
CFA12 must be managed intelligently—not fearfully.
We won’t ignore it.
We won’t panic.
We will use DNA, X-rays, structure, health reports, and genetic diversity data TOGETHER.
MDBA breeders are working with more accurate, complete, and breed-specific information than anyone else in the world.
This is why the Australian Cobberdog has the best chance of staying healthy, functional, and recognized internationally—
and it’s because of breeders like you who work with MDBA, share data, and make informed decisions.
Have questions or need help planning a mating?
We welcome open, respectful discussion and individual strategy support.