The Role of DNA in MDBA Breed Development
MDBA uses DNA science as a central tool in breed development but also breed recognition. DNA is not only used to identify and eliminate hereditary diseases but also to identify which dogs will reliably breed true. By integrating genetic science into every stage of our programs, we are setting new benchmarks for transparency, predictability, and breed health.
DNA testing allows breeders to make informed decisions about pairings, reducing the risk of debilitating inherited conditions and building credibility within the breeding community.
Health Screening and Disease Prevention
- Identify Carriers: DNA testing can identify dogs that carry a single copy of a disease gene without being affected themselves. These dogs are still valuable breeding animals if managed correctly.
- Prevent Inherited Disorders: By pairing carriers with clear mates, breeders can avoid producing affected puppies.
- Reduce Debilitating Conditions: Over time, strategic use of DNA information reduces the incidence of serious hereditary problems within the breed.
Clear by Parentage
When both parents are tested and confirmed as genetically clear for a disease, their puppies can be considered clear by parentage FOR THAT DISEASE. MDBA policy requires direct testing before breeding, ensuring long-term reliability and protecting against accidental errors or fraud.
Parentage Verification
- Ensuring Accuracy: DNA is the ultimate safeguard for verifying lineage.
- Multi-Sire Litters: In cases where more than one sire may have been involved, DNA identifies the correct father.
- “Oops” Litters: Even accidental matings can be clarified with a simple cheek swab.
This protects breeders, puppy buyers, and the integrity of the stud book.
Predicting Traits and Managing Breed Type
DNA testing is not limited to health—it also predicts traits that affect function, grooming, and breed identity. Because the Cobberdog is still a breed in development, what you see is not always what you get. Two wavy-coated parents may produce curly, wavy, or straight puppies. Only dogs that are genetically curly or genetically straight will consistently reproduce that coat type.
For a therapy breed where coat predictability is essential, the long-term goal is to establish homozygosity for specific coat genes. This ensures reliable outcomes for families and service organisations who need dogs with consistent coat types and grooming requirements. For the Australian Cobberdog, MDBA focuses on key coat-related genes:
- Curly Coat (2 variants)
- Shedding
- Undercoat
- Improper Coat
Research Programs: Going Beyond the Basics.
What makes MDBA truly different is that we don’t stop at using DNA as a snapshot—we run long-term research programs to track how genes express themselves over time and how they correlate with structure, health, and function.
- Tracking Genes Over Time: For conditions like Mitral Valve Disease (MMVD), MDBA monitors genetic indicators across the population and records how they relate to actual health outcomes as dogs age. Breeders and owners have opportunities to be involved in these programs.
- Linking Genes and Structure: Genes such as ADAMTS3, which can affect airway health, are studied alongside structural features (like shortened muzzles or excessive skin folds) to understand which combinations may increase risk.
- Identifying Risk Factors Early: Traits such as hemivertebrae (spinal malformations) are evaluated in correlation with physical type and genetic markers, so breeders can make structural and genetic decisions hand-in-hand.
Working with Experts and Advisors
- MDBA consults experts, vets, geneticists, and advisors so the latest science can be explained in plain English and put to practical use in your breeding program.
This approach allows MDBA to build an evidence base that goes far beyond “does this dog carry a disease gene?”—it creates breed specific predictive models for whole-of-life health, structure, and welfare.
Ethical Breeding Practices
- Build Trust: DNA-backed transparency strengthens the relationship between breeders and puppy buyers.
- Enhance Reputation: Avoiding preventable illnesses demonstrates responsible planning and protects the reputation of both individual breeders and the MDBA registry.
- Smarter Pairings: Breeders can match dogs in ways that reduce health risks while maintaining diversity.
DNA science is a cornerstone of MDBA’s ethical framework. Where others stop at “testing for disease,” MDBA integrates DNA into every stage of breeding strategy, recognition policy, and long-term population management.
Resources & Support
- Heading: Helping Breeders Use the Science
- Bullets:
- Printable modes of inheritance charts (laminate for quick reference)
- Canine genetic courses designed for all levels
- Planned webinars with Q&A
- Small-group digital meetings to walk through real examples.
Why MDBA Is Different
We go beyond “disease prevention” to:
- Track gene frequency trends across whole breeds.
- Run research programs that connect DNA with structure and health outcomes.
- Set long-term goals for trait management (e.g., coat genes in the Cobberdog).
- Use DNA data as part of the path to full breed recognition.
- Help every breeder work from a position of knowledge, not guesswork.
This approach means MDBA breeds are not only healthier but also more predictable, stable, and sustainable for future generations.
In short: MDBA uses DNA not just to avoid problems but to actively research, track, and build better breeds. That’s the difference.