This article is written for people who are looking for a puppy, already own a dog, or have received genetic test results and would like to understand what they actually mean.

Genetic testing reports are written in technical language and often assume a background in genetics or breeding. Without that context, the information can be difficult to interpret correctly.

The purpose of this article is to translate genetic testing and breed health information into plain English.

To explain what different results represent, how they are used in real breeding practice, and which information is relevant for pet owners versus breeders.

This article focuses on practical interpretation rather than raw data. It explains how genetic tests, veterinary examinations, and breed club recommendations fit together, and how they are applied in everyday decision-making.

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Orivet and genetic testing in Australia

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In Australia, Orivet is the leading laboratory providing genetic testing for dogs. Its panels are widely used by breeders, veterinarians, breed clubs, and research programs across the country.

Most Australian breeders who perform genetic testing use Orivet, either for individual tests or full-panel screening. This includes testing of breeding dogs as well as, in some cases, puppies.

Orivet panels are designed to serve several purposes at once:

• identification of well-established inherited conditions

• population-level monitoring of genetic variants

• ongoing research into newly described or incompletely understood mutations

As a result, Orivet test panels often include a combination of:

• clinically validated disease-causing mutations

• variants with known inheritance but variable or breed-specific relevance

• newer tests that are still under scientific evaluation

This is an important point to understand when reading Orivet reports.

Not every test included in a panel carries the same clinical weight, and not every detected variant represents a health problem in every breed.

Orivet clearly distinguishes between:

• genetic information used for risk management and breeding decisions

• results that are provided for informational or research purposes

• tests that are not intended to be used as diagnostic tools or as standalone justification for treatment or breeding exclusion

Understanding how Orivet panels are structured helps prevent misinterpretation of results and allows genetic information to be used as it was intended: as a decision-support tool rather than a label.

For breeders, Orivet testing provides a broad genetic overview that supports informed pairing decisions.

For pet owners, it offers transparency and reassurance that testing has been performed, while recognising that most results have no impact on everyday life or long-term wellbeing.

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What genetic testing can — and cannot — tell us

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Genetic testing is a powerful tool, but it has clear limits. Understanding both its capabilities and its boundaries is essential for correct interpretation of results.

Genetic tests can tell us:

• whether a dog carries a specific, known genetic variant

• how that variant is inherited

• whether a dog can pass the variant on to offspring

Genetic tests cannot tell us:

• whether a dog will develop a disease in the future

• how severe a condition would be if it did develop

• whether a dog is “healthy” or “unhealthy” as a whole

• whether a dog is suitable or unsuitable for breeding on its own

 

Most genetic tests identify risk, not outcome.

Even for well-established conditions, a genetic result is not the same as a clinical diagnosis.

Genetic testing also only covers a small fraction of the canine genome. Thousands of genes are still unstudied or poorly understood. Many health conditions have complex or multifactorial causes that cannot be predicted by a single DNA test.

This is why genetic testing must always be interpreted alongside:

• veterinary examinations

• clinical history

• knowledge of inheritance patterns

• an understanding of population genetics

Used correctly, genetic testing supports informed decisions.

Used in isolation, it can be misleading.

The following sections explain how these principles apply to the specific tests included in the Orivet Full Breeding Profile.

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Overview of genetic conditions included in the Orivet Full Breeding Profile

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The Orivet Full Breeding Profile includes a range of genetic tests that differ in clinical relevance, level of validation, and practical application. Some tests identify well-established inherited diseases. Others detect genetic variants that may be breed-specific, clinically insignificant, or still under scientific evaluation.

A genetic finding is not the same as a diagnosis.

The presence of a mutation does not automatically mean disease, reduced quality of life, or unsuitability for breeding.

Below is an explanation of each condition included in the profile: how it is inherited, how relevant it is to Poodles, how results are used in breeding, and what carrier status means for dogs kept as pets.

 

Congenital Macrothrombocytopenia (CM)

Inheritance

Autosomal recessive.

Prevalence

This genetic variant is well described in certain breeds. Poodles are not listed by Orivet as an affected breed and are likely included under the category “Others”.

Clinical relevance

There is currently no evidence that Congenital Macrothrombocytopenia causes clinically significant disease in Poodles. Even dogs genetically classified as affected typically do not show abnormal bleeding or reduced quality of life. In practice, this finding is usually incidental.

Use of carriers in breeding

Carrier dogs may be used in breeding when paired with a clear dog. Given the lack of demonstrated clinical relevance in Poodles, CM status alone is not considered a limiting factor in responsible breeding programs.

Carrier status in pet dogs

For dogs kept as pets, carrier status has no impact on health, quality of life, or lifespan and does not require any special care.

Validity of the test

The test reliably detects the genetic variant. For Poodles, results should be interpreted as informational rather than diagnostic.

 

Congenital Methemoglobinemia (Poodle and Pomeranian type)

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Inheritance

Autosomal recessive.

Prevalence

Rare.

Clinical relevance

Only dogs inheriting two copies of the mutation may be affected. Affected dogs may show reduced oxygen transport, exercise intolerance, or abnormal mucous membrane colour. Carriers show no clinical signs.

Use of carriers in breeding

Carrier-to-clear matings are acceptable and do not produce affected puppies.

Carrier status in pet dogs

For dogs kept as pets, carrier status has no impact on health, quality of life, or everyday functioning.

Validity of the test

This is an established genetic test suitable for preventing affected offspring. Carrier results are not clinically relevant for pet dogs.

 

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

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Inheritance

Autosomal recessive with incomplete penetrance.

Prevalence

The genetic mutation is present across many breeds, including Poodles, but clinical disease is uncommon.

Clinical relevance

Degenerative Myelopathy is a late-onset neurological condition typically affecting senior dogs. Importantly, many genetically affected dogs never develop clinical signs. A positive genetic result does not equal a diagnosis.

Use of carriers in breeding

Carriers may be bred to clear dogs. Even genetically affected dogs may never develop symptoms, which highlights the need for careful interpretation.

Carrier status in pet dogs

For dogs kept as pets, being a genetic carrier does not affect health, quality of life, or lifespan and does not predict future disease.

Validity of the test

The test identifies genetic risk only and cannot predict whether a dog will develop clinical disease.

 

Gangliosidosis GM2 (Poodle type)

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Inheritance

Autosomal recessive.

Prevalence

Very rare.

Clinical relevance

A severe early-onset neurological disease leading to progressive deterioration and premature death. Although extremely uncommon, this is one of the conditions where genetic screening is particularly important.

Use of carriers in breeding

Carrier dogs may be bred to clear dogs. Carrier-to-carrier matings must be avoided.

Carrier status in pet dogs

Carrier dogs are clinically normal. For dogs kept as pets, carrier status has no impact on health or quality of life.

Validity of the test

This is a well-established and clinically meaningful test used to prevent affected puppies.

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Osteochondrodysplasia (Miniature Poodle type)

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Inheritance

Autosomal recessive.

Prevalence

Rare, particularly in Toy Poodles.

Clinical relevance

This condition affects skeletal and cartilage development. Severity varies and may impact mobility in affected dogs.

Use of carriers in breeding

Carriers may be used in breeding when paired with clear dogs.

Carrier status in pet dogs

For dogs kept as pets, carrier status alone does not affect health, structure, or mobility and does not require restrictions or treatment.

Validity of the test

This is a newer test. As stated by the laboratory, results are not intended for diagnostic use or for standalone treatment or breeding decisions. The test is included for risk awareness and ongoing research.

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Progressive Retinal Atrophy (rcd4)

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Inheritance

Autosomal recessive.

Prevalence

Detected in Poodles, with frequency varying between bloodlines and regions.

Clinical relevance

A progressive, painless degeneration of the retina leading to vision loss and eventual blindness. Dogs typically adapt well and maintain good quality of life.

Use of carriers in breeding

Carrier-to-clear matings are acceptable and safe.

Carrier status in pet dogs

Carrier dogs do not develop clinical disease. For dogs kept as pets, carrier status has no impact on vision or quality of life.

Validity of the test

This is a well-established and reliable genetic test. It is not currently mandatory in Australia.

 

Progressive Rod Cone Degeneration (prcd-PRA)

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Inheritance

Autosomal recessive.

Prevalence

Historically one of the more common PRA mutations in Poodles.

Clinical relevance

Gradual, painless loss of vision progressing to blindness.

Use of carriers in breeding

Carriers may be safely bred to clear dogs.

Carrier status in pet dogs

For dogs kept as pets, carrier status has no impact on health or vision.

Validity of the test

This is a long-established and highly reliable genetic test widely used worldwide.

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von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD)

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Inheritance

Autosomal recessive, with variable expression.

Prevalence

Low in Poodles compared to some other breeds.

Clinical relevance

Affected dogs may experience prolonged bleeding following injury or surgery. Severity varies widely.

Use of carriers in breeding

Carriers may be used in breeding when paired with clear dogs.

Carrier status in pet dogs

Carrier dogs are clinically normal. For dogs kept as pets, carrier status does not affect everyday life or require special management.

Validity of the test

The test reliably identifies genetic status but does not predict clinical severity.

 

Important note on genetic diversity

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Excluding all carrier dogs from breeding programs does not improve breed health. Instead, it reduces genetic diversity and concentrates countless untested genes within a smaller population. Over time, this increases the risk of new health problems emerging — conditions for which no genetic tests currently exist.

Responsible breeding relies on informed pairing, not on breeding only “clear” dogs.

Genetic testing is a management tool, not a filter.

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Responsible breeding beyond minimum requirements

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Responsible breeding is not defined by a single test or a checklist of “passes and fails”. It is a long-term process that balances genetic information, clinical health, population genetics, and real-world outcomes.

Breed club requirements establish a minimum standard.

Meeting that standard determines eligibility to breed.

It does not, on its own, guarantee long-term breed health.

This is why many breeders choose to go beyond minimum requirements and use a combination of tools, including:

 

• genetic testing where validated tests exist

• veterinary examinations and clinical screening

• evaluation of structure, movement, and temperament

• careful selection of breeding pairs over multiple generations

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Genetic testing plays an important role in this process, but it must be used correctly.

Using genetic tests responsibly means:

• understanding inheritance patterns

• avoiding high-risk combinations

• recognising which results are clinically meaningful and which are informational

• preserving genetic diversity rather than narrowing the gene pool

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Breeding decisions should never be made based on a single result in isolation.

A dog that is a genetic carrier is not unhealthy.

A dog that is genetically clear is not automatically a better breeding prospect.

Every breeding dog carries unknown genetic variants that cannot currently be tested. Focusing exclusively on known mutations while ignoring population structure, diversity, and phenotype increases the risk of concentrating untested genes and creating new health problems over time.

This is why responsible breeding prioritises:

 

• informed pair selection rather than blanket exclusion

• reduction of known risks without sacrificing valuable genetics

• long-term breed sustainability rather than short-term “perfect results”

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For pet owners, this approach means transparency without unnecessary alarm.

For breeders, it means using genetic testing as a decision-support tool — not as a filter that removes dogs based solely on carrier status.

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Responsible breeding is not about producing dogs that are “clear on paper”.

It is about producing dogs that are healthy, functional, well-tempered, and genetically sustainable for the future of the breed.

Genetic testing is an important part of modern dog breeding, but it is only one part of a much broader picture. Test results provide information — not verdicts — and they must be interpreted in context.

Understanding how genetic tests work, what different results actually mean, and where their limitations lie allows both breeders and dog owners to use this information correctly. When genetic data is combined with veterinary screening, sound breeding practices, and an understanding of population genetics, it becomes a valuable decision-making tool rather than a source of confusion.

For pet owners, genetic testing offers transparency and insight, without implications for everyday life or long-term wellbeing in the case of carrier status.

For breeders, it supports informed pair selection and long-term breed sustainability when used responsibly.

The goal of genetic testing is not to eliminate risk entirely — that is neither possible nor desirable.

The goal is to manage known risks while preserving the genetic diversity, health, and functionality of the breed for future generations.

When used with knowledge and perspective, genetic testing supports better outcomes for dogs, breeders, and owners alike.