Got Chip?

Microchip that is...Today the puppies made a trip to the vet for a quick checkup and to be microchipped. Why were they microchipped this young? For a couple of reasons....

I strongly believe in open (public) health databases for dogs. I believe it helps us understand where we are in terms of health of our breed. I believe it helps us make informed breeding decisions when we can go to the public database and search on other dogs and dogs in a particular pedigree. (Things like an untimely death of a breeder can create holes of information that can never be recovered, so the use of public databases helps eliminate that, as well as records lost due to moves or fires, etc.) I believe it will help researchers not only decide what to research, but also give them supporting information (such as parentage) when conducting research.

Because I support public databases such as OFA, these puppies will be permanently identified (the microchip) so their health test results, good or bad / pass or fail, will be documented and made available for all to see for years to come. I feel this was one of many personal responsibilities I took on when I decided to breed this litter. By microchipping them at this age, they have the permanent identification required for all health test results to be submitted to the open database.

I also microchipped the puppies so that in the case they ever get lost (which I hope NEVER happens), they can be reunited with their owners.

So, they all got checked out by our vet Dr. Rattner and then were chipped with the help of Frankie. (I do not like the sight of needles, so I didn't watch. LOL!) They were great little troopers - no fussing and no drama. In fact, there was only one little cry from one puppy. They then got their pictures taken and then were admired by many in the office who were very excited to see them.

The puppies send thank yous and puppy kisses to Dr. Rattner, Frankie, Teri, and everyone else at the office that made their first trip to the vet a very positive experience!

They have two vet visits scheduled next week - one for their CERF test (eyes) and another for their BAER hearing test. I'm hoping those experiences are just as positive for them.

Now that the puppies have been microchipped, their DNA swabs were overnighted to UC Davis for testing. Soon we will know officially who inherited the normal "pee" gene from their sire. Keep your fingers crossed for good news!

All health test results, as well as evaluations of structure, movement, temperament and other aspects of conformation to the dalmatian standard will determine who is available as a pet/companion, performance prospect and/or show/breeding prospect.

More puppy evaluations are scheduled for this weekend, so check back for more puppy pictures this weekend.