Trueclass Comprehensive DNA, Health Testing and Ethical Breeding 

Trueclass understands how important selecting a new puppy is. Like humans, all dogs can suffer from genetic diseases.

Labradors and Golden Retrievers combined, can carry up to 30 genetic recessive diseases. Trueclass undertakes genetic testing to ensure that their puppies parents are not affected by any inheritable genetic diseases, which can not only cause pain and sudden death but may also result in substantial veterinary costs. Trueclass takes great pride in breeding from healthy parents so that all their puppies can have a healthy start.

How Genetic Disease Affects Dogs

Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency is a heritable disease that affects Labradors. Symptoms of this disease usually begin to show at 4 months to 1 year of age. The symptoms can include weakness, lack of energy, rapid heart rate, heart murmurs, pale gums and stunted growth. As the disease progresses, bones and the liver can be affected. The disease is ultimately fatal.

Another example is an eye disease, Progressive Rod Cone Degeneration. Many breeds including Labradors and Golden Retrievers can be affected by Progressive Rod Cone Degeneration. It’s also known as Progressive Retina Atrophy. PRA is a collection of inherited diseases affecting the retina causing initial night blindness, with a slow deterioration of vision until the dog is completely blind. Early onset of PRA can result in the dog becoming completely blind from as young as 1 to 5 years of age. Late Onset PRA can occur from 1 year of age resulting in night blindness and full blindness can occur at a later stage of late. That’s why Trueclass tests both parents to ensure they do not pass on these and many other serious illnesses to their pups so you can have complete peace of mind.

How Trueclass Excludes Genetic Disease

A swab is taken from both parents cheeks and sent to a Specialist Canine DNA laboratory. The DNA laboratory then sends them a comprehensive report covering all known genetic disorders. Trueclass only breeds from dogs that do not carry any inheritable diseases.

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia occurs when the joints are not properly formed, leading to arthritis and degenerative joint disease later in life. Hip and elbow dysplasia has many causes but one of the major ones is genetic. That’s why Trueclass has both parents Hips and Elbows x-rayed by Veterinarians, who then sends those reports to a Specialist Orthopaedic Veterinarian. Only dogs with sound hips and elbows are used for breeding.

Heart Disease

Some lines of Golden Retrievers are susceptive to inherited heart disease, with the main condition being Subaortic Stenosis which can result in sudden death. Trueclass ensures both parents have been checked by a Veterinary Physician, to eliminate any heart disease that may affect their puppies.

Eye Disease

Trueclass ensures that both Golden Retrievers parents have had their eyes examined by a Specialist Ophthalmologist to ensure there are no other defects which can be passed on to their pups.

Why it’s Important to Choose a Breeder who is a Member of DOGS NSW / DOGS AUSTRALIA

To become a registered breeder, the applicant has to have their facility inspected by a DOGS NSW / DOGS AUSTRALIA representative and also undertake their examinations to prove their competence in the understanding of conformation, feeding, health, care and the understanding of their code of ethics, before they can apply for a Prefix. Any breaches can result in penalties and/or suspension.

This ensures that by dealing only with a registered breeder like Trueclass your pup will be sound and healthy. DOGS AUSTRALIA, formerly the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC), is the only internationally recognised registry in Australia able to issue certified pedigrees for purebred dogs that is recognised by state governments and local councils.

All DOGS NSW breeders must abide by their code of ethics. DOGS NSW registered breeders are bound by a strict code of ethics, covering responsible dog ownership and breeder responsibilities relating to the keeping, welfare, breeding and selling of dogs. Their code of ethics ensures that you will receive a healthy, happy pup from Trueclass.

DOGS NSW / DOGS AUSTRALIA formally known as ANKC is the only internationally recognised dog registry. DOGS NSW / DOGS AUSTRALIA certified pedigrees are the only recognised pedigrees with state governments and local councils. Other organisations such as MDBA, ABR, Australian Canine Registry and ICBS are NOT affiliated with the DOGS NSW / DOGS AUSTRALIA and cannot issue recognised pedigrees with state government and local councils.

DOGS AUSTRALIA was established in 1958 and is Australia’s only internationally recognised register of purebred dogs. When you deal with a member of this organisation you are dealing with an ethical reputable breeder, not a puppy farmer or backyard breeder. So if you care about the welfare of your pup’s parents, then choosing a member of this organisation, is not only good for your future pup but also protects the welfare of its parents.

Ethical Breeding

Trueclass take great care to secure a smooth and healthy pregnancy for their Dams, including the following,

  • Prenatal & Postnatal Checkups

  • High quality diets

  • Progesterone testing

  • Ultrasounds

  • X-rays

Buying from a registered ethical breeder like Trueclass, means that you can be assured that you are Not Supporting Backyard and Unregistered Breeders. All Trueclass clients are welcome to visit and inspect their first class facilities to satisfy themselves that they are dealing with an ethical breeder.

Trueclass Uses the Services of These Specialist Veterinarians

  • Ophthalmologists (Eyes)

  • Cardiologists (Hearts)

  • Orthopaedics (Skeleton)

  • Geneticists (DNA)

Trueclass take great care to ensure that their clients puppies are fit and healthy.

Unregistered breeders such as puppy farmers, puppy mills and backyard breeders, are very unlikely to undertake these rigorous health tests, or go through any process of providing papers, genetically testing parents, eye, heart or hip examinations and there are no organisations inspecting their breeding facilities to the same rigorous standards as DOGS NSW / DOGS AUSTRALIA.

Trueclass believe it’s better to be safe than sorry, so Trueclass recommends that you should only purchase a puppy from a Registered Breeder who is a member of DOGS NSW / DOGS AUSTRALIA.