Genetic and Behavioral Information on our Dogs....

As breeders, we believe in full disclosure of our experiences with our own dogs and the bloodlines we have utilized in our breedings.  Genetic health is of great importance to us here!  We realize that every bloodline of purebred dog carries the potential for problems.  We used to be of the belief that we would only utilize lines free and clear of problems, but have come to understand that that is simply not possible.  Unfortunately, it seems that there are still many Aussie owners who do not understand the reality of genetic health in this breed.  To publicly admit to producing a genetic problem in a bloodline is a death sentence to breeders.  Is it any wonder there is such little information available about the problems that continue to plague this breed? 

My reason for writing this page is to try to educate general puppy buyers/owners and competitors of what to expect from a breeder when purchasing a puppy. 

• Expect a clear and honest approach and answer to questions about genetic health problems in the bloodlines.  The longer a breeder has worked with a particular bloodline, the broader their base of knowledge will be about that line. 
  
•  Expect a breeder to be honest with you about problems that have appeared in their past breedings.  When you hear of problems, do not disregard the litter but appreciate that the breeder has the knowledge and has been honest with you and given you the information and ability to choose for yourself if it is a line you want to own/work with.
  
• Expect that any puppy you buy will run some risk of a health problem or behavioral problems.  These risks can be reduced by utilizing breeders and bloodlines you are familiar with, but there will always be some level of risk when purchasing a puppy.  Decide which risks you are willing to take (epilepsy, Hip Dysplasia, Cataracts, CEA, Auto-immune and allergy problems, etc.) and then make your choices accordingly.  Of course, in order for any of this to be effective, you must be working with an honest breeder you can trust and you must remember that a breeder's information is only as good as what they've been able to uncover.  Support breeders who share this information! 
  
• Be sure you understand the steps a breeder will take should your puppy develop any problems.  What does a breeder cover in their contract?  Is the breeder someone you can trust and work well with?  That is as important as a good contract.  Some breeders may offer a replacement puppy only in exchange for the return of the dog that has developed a problem.  I don't know many owners who wish to give up their older dog, so this should be a consideration when reviewing a contract.  Some owners may not want another puppy from that breeder, therefore, they forfeit any kind of retribution for the problems) they've encountered with their dog.  Be sure you understand these things ahead of time and make sure you are comfortable with the breeder and the contract prior to purchasing a puppy.  

Our practice at Roanoak is to steer away from the debilitating, quality of life-altering diseases in our breed.  Often, during research for a possible cross, we will run into information on various problems within a bloodline and we often find ourselves having to make decisions as to which genetic health issues we are willing to take chances on and which ones we're not.  We make these choices by weighing the percentages of dogs within the lines with problems, which problems are ones in which a dog can still live a relatively healthy and productive life and what our own risks are in our current dogs and bloodlines. 

If you have any questions regarding the health/behavioral problems we've experienced in our breedings to date, please don't hesitate to e-mail and ask us.  We'll be honest and share whatever information we have thus far!  

Here are a list of our current problems we've experienced in each of our crosses: (click to go to link)

Starcross Final Obsession X Charisma's Red Hot Skye (1995)

Crown Point Crimson Tide X Charisma's Red Hot Skye (1996)

Crown Point Stonewall Jackson X Shercrest Zomething Different (1998)

Crown Point Red Rodeo Ray X Charisma's Rei of Son(2002)

Roanoaks N Cahoots Reinflame X Roanoaks Liquid Courage (2004)

Roanoaks N Cahoots Reinflame X Roanoaks Prairie Star (2005) --Belonging to Donna Highstreet of Granite Aussies

Roanoaks N Cahoots Reinflame X Western Hills Shutterbug Los Suenos (2007) --Belonging to Heidi Mobley of Western Hills Aussies

Roanoaks N Cahoots Reinflame X Indy (2007) --Belonging to Rhonda Shewchuk

Roanoaks N Cahoots Reinflame X Windmills Virginia Dare --Belonging to Gina Larson of Windmill Aussies

Roanoaks N Cahoots Reinflame X SRN Eagle's Remember When (2007) --Belonging to Sharon Elkins of SRN Eagle Aussies