DNA Tested Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, Bernedoodles, Bernese Mountain Dogs & Poodles

At Cucciolini Doodles, our breeding program begins with health, care, and responsible planning. Our girls and boys undergo DNA health screening before being considered for breeding, helping us make informed pairing decisions for our Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, Bernedoodles, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Labrador Retrievers, and Poodles.

At Cucciolini Doodles, health is one of our highest priorities. Every dog considered for our breeding program undergoes comprehensive DNA health screening before being used for breeding. DNA testing helps us make informed breeding decisions, reduce the risk of inherited genetic conditions, and support our goal of producing healthy, well-rounded companions for families throughout Ontario, across Canada, and in the United States.

Many of our dogs have been screened for more than 350 genetic health conditions through recognized canine DNA testing laboratories. These results help guide responsible pairings and give families greater confidence in the care and planning behind our program.

What Do DNA Results Mean?

Clear

A dog carries no copies of the tested genetic mutation and is not expected to pass that specific mutation to offspring.

Carrier

For many inherited recessive conditions, a carrier has one copy of a tested mutation but is not considered affected by that condition. When paired responsibly with a genetically clear mate, carriers can still produce healthy puppies while preventing affected puppies from being produced for that tested condition.

Affected

A dog carries the genetic combination associated with developing a tested condition. No dog listed in our active breeding program is affected by the genetic conditions listed on this page.

Understanding Degenerative Myelopathy, DM

Degenerative Myelopathy, often called DM, is a late-onset neurological condition that can affect mobility in senior dogs. DM is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait, meaning a dog generally must inherit two copies of the associated mutation to be considered genetically affected.

At Cucciolini Doodles, we test for both SOD1A and SOD1B variants, including the variant especially relevant to Bernese Mountain Dogs, to support responsible breeding decisions for our Bernedoodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Our DM Breeding Policy

Cucciolini Doodles does not breed DM-affected dogs. Any dog identified as a carrier for Degenerative Myelopathy, whether SOD1A or SOD1B, is paired only with a genetically clear mate.

This pairing approach is designed to prevent puppies from being affected by the tested DM variants.

DM Pairing Chart

Clear, N/N × Clear, N/N

100% clear puppies
No carriers
No affected puppies for the tested variant

Clear, N/N × Carrier, N/A

Approximately 50% clear puppies
Approximately 50% carrier puppies
0% affected puppies for the tested variant
Ethical and responsible pairing when properly planned

Carrier, N/A × Carrier, N/A

Approximately 25% affected

Approximately 50% carrier

Approximately 25% clear
This pairing is not acceptable in our breeding program.

Clear, N/N × Affected, A/A

100% carrier puppies
This pairing is not recommended in our breeding program.

Carrier, N/A × Affected, A/A

Approximately 50% affected
Approximately 50% carrier
This pairing is not acceptable in our breeding program.

Affected, A/A × Affected, A/A

100% affected
This pairing is not acceptable in our breeding program.

DM FAQ

What is DM?

Degenerative Myelopathy is a late-onset neurological condition that can affect a dog’s mobility later in life.

Can puppies show signs of DM?

DM is considered a late-onset condition, meaning signs typically appear later in life rather than during puppyhood.

What is a carrier?

For DM, a carrier has one copy of the tested mutation. A carrier is not considered genetically affected, but the result matters when planning responsible breeding pairings.

Can carriers be bred?

Yes, carriers may be bred responsibly only when paired with a genetically clear mate for the same tested condition.

Does Cucciolini Doodles test for both DM variants?

Yes. We test for both SOD1A and SOD1B where relevant to the breed and pairing.

Can my puppy be affected by DM?

Our breeding pairings are planned to prevent puppies from being affected by the tested DM variants.

Our DNA Health Promise

Genetic screening is one of the most powerful tools available to responsible breeders. By understanding each dog’s genetic profile, we can:

• Reduce the risk of avoidable hereditary disease
• Make informed, responsible breeding decisions
• Protect future generations of Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, Bernedoodles, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Labrador Retrievers, and Poodles
• Provide families with greater confidence and peace of mind
• Support the long-term health and well-being of the puppies we raise

This is the foundation of our program: transparency, integrity, and a deep respect for the dogs in our care.

Our Goldendoodle

Luna – Red F1 Goldendoodle

DNA Tested

• PRCD-PRA – Clear
• GR-PRA1 – Clear
• GR-PRA2 – Clear
• Von Willebrand Disease Type I – Clear
• NEWS – Clear
• Degenerative Myelopathy, DM SOD1A – Clear
• Exercise-Induced Collapse, EIC – Clear
• Hereditary Cataracts – Clear
• GM2 Gangliosidosis – Clear
• Ichthyosis, Golden Retriever Type – Clear
• Osteochondrodysplasia, Poodle Variant – Clear
• CDDY/IVDD – Clear
• MDR1 – Clear

No affected genetic diseases were reported for the tested conditions listed above.

Our Labradoodles

Gracie – Labradoodle

DNA Tested

• PRCD-PRA – Clear
• GR-PRA1 – Clear
• GR-PRA2 – Clear
• Von Willebrand Disease Type I – Clear
• NEWS – Clear
• Degenerative Myelopathy, DM SOD1A – Clear
• Exercise-Induced Collapse, EIC – Clear
• Hereditary Cataracts – Clear
• GM2 Gangliosidosis – Clear
• Centronuclear Myopathy, CNM – Clear
• Skeletal Dysplasia 2, SD2 – Clear
• Ichthyosis, Labrador Type – Clear
• CDDY/IVDD – Clear
• MDR1 – Clear