The Midwoofery Blog

Quick answer: Health testing comes in two flavors. Clinical tests check the dog itself, like hip x-rays and heart exams. DNA tests check the dog’s genes. DNA tests can completely rule out some specific diseases when both parents test clear. But for most of the common stuff we worry about, like hip dysplasia, slipping kneecaps, and most heart defects, there’s no DNA test that clears a dog. For those, testing lowers the risk. It doesn’t get rid of it. Most of us know to run hea

If you are looking for a puppy, you have almost certainly run into the idea that a first cross between two breeds is automatically the healthiest choice. It’s called “hybrid vigor” or sometimes “heterosis.” It comes up in online groups, in short videos, and now in AI answers, usually stated as if it settles the question. The instinct behind that idea is a good one. You want a healthy dog, and that is exactly the right thing to care about. The catch is that the popular version

You have probably had this conversation. A buyer comes to you certain that a first cross is the healthiest dog they can get, because they read about hybrid vigor somewhere, or an AI summary told them, or a video made it sound like settled science. The idea has a clean, confident ring to it. Mix two breeds, get a healthier dog. The trouble is that the popular understanding is being treated like a guarantee, and the real picture is more interesting than that. None of what follo

As responsible breeders, it's not enough to simply raise healthy, physically sound puppies. Our job is also to prepare families — and...

Learn how to support male dogs when females are in season and recognize heat-cycle stress and implement solutions for your breeding program.

I propose we change how we talk about "backyard breeders" (BYB) in a more positive and accurate direction. The term is often used as an...

This post discusses fresh frozen plasma or serum as a replacement for colostrum supplementation and an immune booster for newborn pups.

As experienced dog breeders, you know puppies have specific dietary needs—and getting them started on a proper feeding regimen is an...

Progesterone testing is an important tool for breeders to use when managing their dogs' reproductive cycles. By measuring the...