Genetic Health at Bellhaven
At Bellhaven, our promise to our puppy families begins long before a litter arrives. We believe that health isn't just a hope—it's a responsibility. That's why every single one of our potential breeding dogs undergoes comprehensive DNA testing for hereditary conditions common to the breed.
We don't just keep these results to ourselves. A full copy of the parents' DNA reports is included in every Bellhaven puppy pack, giving you total transparency and peace of mind about your new family member's genetic heritage.
Negative / Clear
No presence of the variant has been detected. The dog is genetically clear of the condition and cannot pass it on to their offspring.
NORMAL BY PARENTAGE HISTORY
The sample submitted has had its parentage verified by DNA. By comparing the DNA profiles of the dam, sire and offspring, this information together with the parents’ history excludes this animal from having this disease. The controls confirm that the dog is NORMAL for the disease requested.
Understanding the standard diagnostic terms found in your Bellhaven puppy's genetic health reports.
DNA Result Definitions
NORMAL BY PEDIGREE
The sample submitted has had its parentage verified by pedigree. The pedigree and parents’ genetic testing reports have been provided. Parentage could not be determined via DNA profile as no sample was submitted.
Positive / At Risk
Two copies of the variant detected (Homozygous). The animal may show symptoms associated with the disease and requires veterinary consultation.
Positive Heterozygous
One copy of a dominant variant detected. The animal may show symptoms, but this result can still be used to produce clear offspring with careful breeding.
Carrier Status Explained
Understanding Carrier Results
A carrier result means the dog has one copy of a specific genetic mutation. They do not have the condition themselves and will live a completely normal, healthy life. Being a carrier is only significant if the dog is being bred, as they can pass that single copy to their offspring.
For example, if Dog A is a carrier of a specific disease and Dog B is negative for that same disease, none of the puppies will be affected by that disease. Some puppies may be carriers, but if a puppy is sold as a pet and not for breeding, no further testing is needed because they won’t be producing offspring. If a puppy is sold for breeding, they should be DNA tested before being bred to make sure they are compatible with their future mate. If that puppy is also a carrier, their mate must be negative for that disease.
Understanding DNA Traits
At Bellhaven, we also DNA test for traits including coat colour, pattern, coat type and shedding. This helps us predict what colours and coats a litter may have, ensuring we match the right pup to the right home.
It also informs our safety standards: we never breed two merles together. This combination is unsafe as it can produce 'double merle' pups that are often blind, deaf, or mostly white.
- We never pair two merles together, because this can create pups that are blind, deaf or mostly white
- If one parent carries a long-coat gene and the other does not, some pups may have longer, fluffier coats
- If both parents carry genes for a rich black-and-white coat, most pups will share that classic Border Collie look
Heritage, Health, Heart
At Bellhaven, DNA testing isn't just a checklist—it's a lifelong commitment to the families who welcome our puppies into their hearts. By understanding the science behind the breed, we ensure that every puppy born on our Anakie farm is destined for a healthy, happy life. Responsible breeding means breeding with vision, integrity, and a deep respect for the legacy of the Border Collie.