HEALTH TESTING

Health testing can help everyone from breeders to buyers to researchers. Breeders can use the data to analyze pedigrees and create matches between dogs that show more health strengths than weaknesses. Puppy buyers can know they are looking at puppies that have a reduced chance of inheriting breed-specific health problems when the parents show favorable health screening results. Unfortunately testing is not foolproof, however it does provide us with information that helps us to make intelligent breeding decisions, and to minimize the risk of breeding dogs with relatively avoidable health conditions. The cost of testing dogs for several health issues is significant… And armed with the resulting data, we will occasionally have to remove potential breeding dogs from our breeding program. There aren’t tests for everything yet, but new tests are continually being developed. It is important to test for what we are currently able to so that we can continually reduce the likelihood of those conditions, while also staying current on advancements in health testing.

DNA

Some diseases can be eliminated from a breeding program altogether by DNA testing. Some of these include MDR1, and potential eye conditions such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). We utilize the available DNA tests so that we can produce puppies and dogs that won’t be affected by these diseases.

HIPS/ELBOWS

Regardless of a dog's size, there are a variety of joint problems that can occur. Hip dysplasia is probably the best known problem. This caused by a malformation of the ball and socket of the hip joint, a traumatic injury, or excessive stress on young joints which leads to premature development of arthritis in the hips. To have our dogs certified by OFA, dogs must be at least two years of age. Carefully positioned x-rays are taken, at times with sedation, by our vet & are submitted for rating by OFA. OFA issues a rating (excellent, good or fair) and a certification number if the dog "passes". The goal of using dogs in our breeding program with OFA certification is to reduce the incidence of dysplasia. Selecting dogs that are free of dysplasia and whose parents and relatives were also OFA certified will help reduce the incidence of hip dysplasia in our puppies.

EYES

There are many inherited ocular disorders such as cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal diseases. All of our dogs have their eyes examined prior to breeding. Tests must be performed by a board certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist.

These health tests produce healthier puppies and healthier adult dogs that are able to live active lives without being burdened by pain, discomfort or handicaps. A sound, healthy puppy will spare both the dog and his owner a lot of pain. We continue to add tests to our program as they become available so you may see some dogs have different testing than others. We are always trying to keep up with the most recent tests out there and that takes time. As a breeder, using the data gleaned from testing to make wise breeding decisions is what we owe the dogs we produce and families who trust us.

KEEPING OUR DOGS HEALTHY WITH FOOD

Choosing the right food to feed your new puppy is crucial to their overall health and well-being and something that should be done with careful thought and consideration.

At Urban Legends we feed only raw to all of our adult dogs. We have happy dogs, good strong joints and bones and very rarely have vet visits for illness. We compete in dog sports on a regular basis and it is very important for our dogs to be in tip top shape and look beautiful as well. We have gorgeous shiny coats, clean teeth, fresher breath, leaner, more muscular builds, cleaner healthier ears and vibrant energy. Most of all the dogs LOVE it.

Puppies are fed mostly raw with some kibble fed so they do not have a difficult adjustment when they go to their new homes, unless all puppies in that litter are going to raw fed homes then they get only raw.

I admit I was a total kibble feeder until 20 years ago. There seemed to be no issues with kibble that we could tell, however, dog’s lives were getting shorter and shorter and everyone seemed to be having more and more health issues. Ear infections, pancreatitis, bloat, cancer and allergies were some of the many issues being seen on a regular basis. This concerned me. The internet has brought a great deal to light on the topic. There have been many recalls on pet food for poison or waste in the food, and many issues with low quality ingredients. There has also been a lot of education on other ways to feed our dogs. I needed to change for the health of my dogs.

After changing to raw I saw that we were in fact having issues with kibble, I just didn't realize it. Coats got shinier, no trips to the vet for teeth cleaning, no more allergies and no ear infections. In fact now my dogs rarely need to see the vet except for check ups.

Many vets do not like raw diet as raw fed dogs tend to be healthier and require less vet attention. Some vets also claim that raw is unbalanced. Many years ago that could be true when doing it on your own, however, now you can purchase premixed diets that cover everything your dog needs.

You can add a supplement if you like but it is not generally needed. There is supplement information further down if you feel you want one. We are lucky to have an amazing vet team that supports raw feeding. Great vets are out there you may just have to look.

Remember most vets DO NOT have education in Canine nutrition and are supported and clinics owned by pet food companies. You must be your dog's advocate.

Raw food is just as easy to feed as kibble these days. You can get it at almost any pet store and many suppliers deliver to your door. You can get a complete, balanced raw diet and just thaw and serve, or even serve frozen for a chew treat, it is that easy. You handle it as you would any raw meat and you will have no issues. You may notice your puppy eats quite quickly and wants more. Dogs LOVE raw, only feed what they need not what they want.

We are happy to help you on your raw feeding journey, to start raw feeding, find a vet and any information you need.

Raw is not for everyone, so for those people who do not want to feed raw, we recommend using a high quality kibble and a supplement or even better a freeze dried or dehydrated food and a supplement. We are happy to recommend a kibble and supplement for you.​