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Hip Dysplasia, the LMX Formula
by Tina Barber
Copyright September, 2006 -
Many German Shepherd lovers have seen, known, or loved a dog that suffered great pain, even had to be put down at a young age due to Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD). Though we love this huge breed, the question begs to be asked-Is it worth the risk to purchase and fall in love with a dog only to watch is struggle to stand up when it should be in the prime of its life?
Through the lifetime dedication to her dogs, Tina Barber has created a breed that holds all the traits of the German Shepherds of old, without one critical characteristic-bad hips. Too good to be true? No. Through her Litter Mate X-ray program or LMX, she has answered the prayers to every brokenhearted shepherd owner by producing Shiloh Shepherds that are 97% dysplastic free.
Let's start at the beginning. First, in simple words, what is Canine Hip Dysplasia? Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a truly crippling disease. It causes weakness, deterioration, and ultimately arthritic hips in dogs and is considered a genetic trait. Understanding that this condition is primarily genetic is the key Tina has used to produce Shiloh's from her kennel who are 97% dysplasia free.
It is simple genetics to understand that an inherited trait is a characteristic that is passed from parents to offspring, each parent offering fifty percent (50%) of the offspring's total genetic makeup. We have all said something like You have your mother's blue eyes. That's simple genetics. So, the knowledge that CHD is genetic is understandable, but how do we avoid the passage of that trait? The answer seems easy, know the parents. If mom and dad are clear of hip dysplasia, the puppies will be fine-right? Wrong! It is easy to spot a genetic trait that both parents display, back to the example of blue eyes. But what about that child that has those same beautiful blue eyes when both parents have brown? Here lies the key Tina Barber has found to practically rid the Shiloh Shepherds of hip displays ia.
Tina's LMX program (Litter Mate X-rays) has taken the genetic study of her Shiloh's to an entirely new level, and is a unique program to Shiloh Shepherds. Many understand the concept of dominant and recessive genes, again basic genetics. Dominant is what you can see (known as phenotype) and recessive is what you have but don't see (genotype). Why is this information important? Just because the parent dogs don't, themselves, have hip dysplasia does not mean they don't carry the gene. So, can this gene show itself through puppies if it does not show in either parent? You bet.
For each dog you see, there is also what can be thought of as a shadow dog. The traits of a dog that is in each dog, but cannot be seen. Therefore, an offspring of a dog that does not have hip dysplasia can suffer from CHD. The first situation to illuminate this point-- each parent does not have the phenotype for hip dysplasia, yet carry the genotype. Therefore, both parents carry that recessive. As a result, a dysplastic puppy can be born from parents that do not themselves have hip dysplasia. Another scenario, a puppy may not display actual dysplasia, but is a carrier since it got the recessive gene from mom or dad. Now, this puppy is ultimately bred with a dog who also carries the recessive, again, you have a dysplastic puppy.
This knowledge would solve it all if we could determine the genotype, or recessive qualities of each parent dog. Unfortunately, that is not possible. However, Tina discovered if x-rays were taken of not only dogs that were intended for breeding, but of all litter mates born, those genotypes or recessive genes would reveal themselves allowing to only breed those dogs who did not carry the gene causing hip dysplasia. This brings out that shadow dog through x-rays. If a parent dog does not have CHD, but is passing on the gene, that dog is no longer used for breeding. Without data on litter mates, it would be impossible to reveal the recessive gene.
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Tina Barber has been involved with German Shepherd Dogs all of her life. She started her own training kennel and breeding program in 1962. Thus began her quest to develop the ultimate companion. Her struggle and success is beautifully documented in this exciting book.
The Shiloh Shepherd is still under development but stands as a model of what pure breeding is all about. The book and the website reveal the breed founder's vision. Tina's web site can be viewed at www.shilohshepherdstory.com You may contact Tina at MaShiloh@shilohshepherds.info
Book Reviews
Critically acclaimed by Fred Lanting, author of several outstanding books including The Total German Shepherd Dog - 'Tina has had the tenacity of a Bulldog, the energy of a Border Collie, and the determination of a German Shepherd in the pursuit of her goals, despite several roadblocks and setbacks.'
Jeffrey Bragg, author of Purebred Dog Breeds - 'This book is probably unlike any dog book you have ever read.'
Richard Sterban, The Oak Ridge Boys, Bass singer - 'I have known many of her dogs through the years. They are some of the most majestic animals I've ever seen.'
Barbara J. Andrews, Journalist, breeder of over 230 AKC Chs. - 'Decidedly different and chock-full of insight into breeding, pedigree study, and faith. Tina Barber is as unique and intelligent as her Shiloh Shepherds. Trust me, this book belongs on every breeder’s bookshelf.
