Oregon Goldendoodle & Bernedoodle Health Concerns: CDDY, IVDD, and CDPA

What is CDDY, IVDD, and CDPA in Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles?

So what is CDDY, IVDD, or CDPA, and how do they relate to your Goldendoodle and Bernedoodle? Here’s a glossary of each of these:

1. CDDY: This stands for Chondrodystrophy, which is a mutation within the dogs chromosomes. This is a semi-dominant trait that can contribute to shortened legs and an increased risk of IVDD in susceptible breeds. It was discovered only a few years ago, and it’s more common in some breeds more than others. For instance, according to a particular study, the CDDY allele occurred in all of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels tested, and 75% of the miniature poodles tested. However, it only occurred in less than 6% of the the standard poodles tested. So, it could be fair to say that it CDDY appears in the smaller sized Goldendoodles, Bernedoodles, and especially Cavapoos, than the standard sizes.

2. IVDD: This stands for Hansen’s Type I Inter-Vertebral Disc Disease. It’s when the discs between vertebrae in a dog like a Goldendoodle begin to calcify and harden much earlier than usual in life. This then causes the Bernedoodle’s discs to prematurely break down. As the discs break down, they can herniate much easier, along with causing a significant amount of neurological pain and discomfort in your Goldendoodle or Bernedoodle. As we previously said, CDDY mutations increase the risk for IVDD.

3. CDPA: This acronym is short for Chondrodysplasia. It’s recognized by a particular protein (FGF4) in one of the dog’s chromosomes. through genetic testing This is a muscular-skeletal trait, when the cartilage growth plates in the Goldendoodle or Bernedoodle’s legs do not develop properly. This will lead to the Goldendoodle having a normal sized torso, but their legs will be shorter. This trait has become normal in particular breeds such as Daschunds. Bernedoodles with two copies of the CDPA allele will typically have shorter legs than Bernedoodles with only one copy of the CDPA.

Is CDDY a Health Risk for Oregon Goldendoodles & Bernedoodles?

So the obvious question is: are any of these things a health risk for my Goldendoodle or Bernedoodle? We’ll talk about CDPA first and then, CDDY/IVDD.

The shorter legs of CDPA don’t seem to relate to particular orthopedic issues due to abnormal limb development. Consider Daschunds; they do seem to be getting along just fine in some ways.

However, while CDPA does lead to shorter legs, it can also lead to other abnormal physical traits, such as issues with bites. Abnormal bites alone can lead to long-term dental issues for your dog, along with the likelihood of corrective surgery.

By itself, CDDY doesn’t pose too much of a health risk for Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles. It may lead to some shortening of the legs. However, the larger concern is with IVDD. In breeds that are impacted by IVDD - such as Cavaliers or Daschunds - it can lead to a lot of pain and suffering.

For instance, consider any back issues you’ve had. If you’ve ever felt that deep, piercing sting of disc issue, you know that it can quickly become extremely painful, and can stop you right in your tracks.

The same can be said for a Goldendoodle who is suffering from IVDD. As these discs break down, it can quickly debilitate that Goldendoodle. Most care is palliative at that point, while there can be some surgical options that can attempt to somewhat alleviate it.

On the other hand, some breeds either get IVDD less often, or not at all. This then raises the question of whether it is a concern for Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles. To date, we aren’t aware of any Bernedoodles or Goldendoodles - either through GANA or outside of it - that has suffered from IVDD. So we’ll discuss this point in our next section.

Our Approach with our Oregon Goldendoodles, Bernedoodles, and Poodles

As Goldendoodle and Bernedoodle breeders, here’s how we approach these concerns of CDDY/IVDD and CDPA.

With CDPA, we actively avoid it with our Bernedoodle and Goldendoodle breeding stock. Currently, all of our Doodle parents are clear of CDPA and we are striving to keep it that way. The health consequences and physiological risks that come with CDPA are too significant.

Plus, a Bernedoodle that carries one of the CDPA alleles can have health consequences from it; the CDPA gene is incompletely dominant gene. In comparison, the DM (degenerative myopathy) gene is a recessive trait. This means that a Goldendoodle would need to carry both copies in order to be affected. This is why it’s okay to have a breeding Goldendoodle that stilll carries DM. As long as the other dog is clear of DM, then all the puppies will not be affected.

This is why we see CDPA as a significant health concern, and are making a point to keep CDPA out of our Goldendoodle and Bernedoodle puppy breeding lines.

Our approach to CDDY/IVDD is somewhat different. It’s also informed by the perspective of GANA (Goldendoodle Association of North America). Here are some of the variables behind it.

First, we have yet to hear of a case where a Goldendoodle - or a Bernedoodle - has suffered IVDD as a result of CDDY. GANA has had some extensive discussion surrounding this, and none of the breeders had an example of an IVDD case in all of our vast experience in breeding Goldendoodles, especially mini Goldendoodles and petite Goldendoodles. So, it does initially appear like Goldendoodles are not prone to experience IVDD as a result of CDDY.

Second, most miniature poodles at least carry CDDY. As we previously mentioned, some estimates are around 75%. So, if Goldendoodle and Bernedoodle breeders try to only use breeding poodles and doodles that are clear of CDDY, then it will create a genetic bottleneck. This bottleneck can cause other unknown genetic issues to surface in the Goldendoodle and Bernedoodle populations.

So there is a tension with CDDY/IVDD in Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles. It doesn’t seem to be an issue for either of these hybrid breeds at this point; but it could just take time. However, creating a genetic bottle neck can lead to other issues that we don’t currently know at this time.

In light of this tension, we at High Desert Family Doodles are choosing a middle way. One of our Bernedoodle and Goldendoodle studs, Brownie, does carry CDDY. However, we will not breed him with another dog that also carrries CDDY. Additionally, we will breed away from CDDY. We will only hold back CDDY-clear Bernedoodle and Goldendoodle puppies for future breeding dogs.

We will also strive to avoid bringing in outside doodles who carry CDDY. This way, we will try to maintain some genetic diversity within our Goldendoodle and Bernedoodle lines, while also trying to move away from CDDY, and the potential unknown future risks.

Final Thoughts on Bernedoodles, Goldendoodles, and CDDY/IVDD/CDPA

CDDY, IVDD, and CDPA have created a stir over the past few years in many Goldnedoodle and Bernedoodle breeding circles. While some of the reaction could be unwarranted, much of it should be acknowledged.

At this point, CDDY/IVDD does not seem to be a concern for Goldendoodles, and Bernedoodles. That doesn’t mean something down the road could still surface. So we believe it’s important to both take note of that, while also striving to maintain genetic diversity.

However, CDPA does seem to have some direct health consequences, and should be avoided.

This is where we at High Desert Family Doodles have landed on these potential Goldendoodle and Bernedoodle health concerns at this point. We are also actively seeking the freshest information on the matter.

Please let us know if you have any thoughts or questions on this; we love to hear from you.

Warmly,

Erin and Jay