British Shorthair mother and kitten drinking

Life Expectancy in Pedigreed Cats

Learn about the longest and shortest-lived breeds as reported by groups around the world, what impacts life expectancy, and how pedigreed cats compare to household cats. The answers may surprise you. 
Woman on her phone while holding her dog

Dog Breeding Tips for Beginners: Building a Foundation for Success

As a beginner breeder, you’re stepping into a role that blends science, passion, and a deep love for dogs. Read this guide to for some practical advice on how to begin.  
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever with puppies

Pregnancy Care for Dogs: A Guide to Supporting Healthy Litters

Learn the basics about canine pregnancy, including nutrition and exercise, and what makes a good whelping area for your pregnant dog. 
New Feature: Genetic Summary Report

New Feature: Genetic Summary Report

Optimal Selection Canine has just launched a new feature! Users can now download a summary version of their report for submission to OFA or for reporting to their registry.  
Old Labrador in dog bed

Canine Osteoarthritis: What Breeders Need to Know

Canine osteoarthritis is the leading cause of chronic pain in dogs. Learn about the disease, and what you as a breeder can do to identify, prevent or treat it. 
Pointer dog working in a field

Working Dogs vs. Show Dogs: An Introduction

Understand the difference between bench and station, or show-bred and working or field-bred lines of dogs. Different objectives and breeding lines have created significant distinction between purebred dog lines, even within breeds. 
Breeding Checklist and Tips

Breeding Checklist and Tips

Learn some tips you might consider to up your game before breeding your next litter, and download our handy breeding checklist.
Border collies in a field

Should I Breed? What to Consider Before Breeding Dogs

Contemplating becoming a dog breeder? Informed dog breeding can be incredibly rewarding, but is not for the faint of heart. In this article we review some of the key considerations, including health, temperament and soundness...
DNA nucleic acid markers in a test tube

Direct vs. Linked Marker Tests

Not all genetic tests use the same kind of DNA marker tests. Some directly measure the causative mutation, some don’t. Some use AI or machine learning, some are traditionally determined. Read on to learn about...
Collage of Golden Retriever Photographs

Understanding Diversity Results and Why Diversity Matters

Genetic diversity in dogs has direct implications for health, longevity and fertility, and each breed has a history of selective breeding evident in their DNA. Learn why diversity should be considered in all breeding programs,...