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Ataxia: This usually affects a dog in their older years, but reports have stated as early as 6 months old. Ataxia is hereditry through carriers and affected parents. Some do not show signs until as late as 6-8yrs old. Some may show signs after being put under, vaccinations and so on. Signs are usually a 'drunkingly' walk, staggering, tilt of the head, loss of balance. There is currently no cure for Ataxia, but there is a test available now. Breeders in NZ are aware of this and most are getting their dogs tested. A dog can come back as the following:

Clear - No signs of Ataxia, therefore they are CLEAR of the gene.They will not produce any offspring with Ataxia

Carrier - They are a carrier of the gene and can be passed onto their offspring. A carrier can be bred to a clear, which will produce 50/50

Affected - Are Ataxia affected. This will be passed onto their offspring if bred from. Offspring will be carriers.

Breeding Ataxia will give the following results:

Clear to clear will produce all Clear offspring and will not be affected by the Ataxia GeneClear to Carrier will produce 50% clears and 50% carriers

Clear to Affected will produce 100% carriers

Carrier to Carrier will produce 25% clear, 25% affected & 50% carriers

Carrier to Affected will produce 50% Carriers and 50% affected

Affected to Affected will produce 100% Affected