Responsible breeding according to the Flemish breeding decree
At Woefkesranch, health is central. Therefore our Maltese are not only carefully selected, but also extensively tested in accordance with applicable legislation and additional health guidelines.
🧬 Mandatory DNA tests according to the breeding decree
To comply with the Flemish breeding decree, our parent animals are subjected to mandatory genetic screening.
These tests are routinely performed on our Maltese breeding dogs
✔ Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC)
- DNA test (DNM1 gene)
- Hereditary muscle weakness after exertion
- Autosomal recessive inheritance
✔ Von Willebrand disease type 1 (VWF1)
- DNA test (VWF gene)
- Blood clotting disorder
- Autosomal recessive
👉 Both tests are performed once from birth and are essential to avoid risks in offspring.
🧪 Additional (recommended) DNA tests
In addition to the legal requirements, we go further with our screening. We carry out additional tests to ensure genetic health to the greatest extent.
Our comprehensive screening includes:
✔ Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
- DNA test (SOD1 gene)
- Spinal cord deterioration later in life
✔ Glycogen storage disease type 1A (GSD1A)
- DNA test (G6PC gene)
- Metabolic disorder
✔ Prekallikrein deficiency (KLK)
- DNA test (KLKB1 gene)
- Impact on blood clotting
✔ Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA / Prcd-PRA)
- DNA test (PRCD gene)
- Gradual blindness
👉 All of these conditions are autosomal recessive, which means we selectively breed to avoid producing sick puppies.
⚖️ How we breed responsibly
Thanks to these tests we can:
- Correctly pair carriers (never carrier x carrier)
- Exclude hereditary disorders
- Build healthy bloodlines
- Provide transparency to customers
So we do not breed randomly, but based on genetic data.
📄 Official pedigree and DNA verification
Every Maltese puppy from Woefkesranch is delivered with an official pedigree.
In addition, a DNA sample (cheek mucosa / swab) is taken from each puppy.
What does this mean in practice?
• The puppy’s DNA profile is registered
• Parentage is checked and confirmed
• Assurance that the puppy originates from the stated parents
• Additional guarantee of transparency and responsible breeding
🔍 Transparency for our customers
We think it’s important that you know exactly what you’re buying.
Therefore:
- Test results can be discussed
- You get a clear explanation upon purchase
- We work with accredited veterinarians and laboratories
❤️ Why testing dogs is important
Without proper testing you run the risk of:
- Hereditary diseases
- High veterinary bills
- Uncertainty about origin
At Woefkesranch we avoid this by taking a structured and professional approach.
📌 Conclusion
At Woefkesranch you choose:
✔ DNA-tested parent dogs
✔ Breeding according to legislation
✔ Extensive additional screening
✔ Official pedigree
✔ Maximum transparency
