Starting January 1, 2009, PDCA is offering a unique registration status to animals that are free of both the chondrodysplasia ("bulldog") and Pulmonary Hypoplasia Anasarca ("PHA," or "waterbaby") mutations, and also have their international markers on file.  To participate, members may submit test certificates to the PDCA office with their registration forms.  Click here to print out the forms and test instructions.  Members will not be charged any additional fee for new registrations, but will be responsible to pay for the genetic testing.  Qualifying animals will receive a special Purebred Dexter Cattle Assoociation Certified Program Certificate.  

If the animal is a new registration, you must submit the following to receive a Certified Program registration certificate:

1. Registration Application and usual fee of $20 or $40, depending on age of animal.
2. Negative laboratory result for PHA test
3. Negative laboratory result for Chondrodysplasia
4. Laboratory certificate listing the animal's International Markers
5. Coat Color test certificates are requested, but not required. 

If the animal is already registered with PDCA, you must submit the following:

1. Old Registration Certificate and $10 to cover generation of new certificate.
2. Negative laboratory result for PHA
3. Negative laboratory result for Chondrodysplasia
4. Laboratory certificate listing the animal's International Markers
5. Coat Color test certificates are requested, but not required.

We think this program will be a useful tool to provide breeders an option of using animals that are known to be free of these mutations.  In the near future, we expect to offer a testing package through PDCA that will provide all tests in one place for a discounted price. Click on this link to read more about Chondrodysplasia and PHA.