IVDD IN DOODLES
Understanding IVDD in Doodles: What Doodles of Oz Families Should Know
If you’ve been researching doodles, you may have come across the term IVDD and wondered what it means for your future puppy. We know that health topics can sometimes feel overwhelming—especially when genetics are involved. At Doodles of Oz, we believe in educating our families with honest, balanced information so you can feel confident, not anxious.
The truth is: a puppy having 1–2 copies of the IVDD/CDDY gene does not mean they are destined to have back problems. Genetics are only one piece of the puzzle, and many dogs with these results go on to live happy, healthy, active lives.
What Is IVDD in Dogs?
IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) is a condition that affects the discs between the bones of the spine. These discs act like little cushions that help your dog move comfortably.
If a disc becomes damaged over time, it can lead to:
stiffness or soreness
reluctance to jump or climb
discomfort with movement
in more serious cases, mobility issues
While IVDD can happen in many breeds, genetics, body structure, and lifestyle all play a role.
What Is the IVDD / CDDY Gene?
Many responsible breeders now use DNA testing to screen for a gene called CDDY, which is associated with:
shorter leg structure in some dogs
earlier disc degeneration in some cases
a higher predisposition to IVDD over time
A puppy may test as:
0 copies = lower genetic risk
1 copy = may carry some increased risk
2 copies = higher predisposition
The most important thing to remember:
A genetic result is not a diagnosis.
Having one or even two copies does not guarantee a puppy will ever have back problems.
In fact, many dogs with these genetics live full, playful lives without ever experiencing IVDD.
Why Genetics Are Only Part of the Picture
At Doodles of Oz, we always look at the full picture when it comes to breeding and raising healthy puppies.
A dog’s long-term spinal health can also be influenced by:
maintaining a healthy weight
building strong muscle tone through regular activity
feeding a high-quality diet
avoiding repetitive high-impact jumping
using ramps or steps if needed for furniture or vehicles
safe exercise as puppies grow
Good structure, thoughtful breeding, and everyday lifestyle choices all matter.
A Quick Note on CDDY vs. CDPA
Another term families may come across is CDPA (Chondrodysplasia). While it sounds similar, CDPA is different from CDDY/IVDD-related genetics.
CDPA is a dominant trait associated with shortened limb structure and is more directly linked to the classic short-legged appearance seen in certain breeds.
At Doodles of Oz, we do not intentionally breed dogs that carry the CDPA marker because we want to prioritize balanced structure and long-term health in our lines.
This is an important distinction because while IVDD-associated genetics can be very common and are not predictive on their own, CDPA is something we actively avoid in our breeding program.
Why This Gene Is More Common Than Many People Realize
The IVDD/CDDY gene is actually very common in many beloved breeds, including:
Cavaliers
Poodles
Dachshunds
many doodle mixes
In fact, many dogs in these breeds carry one or even two copies of this gene and still live full, healthy, active lives.
Because IVDD-related genetics are so widespread and not predictive on their own, many reputable genetic testing companies do not treat this as a stand-alone decision-making factor for breeds like Cavaliers, Australian Labradoodles, Cockapoos, and similar companion breeds.
That’s why responsible breeders look at the bigger picture rather than focusing on one result in isolation.
Final Thoughts
Hearing terms like IVDD can feel intimidating at first, but knowledge is powerful.
The reality is that many doodles with 1–2 copies of the IVDD/CDDY gene live completely normal, active lives. With thoughtful breeding, preventative care, and a healthy lifestyle, most families can focus on what matters most: enjoying life with their puppy.