Auto immune disease in the miniature poodle

Question
QUESTION: is Auto immune disease know in the American breed miniature poodle?

ANSWER: Hello Deana,
There have been a few cases of Addisons Disease in Miniature Poodles, but these dogs tend to either be small Standard Poodles (Standards under the acceptable height of 15" at the shoulder) or a Miniature that has been bred to a Standard that is a carrier of the gene for Addisons.  It is mainly a Standard Poodle disease and is more commonly seen in Females than males, but if you are interested in a Miniature Poodle, please be sure to buy through a Reputable breeder and ask them if they get their poodles tested.

There is not much information out there about AutoImmune Disease in Poodles, but you can find out more info about it by typing "AutoImmune Disease in Poodles" into your Browser.  

I hope this has helped you some.  If you have other questions for me about Poodles, please feel free to ask me.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Kim, thanks.

My question relates to a whisper about a stud dog that I was looking to use. The miniature in question has an American line behind. The whisper is of auto immune disease and early death. Due to sensitivity of info (no specific dogs names) don't feel that I can ask the dogs owner.

Answer
Hello again,
I would think that AutoImmune Disease would be wide-spread throughout the American and German lines of Poodles.  Probably more so here in the states because of careless and knowledge-lacking breeders flooding the market with their lines.  That is why pedigrees and family history would be important in this case.
The problem with AutoImmune disease is that there is no test that can show which dogs have the gene for it or not and there is no test that can show that your dog is a carrier or has A.I.D until they start showing symptoms.  
Are the Whispers from reputable breeders and people that are knowledgable about this paticular breeder?  If so and there is a rumor that this Stud dog is a A.I.D carrier, I wouldn't chance it and would look for another male.  The sire and outcoming litter could be free from any genetic disorders, but then again some could be affected and you wouldn't want to bring puppies with a disease like that into the world.  

Again, I hope this helps in your decision,

Kim