Neonatal Encephalopathy (NEwS) in Poodles: What Breeders Must Know
Neonatal Encephalopathy with Seizures (NEwS) is a devastating inherited disease that affects Standard Poodles and appears in Doodle breeds where Standard Poodles are used. Puppies born with NEwS suffer from severe neurological symptoms and rarely survive beyond a few weeks. Understanding and testing for NEwS is non-negotiable in any responsible Poodle or Doodle breeding program.
What Is NEwS?
NEwS is caused by a recessive mutation in the ATF2 gene. Affected puppies (those inheriting two copies of the mutation) are born apparently normal but develop progressive neurological signs including:
- Whole-body tremors
- Inability to walk normally (ataxia)
- Severe seizures
- Failure to nurse or gain weight
- Death, typically before 7 weeks of age
There is no treatment. Affected puppies are euthanized when the severity of their symptoms is recognized, usually in the first weeks of life.
How NEwS Is Inherited
NEwS follows a simple autosomal recessive inheritance pattern:
| Parents | Affected Offspring Risk |
|---|---|
| Clear × Clear | 0% — all offspring Clear |
| Clear × Carrier | 0% affected — 50% Carriers, 50% Clear |
| Carrier × Carrier | 25% affected, 50% Carriers, 25% Clear |
| Affected × Clear | 0% affected — all offspring Carriers |
The critical pair to avoid: Carrier × Carrier. In this combination, one in four puppies will be born with NEwS and will not survive. All four puppies in the affected "slot" are not predictable before birth.
Which Breeds Need NEwS Testing
NEwS was identified in Standard Poodles but the gene can appear in any breed where Standard Poodles were used, including:
- Standard Poodles (highest priority)
- Goldendoodles
- Labradoodles
- Bernedoodles
- Aussiedoodles
- Sheepadoodles
- Irish Doodles
- Any other Doodle or hybrid where Standard Poodle is a parent breed
Miniature and Toy Poodle programs also carry some risk and should test, though the mutation was first documented in Standards.
Getting the DNA Test
NEwS is tested via DNA using a cheek swab or blood sample. Embark Breed + Health Kit includes NEwS testing. PawPrint Genetics offers it in their Poodle panel. The result is:
- Clear (N/N): The dog carries zero copies of the mutation
- Carrier (N/NEwS): The dog carries one copy — healthy but can pass it to offspring
- Affected (NEwS/NEwS): The dog has two copies — will develop NEwS (unlikely to be used as a breeding dog)
Minimum Standard for Poodle and Doodle Breeders
At least one parent in every Poodle or Doodle litter must be Clear for NEwS. This eliminates any possibility of producing affected puppies.
A stud dog who is a NEwS Carrier can still be used — but only with a dam who is confirmed Clear. Never breed two Carriers together.
Any stud dog listing for Standard Poodles or Doodle breeds that does not include a NEwS result should be questioned. This test has been available for years and is included in standard Embark panels. There is no excuse for not having it.