🧬 Why Health Testing Matters in Dog Breeding
🧬 Why Health Testing Matters in Dog Breeding
A Guide for Puppy Buyers Who Want the Healthiest Start Possible
🩺 What Is Health Testing in Dog Breeding?
Health testing refers to veterinary-certified screenings that identify genetic or structural issues in breeding dogs before they produce a litter. These tests help breeders ensure that inherited diseases and conditions aren’t passed down to puppies.
Responsible breeders don’t guess—they test. This is what separates ethical breeders from backyard breeders or puppy mills.
📋 Common Health Tests You Should Ask About
When looking for a puppy, ask the breeder which health tests have been completed on the parents (sire and dam). Here are some of the most common and important tests:
🦴 OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals)
Tests for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and other joint issues.
Learn more about OFA
👂 BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response)
Used to test hearing, especially in breeds like Dalmatians, Bull Terriers, and Australian Cattle Dogs.
👁️ CAER (Companion Animal Eye Registry)
Screens for hereditary eye disease, like cataracts and retinal degeneration.
🧬 Genetic/DNA Testing
Breed-specific tests for conditions like:
- Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD)
- Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC)
- MDR1 Sensitivity
Reputable breeders use services like Embark or Paw Print Genetics to run these comprehensive panels.
💡 Why This Matters to You
You’re not just buying a puppy—you’re buying a future.
Without health testing, you could unknowingly bring home a puppy that’s at risk of pain, blindness, lameness, or a shortened lifespan. And these conditions can cost thousands in vet bills and emotional distress.
When you choose a health-tested puppy from a CKC-registered breeder, you’re choosing:
- Peace of mind
- Lower risk of inherited disease
- Predictable, long-term wellness
- A breeder who stands behind their dogs
🐾 What to Expect from a Responsible Breeder
Responsible breeders in Canada—like those listed on ResponsibleBreeders.ca—do more than just health tests. They:
✅ Provide you with test results for both parents
✅ Register test results with OFA or CKC-recognized bodies
✅ Explain what each test means for your future pup
✅ Avoid breeding dogs that carry dangerous mutations
🐕🦺 Health Testing: A Sign of True Commitment
A puppy’s health doesn’t start at 8 weeks old—it starts long before birth, through every decision a breeder makes.
If a breeder can’t show proof of testing, walk away. No excuses. Responsible breeding is science-backed, transparent, and future-focused.
🔍 Questions to Ask a Breeder:
- Can I see the health testing certificates for both parents?
- Are the test results available through OFA or another registry?
- Have the dogs been DNA tested for breed-specific conditions?
- What happens if a puppy develops a genetic condition later?
If they hesitate, it’s not the right breeder.
✅ Final Takeaway: Healthy Puppies Start with Tested Parents
Health testing protects the breed, the puppy, and your family. It’s not optional—it’s essential.
Choosing a responsible breeder means saying yes to ethics, science, and the long-term well-being of your dog.
🐾 Find Health-Tested Puppies Near You
🔗 Browse Verified Breeders
🔗 Learn More About Paw Privileges
🔗 Understand OFA Testing
Responsible Breeders of Canada
