Health Tests Breeders Should Do Before Breeding

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20264 min read

Every breed carries its own set of inherited health risks, and responsible breeders try to avoid passing them on. The tool they use is health testing: screening parents before they breed so that they only use dogs that meet recommended standards. Knowing the basics helps you understand what to ask and what the answers mean.

Why testing matters

Inherited conditions can cause pain, expensive treatment and shortened lives. Some are visible only later in life, which means a puppy that looks perfect at eight weeks might carry a problem. Testing parents before breeding gives breeders information to make better pairing decisions and gives buyers a clearer picture of risk. It does not remove risk completely, but it improves the odds.

Types of health tests

Orthopedic evaluations

• Hips: X-rays are scored by an expert panel or an official scheme to assess hip joint conformation. Hip dysplasia is a concern in many medium and large breeds. Read more about hip dysplasia in dogs.
• Elbows: X-rays check for elbow dysplasia in breeds prone to it.
• Knees: Kneecap stability is checked in some small breeds.
• Spine and other joints: Some breeds have additional recommended screening.

Eye examinations

A veterinary ophthalmologist examines the eyes for inherited eye diseases and issues a certificate. Because eye conditions can develop with age, many breeds require repeat exams.

Heart screening

A vet or cardiologist listens to the heart and may perform an ultrasound in breeds prone to heart disease, such as certain small and giant breeds.

DNA tests

Genetic tests identify whether a dog carries or is affected by specific inherited conditions, such as degenerative myelopathy or certain eye and blood disorders. DNA results are usually clear, carrier or affected, which lets breeders pair dogs in ways that avoid producing affected puppies.

Other tests

Depending on the breed, breeders may test thyroid function, check for hearing in breeds prone to deafness, or evaluate bone, blood and kidney issues.

Tests vary by breed

There is no universal list. Recommended screening depends on a breed's typical risks. For example, large breeds often need hip and elbow evaluations, while some small breeds need kneecap and heart checks. Breed clubs and kennel organizations publish lists of recommended tests, so ask the breeder to name theirs and compare with the club's guidance.

What the results mean

• Hips and elbows: Scores indicate how close the joint is to normal. Lower scores are usually better, and breeders choose parents with good results.
• Eyes: A clear certificate means no evidence of inherited eye disease at the time of testing.
• Heart: Clear screening suggests no detected disease on that day.
• DNA: "Clear" means the dog does not carry the mutation, "carrier" means it carries one copy and "affected" means it has two. Carriers can be bred responsibly to clear dogs.

How to verify results

1. Ask for copies of the official certificates or results.
2. Check that the names, registration numbers and microchips match the parents.
3. Verify results on the scheme's online database where possible.
4. Check the dates, because some tests must be repeated.
5. Ask why particular dogs were chosen for breeding.

Do not accept vague statements such as "all my dogs are healthy" or "they are vet checked." Our guide to questions to ask a breeder includes the right follow-ups.

Limits of testing

Testing cannot guarantee a healthy dog because:

• Many conditions are polygenic, meaning many genes and environmental factors play a role.
• Not every condition has a test.
• Some diseases appear late in life.
• Good health depends on diet, exercise and care as well as genetics.

A good breeder is honest about these limits and discusses them openly.

What to do if a breeder does not test

If a breeder does not health-test parents, consider walking away. Some breeders may offer a "health guarantee" instead, but a guarantee after the fact does not spare your dog suffering. See our guide to puppy contracts and health guarantees for what these typically cover.

What about mixed breeds?

Mixed-breed puppies from responsible breeders or rescues can benefit from testing too. DNA tests for common inherited conditions are available for many crosses, and parent testing remains the best approach if you are buying a designer cross. Be sure to ask about both parent breeds.

Finding a breeder who tests

Start with breed clubs, which often list members who commit to testing. Our guide to finding a responsible dog breeder explains where to look and what red flags to avoid.

The takeaway

Health testing is one of the clearest differences between responsible breeders and the rest. Ask what tests apply to your breed, see the results and treat honesty about limits as a good sign. It will not guarantee a perfect puppy, but it gives your dog the best chance at a healthy life.