What Tests Should My Dog Have Before Breeding?

Knowing which tests your dog may need is the first step to responsible dog breeding.

There are many different tests available and some are dependent on the breed of your dog too, as different breeds are predisposed to certain health conditions.

So we'll break it down here with some of the most common, good practice tests for all breeds, and provide links for further information on some of the breed-specific tests too.

Your dog's Vet will always guide you on the good and best practice tests for your breed.

Common Dog Health Tests for Breeding

1. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Screening Tests

It's exactly what the team at Lancashire Hip Scores are here for:) You can learn more about hip and elbow dysplasia and our dysplasia screening service here.

2. Eye Tests for Dog Breeding

There are many congenital and non-congenital eye diseases that can affect dogs of all breeds. Unfortunately many of these hereditary conditions can have serious impacts on the health and wellbeing of your dog including blindness and the need for lifelong medication.

Therefore testing your dog's eyes allows you to take action and make informed decisions around breeding. And if seriously considering breeding, these clinical eye examinations should be done for both parents.

With this test, puppies can also be screened for congenital eye conditions between 5 to 12 weeks old.

The BVA provides a really useful pdf list of the different breeds which are prone to suffer from inherited eye diseases with guidance on how to book an eye test. You can find out more and download the pdf via the BVA Eye Scheme.

3. Heart Screening

Heart tests help diagnose conditions such as heart murmurs, abnormal heart rates, while assessing the size and function of the heart. Tests can include Auscultation, ECG, Echocardiagram (Ultrasound), chest X-rays and blood tests. The ProBNP Blood Test also screens for hidden heart disease.

Take a look at the Kennel Club Breed A to Z for an overview of the Good and Best Practice Tests your dog may need as part of its pre-breeding screening.

4. BAER Testing

The BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) test is a hearing test which is commonly used on puppies but can be used on adult dogs too.

Congenital deafness is often inherited in some breeds. This test checks if the brain responds to noise (usually through a clicking sound), and is a reliable way to see if a dog is deaf and to what extent.

There are several BAER test centres around the UK. Learn more here.

5. DNA Tests

A dog DNA test can reveal a dog's genetics including the composition of their breed and any pre-dispositions to hereditary health conditions.

This can be really helpful to you as a responsible dog owner looking after and managing the health of your dog, and potentially avoiding future costs.

As a dog breeder this knowledge helps you reduce the risk of producing puppies with inherited conditions, guiding your choice of mating partners.

Breed Specific Health Tests

1. CM/SM Screening

   
   

CM (Chiari-like malformation) and SM (syringomyelia) are conditions which has been shown to be inherited in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Griffon Bruxellois, and is also suspected to be inherited in the King Charles Spaniel.

The CM/SM Screening test is an MRI scan which looks for signs of the conditions which impact the skull and brain.

Find out more about this screening test via the BVA website.

2. IVDD Screening

   

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a condition which can affect the Dachshund breed much earlier in life than other breeds.

The condition is caused by a gradual deterioration of the shock absorbing parts of the spine, known as intervertebral discs. The calcification of these discs means they don’t absorb shock as well and can lead to a slipped disc (disc herniation) and spinal cord compression. 

Screening involves an X-ray which looks for signs of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD),

Look for a participating screening centre here.

3. Respiratory Function Grading

Breeds with short snouts and flat faces (known as brachycephalic breeds) such as Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and pugs, can be predisposed to a breathing problem known as BOAS (brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome).

Dogs can be assessed from the age of 12 months and this should be repeated every two years for their lifetime, or until they stop breeding.

The Kennel Club's Grading Scheme advises owners if their dog is affected by BOAS and gives guidance to breeders on how to lower the risk of producing affected puppies. Selected approved Veterinary Surgeons are appointed to carry out respiratory function grading as part of this scheme.

You can find out more about BOAS and the scheme here.

We hope this article has provided you with an overview of the different types of pre-breeding health tests which are available. As always if you are unsure your Vet can help.