What’s the Deal with Health Testing?
Spend any time scrolling through DogBook and you will see a ton of references to health testing. Is breeder X doing health testing? Did breeder Y post their health results? Is breeder Z claiming health-tested pups with no proof?
First, what exactly IS health testing? In a very broad sense, health testing is done on a prospective sire and dam BEFORE deciding to breed them to reduce the risk of any inheritable conditions and give the greatest chance of producing healthy puppies.
Nearly each breed has a recommended set of health tests decided upon by their breed club and publicly available on the OFA breed list. Once the recommended health testing is completed on a dog, they will be issued a CHIC number demonstrating that they have completed their breed-specific testing.
Buyer Beware #1: A CHIC demonstrates that the health testing has been done NOT that the results were good! A dog could fail every single recommended test and still be issued a CHIC. It certifies the testing has been completed, that is all.
Buyer Beware #2: Health testing should be completed BEFORE a pairing is decided upon, not after a breeding has been done. This isn’t necessarily black and white, even the most responsible breeders can have an accidental litter, and it’s far better to complete health testing following a breeding than not health test - but Preservation Breeders who are carefully planning their future pairings will ensure all health testing is completed before they breed.
A CHIC can be searched on the OFA site, or you can search by the dog’s registered name, so you can independently verify results.
What about a genetic panel?
Many breeders will decide to do a genetic panel (common companies are Embark or UCDavis). Some breeds require some genetic tests for a CHIC.
Although a genetic panel can be beneficial information, it is NOT a substitute for appropriate health testing. Like many facets of medicine, we are continuing to learn more and more about genetics, and tests are evolving. Today, not every test is diagnostic or valuable for every breed.
A mediocre breeder may do a genetic panel and proudly proclaim their dogs are free from “250 different genetic concerns”, but perhaps only 3 of those tests actually apply for their breed.
So what IS proper health testing?
The common tests you will see across many breeds are things like hips, which can either be OFA or PennHip, both require radiographs interpreted by specialists, or eyes which require an exam by an ophthalmologist.
Some breeds require more, but for every breed you are looking at a decent monetary investment in completing required testing.
Let’s take a look at Dalmatians….
For a CHIC, Dalmatians have it pretty easy. They must have BAER testing for hearing, but virtually all reputable breeders do this before puppies are placed. They must have hips (OFA or PennHip), and eyes OR thyroid.
**Side note I follow the teachings of one of my mentors and believe that Thryoid, though optional, is actually one of the most important tests. Many experienced Dal breeders believe that a dog with failing thyroid results is not only at risk for developing autoimmune thyroiditis, but also at a higher risk for other autoimmune issues, many of which are devastating.**
With such basic requirements for CHIC, it’s hard to make an argument not to do BOTH eyes and thyroid. I also like to see an echo done by a cardiologist. Although this is not a requirement, I do believe there are cardiac problems in the breed, and I would be devastated to produce pups with a cardiac issue.
Buyer Beware #3: An owner has the ability to have OFA not publish failing results. Not only is this shady with respect to breeding practices, but it also does a disservice to the entire breed. Every single breed has genetic predispositions. The only way we can continue to improve the health within a breed is through rigorous testing and transparency with results.
There is NO reason not to submit results to OFA. The fee for submission is $20; compared to the price of health testing it is nothing.
Why doesn't every breeder do full health testing?
Money. These tests are an investment. Prices range WILDLY across the country, but as a rough breakdown for Dalmatians:
BAER: again - almost always done by the breeder - but approximately $800 for the litter
CAER: if you can find a health clinic - this one is pretty inexpensive! Many clinics are around $50
Thyroid: simple and non-invasive, but not super-cheap. Around $400
OFA Hips: $500
PennHip: $1,000
Echocardiogram: At a heart clinic? $350ish, as a standalone appt? $800ish
Although not inexpensive, these tests are invaluable. If a breeder isn’t doing at least the minimum for a CHIC, find a different breeder. Your future puppy’s health could depend on it!
