~Health Screening & Genetic Testing ~

​

Gone are the days where 'shots and wormed' or 'vet checked' were acceptable standards for producing healthy puppies. With the advance of science we now have the ability to go beyond this and test for the commonly known issues of each breed. Health screening & genetic testing should be breed specific as outlined by the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC). For further information, see the AKC article on Dog Breed Health Testing Requirements.

 

We believe that producing healthy puppies involves not only proper veterinary care but health clearances on all breeding stock as well. Health clearances include both health screening (clinical examination for a given condition at a specific point in time) and genetic testing (DNA testing for heritable diseases with a known genetic marker). We are committed to utilizing health screening and genetic testing.

 

We take every precaution we can to produce litters that have the highest chance of being healthy companions for years to come. The way we do this is to start with parents that have proper health clearances and make careful breeding considerations. We take these extra steps to ensure we are starting with the healthiest parents and producing the healthiest puppies we can. 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

However it must be noted that these steps cannot altogether 

prevent or guarantee against the occurrence of all health conditions or inheritable diseases.

Even using all the best information and tools available, this is not possible. Science is constantly evolving and often we find that what we thought was the best approach, actually may not have been.

​

​

Although all breeders should make efforts to reduce health conditions in future generations of their lines, some health conditions are so common within a breed that overly aggressive elimination of affected breeding stock could have an overall detrimental effect on the breed as a whole. A more realistic approach is for affected breeding stock to be considered to have a 'fault'', breeders should then continue to do what conscientious breeders have always done: make their selections for breeding stock in light of all of the dogs’ good points and all of the dogs’ faults. Using this approach over several generations should substantially reduce the prevalence of of known health conditions while continuing to maintain or improve those qualities that have made the breed so popular.

​

These steps can assure both breeder and buyer, that every precaution has been taken to avoid the occurrence and decrease the possibility of producing puppies with health conditions or inheritable diseases. Purchasing puppies from breeders that are committed to proper veterinary care, health screening and genetic testing provides you with the best chances for the healthiest lifelong companion possible. It also supports the success of responsible breeders and sets a standard for other breeders to work towards. 

​