Why Health Testing Matters When Choosing a Puppy
When choosing a puppy, it is easy to be told that the puppy has been “vet checked” and assume that means everything has been covered. But a veterinary examination of a puppy and health testing of its parents are two very different things. Understanding that difference is an important part of choosing a responsibly bred puppy.
Vet Checked Is Not the Same as Health Tested
A vet check looks at the health of the individual puppy at that particular time. The vet may examine the puppy’s heart, eyes, ears, mouth, movement and general condition. This is important, but it does not replace the health tests carried out on the parents before breeding.
Health Testing Starts With the Parents
Responsible health testing begins before a litter is even conceived. Different breeds can be predisposed to different inherited conditions, so the appropriate tests should be carried out on the parents before a mating is planned. These results help breeders make informed decisions about which dogs should be bred together.
Different Breeds Need Different Tests
There is no single health test that covers every dog or every condition. The recommended tests depend on the breed and can include DNA testing, eye examinations, hip and elbow scoring and other breed-specific screening. A responsible breeder should know which tests are appropriate for their breed and be happy to explain the results to you.
Ask to See the Results
Don't be afraid to ask a breeder which health tests have been carried out and to see the results for yourself. A responsible breeder should be open about their dogs' health testing and willing to explain what the results mean, rather than simply telling you that everything has been tested.
Health Testing Reduces Risk — It Cannot Guarantee the Future
Health testing is an important part of responsible breeding, but it cannot guarantee that a puppy will never develop a health problem during its lifetime. What it can do is help breeders understand known risks, make better-informed breeding decisions and reduce the likelihood of certain inherited conditions being passed on.
Look Beyond the Paperwork
Health testing is extremely important, but responsible breeding is about more than test results alone. Temperament, soundness, the health history behind the dogs and how puppies are raised should all be considered. Good breeders look at the whole dog, not simply a collection of certificates.
The Chezza’s Approach to Health Testing
At Chezza’s, health testing has always been an important part of my breeding programme. I believe prospective owners should be able to ask questions, understand the tests relevant to their chosen breed and see the results for themselves. Openness and honesty are an important part of the relationship between breeder and puppy owner.
A puppy is hopefully going to share your life for many years. Taking the time to understand health testing — and choosing a breeder who takes it seriously — is one of the most important things you can do before bringing your new puppy home.