Testing Before Breeding.

Breeding a dog is not something to take lightly. But, it seems that breeders in our area don't care about getting their dogs certified for hips, eyes, elbows, heart and other necessary tests to make sure that their breeding dogs are genetically sound.


Most people just throw two dogs together and sell the pups to first come, first serve. Not caring about where their pups go. Most of the people breeding in this area use the "AKC" logo as their selling point. I have been looking for a female for my male lab for over 3 yrs., and haven't found one in our area. I am in a forum called "retrievertraining.net" and have learned a lot. There are many tests that need to be done before breeding should occur.


The certification for hips is to make sure that the parents are not dysplatic or carrying the displatia gene. The same for elbows. Eye certification is for "cherry eye." This is a hereditary eye disease seen in Cockers, Maltese and other breeds that have long eyelashes.


In the lab breed, there is a test for EIC, which is Exercise Induced Collapse. This is where a dog will eat and then is exercised heavily and just collapses and dies. The stomach twists. If caught, surgery can sometimes, notice the wording, sometimes, correct it ans save the dog's life.

Brucellosis is caused by bacteria known as Brucella canis. The disease spreads from one dog to another during breeding or oral contact with vaginal discharges, aborted fetuses and placentas, semen or urine. It occurs most frequently in breeding kennels, though family pets may become infected also. This test should be done on both breeding dogs.

Pregnant females with brucellosis abort their puppies, while nonpregnant bitches may fail to conceive when bred. Males develop swelling of the testicles and usually become sterile. Some dogs appear to be in excellent health yet are infected and capable of spreading the disease.
Diagnosis is by blood culture and/or blood testing. More than one blood sample is usually required.

Tests for heart murmurs are a necessity in the breeds with deep chests, such as Boxers, Dachshunds and Dobermans. Rottweilers and Labradors are known for cancer. So, having them checked for the cancer gene is so important. But, these tests are somewhat expensive, but so worth it. If you take the time and expense to do them, you will be known as a reputable breeder and save litters of puppies from having to be put down due to genetic problems.

That is why all puppies sold in stores are sick. They come from puppy mills where the people don't care about anything except money. The parents are just cash crops and once they are not viable breeders, they are put down, usually very inhumanely. Always get health certification on any dog you buy. If the breeder doesn't have any medical certificates for you to look at, don't buy. In other words, no medical certificates, buyer beware!