Beagle Health Testing Requirements for Stud Dogs

Beagles are one of the most popular scent hound breeds in the world — cheerful, sturdy, and generally healthy by purebred standards. However, they carry specific inherited diseases that all breeding stock should be tested for.

The National Beagle Club of America (NBCA) participates in the OFA CHIC program.

CHIC Requirements for Beagles

• OFA Hip Evaluation
• OFA Eye Examination (CAER)
• DNA test for Musladin-Lueke Syndrome (MLS)
• DNA test for Factor VII Deficiency
• DNA test for Imerslund-Grasbeck Syndrome (IGS)
• DNA test for Neonatal Cerebellar Cortical Degeneration (NCCD)

Musladin-Lueke Syndrome (MLS)

MLS is a connective tissue disorder unique to Beagles causing tight skin, atypical gait, and often early death. Autosomal recessive — Carriers are healthy. DNA testing prevents affected offspring when Carrier × Clear pairings are used.

Factor VII Deficiency

A mild bleeding disorder. Autosomal recessive. Affected dogs typically have normal lives but are at elevated bleeding risk during surgery or injury. Carriers are healthy. DNA testing is straightforward.

Imerslund-Grasbeck Syndrome (IGS)

A vitamin B12 absorption defect causing progressive neurological disease in young puppies. Autosomal recessive. DNA testing available. Carriers are healthy.

Neonatal Cerebellar Cortical Degeneration (NCCD)

A fatal neurological disease causing severe ataxia from birth. Puppies are euthanized within days. Autosomal recessive. DNA testing prevents all affected births.

Hip Evaluation

OFA Good or Excellent hips; hip dysplasia does occur in Beagles.

Summary

A responsible Beagle stud dog should have: OFA hip evaluation, OFA CAER eye exam, and DNA testing for MLS, Factor VII, IGS, and NCCD. All four genetic conditions are autosomal recessive and completely preventable with DNA testing — Carrier × Clear pairings produce no affected offspring. The CHIC DNA panel for Beagles is unusually comprehensive; using it fully is the standard for serious Beagle breeders.