Cardiac Health Testing for Breeding Dogs: What You Need to Know

Heart disease is one of the most significant inherited conditions in dogs. Several common breeds carry a high genetic risk of cardiac disease — and breeding without cardiac clearances can devastate a breeding program and the puppies produced from it.

Why Cardiac Testing Matters for Breeders

Inherited heart disease is progressive. Puppies born from untested parents may appear healthy for years before showing signs of cardiac disease. By then, they may have been bred themselves, spreading the gene further. Systematic cardiac testing and clearances are the only way to reduce the prevalence of these conditions in at-risk breeds.

The Most Important Inherited Heart Conditions

Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)

MVD is the most common heart disease in dogs and is strongly inherited in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dachshunds, Poodles, and several other breeds. The MVD breeding protocol (developed by cardiologists and endorsed by the Cavalier Health organization) recommends:

This protocol is not required by AKC but is followed by responsible Cavalier breeders worldwide.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

DCM causes the heart muscle to thin and weaken. It is strongly inherited in Doberman Pinschers, Irish Wolfhounds, Boxers, and some giant breeds. DNA tests for Doberman DCM (PDK4 and STRN mutations) are available. Echocardiography (echo) is also required as the DCM gene test does not detect all forms.

Subaortic Stenosis (SAS)

SAS is a narrowing of the outflow from the left ventricle. It is inherited in Newfoundlands, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, and Boxers. SAS is detected by auscultation and confirmed by Doppler echocardiography. OFA cardiac evaluations can detect murmurs consistent with SAS.

Boxer Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC)

ARVC is a Boxer-specific inherited heart condition causing arrhythmias. A DNA test (for the dominant STRN mutation) is available. Holter monitor testing (24-hour ECG) is also used to detect arrhythmias before clinical signs appear.

Types of Cardiac Tests

Auscultation by a cardiologist: A board-certified cardiologist listens for murmurs using a high-quality stethoscope. This is the minimum for OFA cardiac clearance. Auscultation is screening-level — murmurs consistent with inherited disease trigger further workup.

Echocardiography (Echo): Ultrasound of the heart that measures chamber size, wall thickness, and function. Required for Doberman DCM protocols and for confirming suspected SAS.

Holter monitoring: A 24-hour ECG worn by the dog. Used for Boxer ARVC detection and for Dobermans.

DNA testing: Available for specific mutations in Dobermans (PDK4, STRN), Boxers (STRN), and a growing number of other breeds.

OFA Cardiac Registry

The OFA maintains a cardiac database where board-certified cardiologist evaluations are recorded. You can look up any dog at ofa.org. A cardiac clearance listed in the OFA database is the standard for breeding programs in affected breeds.

Which Breeds Require Cardiac Testing

At minimum, cardiac evaluation by a board-certified cardiologist before breeding is recommended for:

For these breeds, any stud dog without a current OFA cardiac clearance should be considered incomplete on health testing.