Miniature Poodle Health Testing: What Every Breeding Dog Needs

Miniature Poodles are generally a healthy, long-lived breed — but their breeding population carries several important hereditary conditions that responsible breeders test for before breeding. This guide covers the essential health tests for every Miniature Poodle stud dog and dam.

Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) Structural Tests

Patellar Luxation: One of the most important tests for Miniature Poodles. Patellar luxation (slipping kneecap) is common in small breeds and has a heritable component. OFA grades patellar luxation from Grade 1 (mild, intermittent) to Grade 4 (severe, permanently displaced). Breeding dogs should be evaluated by an OFA-certified evaluator and results submitted to OFA.

Hip Dysplasia: While less common in small breeds than in large breeds, hip dysplasia occurs in Miniature Poodles. OFA hip evaluation at 24 months is recommended.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease (LCP): A condition where the femoral head loses blood supply and degenerates. Clinical signs include hind limb pain and lameness in young dogs. Genetic testing is limited, but OFA tracks clinical cases submitted by veterinarians.

Eye Health

CAER Examination (Annual): Miniature Poodles are prone to several inherited eye conditions. Annual CAER exam by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist is required for CHIC certification.

Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd): One of the most important DNA tests for Poodles. PRA-prcd is autosomal recessive and causes progressive blindness. Testing through OFA/PawPrint Genetics/Embark is essential — every breeding Miniature Poodle should be Clear or at most a Carrier bred only to Clear dogs.

Skin Health

Sebaceous Adenitis (SA): An inflammatory disease of the sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin, causing hair loss and skin infections. Poodles are the breed most significantly affected. OFA offers a registry where biopsy results are submitted. Breeding dogs should have a biopsy-confirmed normal or mildly affected result on file.

Blood and Clotting

Von Willebrand Disease (vWD Type 1): DNA testing available. Miniature Poodles carry the Type 1 mutation; all breeding dogs should be tested.

Neurological

Neonatal Encephalopathy (NE): A severe condition causing seizures and death in neonatal Poodles. DNA testing is available; carriers are healthy but two carriers should never be bred together.

CHIC Requirements for Miniature Poodles

The Poodle Club of America currently requires for CHIC certification: OFA hips, OFA patellar luxation, CAER eye exam, PRA-prcd DNA, and SA biopsy. Check poodleclubofamerica.org for current requirements.