Poodle Health Testing Requirements for Stud Dogs (Toy, Miniature, and Standard)

Poodles are one of the most intelligent, long-lived breeds — but all three size varieties carry distinct genetic health concerns that require different testing protocols.

Poodle stud dog health testing must account for size. A Standard Poodle faces different primary health concerns than a Toy Poodle, though there is overlap. This guide covers health testing requirements for all three varieties.

Standard Poodle CHIC Requirements

• OFA or PennHIP Hip Evaluation
• OFA Eye Examination (CAER)
• DNA test for prcd-PRA (Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration)
• DNA test for Neonatal Encephalopathy (NESP)

Standard Poodle Specific Concerns

Sebaceous Adenitis (SA) SA is a serious immune-mediated skin disease destroying the sebaceous glands. It causes hair loss, scaling, and secondary infections. An OFA SA evaluation (skin biopsy or clinical examination) is available and strongly recommended. SA prevalence in Standard Poodles is estimated at 30%+ — the highest of any breed. Many Poodle clubs require SA evaluation for stud dogs.

Addison's Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism) Standard Poodles have dramatically elevated Addison's prevalence — up to 9% of the breed compared to <0.1% in the general dog population. Genetic basis is complex; no single gene test is currently available, but selecting from lines with low Addison's prevalence is important.

Bloat/GDV (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus) Standard Poodles are a large, deep-chested breed with elevated bloat risk. No genetic test exists but family history is relevant.

Neonatal Encephalopathy (NESP) An autosomal recessive fatal neurological condition in Standard Poodles causing seizures and death in neonates. DNA testing is available; breeding Clear × Clear or Carrier × Clear prevents any affected offspring.

Miniature Poodle CHIC Requirements

• OFA or PennHIP Hip Evaluation
• OFA Eye Examination (CAER)
• DNA test for prcd-PRA
• OFA Patella Evaluation

Miniature Poodle Specific Concerns

Luxating Patella Miniature Poodles have significantly elevated rates of patellar luxation. OFA Patella evaluation (Grade 0-4) is CHIC required. Stud dogs should have OFA Normal (Grade 0) or Grade I at most.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease Avascular necrosis of the femoral head occurs in Miniature Poodles. OFA evaluation can identify this condition.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (prcd-PRA and additional forms) Miniature Poodles carry multiple PRA variants. DNA testing for prcd-PRA is CHIC required; testing for additional PRA forms (PRA-CNGB3) may be appropriate depending on pedigree.

Toy Poodle CHIC Requirements

• OFA or PennHIP Hip Evaluation
• OFA Eye Examination (CAER)
• DNA test for prcd-PRA
• OFA Patella Evaluation

Toy Poodle Specific Concerns

Luxating Patella Even more prevalent in Toy Poodles than Miniature. OFA Patella Normal (Grade 0) is the target.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease Also more common in Toy Poodles than other sizes.

Tracheal Collapse Toy Poodles are predisposed to tracheal collapse. Genetic basis is complex; no direct test available.

DNA Tests Applicable Across All Poodle Sizes

• prcd-PRA — most important; autosomal recessive
• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM/SOD1)
• von Willebrand Disease Type I — a bleeding disorder
• NPHP4 (Juvenile Renal Dysplasia) — kidney disease in Standard Poodles

Summary

Standard Poodle stud dogs: OFA/PennHIP hips, CAER eyes, prcd-PRA DNA, NESP DNA, and OFA SA evaluation. Miniature and Toy Poodle stud dogs: OFA/PennHIP hips, CAER eyes, prcd-PRA DNA, and OFA Patella evaluation. All sizes benefit from DM and vWD testing. The SA evaluation for Standards is as important as any test given the 30%+ breed prevalence.