What Health Testing Should a Stud Dog Have
Health testing is not optional for responsible breeders — it is the foundation of a program that produces healthy puppies and builds long-term trust with buyers.
Before a stud dog is offered for service, he should have a complete health picture. Here is what that looks like.
The Core Tests Every Stud Should Have
1. Full Genetic Panel
This is non-negotiable. A complete DNA panel from a lab such as Embark or Paw Print Genetics reveals:
- Coat color genetics at every locus (E, K, A, B, D, S, and more)
- Disease carrier status for dozens of genetic conditions
- Breed composition (for mixed breeds)
- Potential hereditary health risks
Without a genetic panel, a stud owner cannot accurately describe what the dog carries — and cannot help breeding partners predict outcomes.
2. Hip and Joint Evaluation
For medium and large breeds, hip dysplasia is a significant concern. Two main evaluation systems:
| System | How It Works |
|---|---|
| OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) | Radiographs submitted and graded; results range from Excellent to Fair/Poor |
| PennHIP | More sensitive measurement of hip laxity; recommended for working and sport breeds |
Ideal studs will have a rating of Good or Excellent (OFA) or a low distraction index (PennHIP).
3. Breed-Specific Health Screenings
Beyond the basics, every breed has specific conditions that responsible breeders screen for:
| Breed Group | Common Breed-Specific Tests |
|---|---|
| Poodles / Doodles | PRA (progressive retinal atrophy), degenerative myelopathy, vWD |
| French Bulldogs | Cardiac evaluation, tracheal assessment, patella |
| Bernese Mountain Dog / Bernedoodles | Cardiac, DM, histiocytic sarcoma panel |
| Australian Shepherds | MDR1/ABCB1 drug sensitivity, HSF4 (cataracts), CEA |
| Small breeds | Patella luxation, cardiac |
BAER Hearing Testing
For any dog that carries merle, excessive white, or piebald genetics, a BAER test (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) should be on file. These patterns are associated with elevated risk of deafness, and responsible breeders test before offering a stud.
Why Skipping Testing Is Costly
Skipping health testing may seem like a cost saving in the short term. In practice, it leads to:
- Expensive vet bills passed on to puppy buyers — and often back to you
- Damaged reputation once health issues emerge in offspring
- Unhealthy puppies that affect buyers' lives and your future bookings
- Potential legal exposure if health issues were foreseeable and undisclosed
What to Ask a Stud Owner
Before booking any stud, request documentation for:
- Full genetic panel (recent, from an accredited lab)
- OFA or PennHIP results for hips/elbows
- Any breed-specific clearances relevant to your breed
- BAER results if applicable
- Proof of testing, not just verbal claims
A reputable stud owner will provide this documentation without hesitation. If they cannot or will not, that is the answer.