Genetic health testing of breeding dogs identifies carriers of hereditary diseases enabling breeders to avoid producing affected puppies.
Hereditary disease causes significant welfare harm in affected dogs throughout their lives. Genetic testing enables breeders to make pairing decisions that prevent producing affected puppies, eliminating the source of suffering in future generations. The success of testing schemes in reducing CLAD in Labradors demonstrates that systematic health testing can virtually eliminate previously common welfare problems. Choosing puppies from health-tested parents directly reduces hereditary disease welfare burden.