Responsible dog breeding includes health screening for inherited conditions that cause lifetime suffering.
Inherited disease causes immense preventable suffering in pedigree dogs. Hip dysplasia causes chronic arthritis. Progressive retinal atrophy causes blindness. Syringomyelia causes constant pain. All are preventable through health testing and selective breeding away from affected bloodlines. The tools exist — DNA tests, hip scoring, eye examinations — but their use depends on breeder responsibility and buyer demand. Choosing only from health-tested parents is one of the most welfare-impactful decisions a dog buyer can make.