Companion Animal Hereditary Disease Testing

Genetic testing for hereditary diseases before breeding allows responsible breeders to prevent the transmission of painful, life-limiting conditions to future generations of companion animals.

Key Facts

Over 200 hereditary conditions in dogs have genetic tests available for carrier identification
Hip and elbow scoring, eye testing, and cardiac examination provide phenotypic health data for breeding decisions
OFA and PennHIP provide hip evaluation registries for dogs enabling breed-level comparisons
Some breeds have reduced hereditary disease rates significantly through mandatory health testing requirements
Puppy buyers can verify breeder health testing claims through public databases in many countries

Welfare Considerations

Hereditary disease in companion animals represents preventable, genetically transmitted suffering that can be reduced generation by generation through responsible breeding practices. A dog with hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, or degenerative myelopathy experiences chronic suffering that no amount of good care can fully compensate for. The genetic tools to avoid producing affected offspring exist for many conditions and are being expanded continuously. The barrier is often breeder motivation and market dynamics — buyers willing to pay premium prices for health-tested dogs create incentives for testing; buyers who prioritize appearance or low price create incentives to skip it. Empowered consumers asking for health documentation are a powerful welfare force.

What You Can Do

Request and verify health testing certificates for all relevant conditions before purchasing any purebred dog or cat
Support breed clubs that make health testing mandatory for registration and show competition
Use public health databases to research breed-specific hereditary disease rates before breed selection
Advocate for mandatory health testing requirements in breeding standards and responsible breeder codes of practice