The evidence base for canine health testing programs has expanded significantly, with genomic tools complementing traditional physical screening to enable more comprehensive welfare-protective breeding decisions.
The convergence of genomic testing with traditional health screening represents the current frontier of welfare-protective breeding practice. DNA tests can identify carriers of recessive diseases who appear phenotypically normal, preventing production of affected offspring from carrier-carrier matings. Physical screening for conditions with complex inheritance — hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye conditions — captures the phenotypic expression of multiple genetic and environmental factors that DNA tests alone cannot predict. The combination provides more complete risk assessment than either approach alone. The challenge is engaging breeders in comprehensive testing rather than selective testing of only the conditions their breed registry requires. Owner demand for health-tested puppies drives this engagement — buyers who consistently request comprehensive health testing documentation create the market incentive for breeders to invest in complete screening.