Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Welfare and Breeding Health Standards

Breeding health standards for dogs protect welfare across generations. Health testing before breeding reduces the prevalence of hereditary disease in offspring.

Key Facts

BVA/KC health schemes provide testing for over 30 hereditary conditions
Health testing results should be checked on both parents before purchasing a puppy
Breeding from health-tested parents significantly reduces hereditary disease risk
Some breeds require mandatory health testing for Kennel Club registration
Health testing databases are publicly accessible for verification

Welfare Considerations

Breeding health standards prevent hereditary disease welfare harm from being passed to future generations. Demand for health-tested parents from buyers drives adoption of testing across the breeding population.

What You Can Do

Only purchase puppies from health-tested parents with results you can verify
Check breed-specific health testing requirements before purchasing
Support Kennel Club health testing scheme development for your breed
Advocate for mandatory health testing requirements for breeds with serious inherited conditions