To make sure that our Assured Breeders produce the healthiest puppies possible, we require them to only breed from dogs that have been health screened, using tests and health schemes that are appropriate to their breed.
We work with breed clubs, researchers and veterinary organisations to maintain a list of breed specific health and welfare considerations. Some of these must be carried out by our Assured Breeders (known as requirements) and others are expected to be carried out (known as recommendations).
What is meant by a ‘requirement’?
- These are health tests and screening schemes that must be carried out by Assured Breeders and need to be carried out on any male and female dogs before they are used for mating
- To make sure our Assured Breeders are carrying out these requirements, we run automated checks on both the dam and the sire before we process their litter applications
- Because our checks are automated, all requirements are restricted to health tests and screening schemes that are recognised by us (i.e., official Kennel Club schemes), and whose results are recorded on our database and published on our Health Test Results Finder
What is meant by a ‘recommendation’?
- These are health tests, screening schemes, breed club schemes or welfare considerations that we expect our Assured Breeders to use or follow
- To make sure our Assured Breeders are carrying out these recommendations, our assessors check that they are being followed at the time of a breeder visit, or as necessary
- Recommendations can include anything that impacts the health or welfare of the breeding dogs, or the puppies they produce, and are not restricted to health tests and schemes that we record the results for
Requirements and recommendations for dogs used for breeding
Assured breeders must use the requirements set out below, and are expected to follow the recommendations, for both the sire and dam of any litter registered.
Before mating their dogs, Assured Breeders must carefully evaluate any test results and follow any breeding advice issued under each relevant scheme.
Breeds A to C
| Breeds | Requirements for health screening of breeding stock | Recommendations for health screening of breeding stock |
|---|---|---|
| Affenpinscher | None | 1. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating Breed club – Patella testing |
| Afghan Hound | None | 1. Bitches under 2 years not to produce a litter 2.Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Airedale Terrier | Hip scoring | 1. Bitches under two years not to be mated 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Akita | Hip scoring | 1. Eye testing 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Alaskan Malamute | 1. Hip scoring 2. Eye testing |
1. Bitches not to be mated before third season 2. Bitches under two years not to produce a litter 3. Bitches not to produce more than one litter within a 12-month period 4. DNA test - Alaskan Malamute Polyneuropathy (AMPN) 5. DNA test - Cone degeneration 6. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Anatolian Shepherd Dog | Hip scoring | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Australian Cattle Dog | 1. DNA test - prcd-PRA 2. Eye testing |
1. Hip scoring 2. Elbow grading 3. BAER testing (deafness) 4. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Australian Shepherd | 1. Hip scoring 2. DNA test - HC-HSF4 3. Eye testing |
1. Elbow grading 2. DNA test - CEA/CH 3. DNA test - MDR1 4. DNA test - prcd-PRA 5. DNA test - Cobalamin Malabsorption 6. Blood test for Pelger-Huet Anomaly 7. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Australian Silky Terrier | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Australian Terrier | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Azawakh (Imp) | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Barbet (Imp) | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Basenji | None | 1. Eye testing 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Basset Bleu De Gascogne (Imp) | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Basset Fauve De Bretagne | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Basset Griffon Vendeen (Grand) | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit) | 1. DNA test - Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) | 1. Eye testing 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Basset Hound | 1. Eye testing - PLA (Gonioscopy) 2. Eye testing |
1. Elbow grading 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating Breed club – Basset Hound Health Group Health Certificate |
| Bavarian Mountain Hound (Imp) | Hip scoring | 1. Bitches under 2 years not to produce a litter 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating Breed club – aptitude test |
| Beagle |
1. DNA test - Musladin-Lueke syndrome (MLS) 2. DNA test - Lafora’s disease |
1. DNA test - NCCD 2. Bitches under 18 months not to produce a litter 3. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Bearded Collie | Hip scoring | 1. DNA test - CEA 2. Eye testing 3. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Beauceron (Imp) | Hip scoring | 1. Eye testing 2. Bitches not to produce more than one litter within a 12-month period 3. Bitches under 2 years not to produce a litter 4. No puppy to leave the breeder before eight weeks 5. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Bedlington Terrier | None | 1. Eye testing 2. DNA test - COMMD1 (Copper toxicosis) 3. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) | 1. Hip scoring 2. Eye testing |
Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) | 1. Hip scoring 2. Eye testing |
Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) | 1. Hip scoring 2. Eye testing |
Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervueren) | 1. Hip scoring 2. Eye testing |
Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Bergamasco (Imp) | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | 1. Hip scoring 2. Elbow grading |
1. Bitches under 2 years not to produce a litter 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Bichon Frise | 1. Eye Testing | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Black & Tan Coonhound (Imp) | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Bloodhound | None |
1. Hip scoring |
| Bolognese | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Border Collie | 1. Hip scoring 2. Eye testing 3. Eye Testing - PLA (Gonioscopy) 4. DNA test - CEA 5. DNA test - NCL 6. DNA test - TNS 7. DNA test - GGD (Gonio) 8. DNA test - SN 9. DNA test - IGS 10. DNA test - MDR1 |
1. DNA test - Raine's syndrome 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Border Terrier | None | 1. DNA test - SLEM 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Borzoi | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Boston Terrier | 1. Eye testing 2. DNA test - HC-HSF4 |
Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Bouvier Des Flandres | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Boxer | None | 1. Hip scoring 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating Breed club – Heart testing (aortic stenosis) |
| Bracco Italiano | None | 1. Hip scoring 2. Elbow grading 3. Eye Testing 4. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Braque D’Auvergne (IMP) | Hip scoring | 1. Eye testing 2. Bitches under 2 years not to produce a litter 3. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Briard | 1. Hip scoring 2. DNA test - CSNB 3. Eye testing |
Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Brittany | Hip scoring | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Bull Terrier (Miniature) | 1. DNA test - PLL | 1.Eye testing 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating Breed club – heart testing Breed club - kidney testing |
| Bull Terrier | None | 1. BAER testing 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating Breed club - heart testing Breed club kidney testing |
| Bulldog | Respiratory Function Grading Scheme | 1. DNA test - HUU 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating Breed club – Bulldog Breed Council Health Scheme |
| Bullmastiff | Hip scoring | 1. Elbow grading 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Cairn Terrier | None | 1. Eye testing 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating Breed club – Bile acid testing of puppies |
| Canaan Dog | None | 1. Eye testing 2. Hip scoring 3.Check inbreeding calculators for each mating Breed club – Patella testing Breed club – Check for cryptorchidism |
| Canadian Eskimo Dog | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Catalan Sheepdog | Hip scoring | 1. Eye testing 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 1. Eye testing 2. DNA test - EF 3. DNA test - CC/DE 4. The Kennel Club Heart Scheme for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, supported by the Veterinary Cardiovascular Society |
1. BVA/KC CM/SM Syringomyelia test 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Cesky Terrier | None | 1. Eye testing 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Chihuahua (Long Coat) | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Chinese Crested | None | 1. DNA test - PLL 2. DNA test - prcd-PRA 3. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Chow Chow | None | 1. Hip scoring 2. Elbow grading 3. Eye testing 4. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating Breed club – Chow Chow Breed Council Health Assessment |
| Cirneco dell’Etna | None | 1. No stud dog to be used under 18 months of age 2. Bitches under two years not to be mated 3. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Collie (Rough) | 1. Hip scoring 2. Eye testing |
1. DNA test - CEA 2. DNA test - MDR1 3. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Collie (Smooth) | Eye testing | 1. Hip scoring 2. DNA test - CEA 3. DNA test - MDR1 4. Litter screening for CEA 5. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Coton De Tulear | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
Breeds D to G
| Breeds | Requirements for health screening of breeding stock | Recommendations for health screening of breeding stock |
|---|---|---|
| Dachshund (Long Haired) | None | 1. IVDD screening 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Dachshund (Miniature Long-haired) | 1. DNA test - GPRA (cord 1) | 1. IVDD screening 2. Eye testing 3. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Dachshund (Miniature Smooth-haired) | DNA test - GPRA (cord 1) | 1. IVDD screening 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Dachshund (Miniature Wire-haired) | 1. DNA test - GPRA (cord 1) 2. DNA test - Lafora’s disease |
1. IVDD screening 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Dachshund (Smooth Haired) | None | 1. IVDD screening 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Dachshund (Wire Haired) | None | 1. IVDD screening 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Dalmatian | BAER testing of puppies (deafness) | 1. Hip scoring 2. Bitches under 2 years not to produce a litter 3. Bitches not to produce more than one litter within a 12-month period 4. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Dandie Dinmont Terrier | Eye testing - PLA (Gonioscopy) | 1.Eye testing 2.Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Deerhound | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating Breed club – Litters to be screened for liver shunt prior to being sold |
| Dobermann | 1. Hip scoring 2. DNA test - vWD |
1. Dogs to be eye tested minimum of once prior to being used for breeding (PHPV) 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Dogue de Bordeaux | 1. Hip scoring 2. Elbow scoring |
Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| English Setter | Hip scoring | 1. Bitches under 2 years not to produce a litter 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating Breed club – patella luxation |
| Entlebucher Mountain Dog (Imp) | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Estrela Mountain Dog | 1. Hip scoring 2. Elbow grading |
1. Eye testing 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Eurasier | 1. Hip scoring 2. Eye testing 3. Elbow grading |
Check inbreeding calculators for each mating Breed club – patella luxation |
| Finnish Spitz | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Fox Terrier (Smooth) | Eye testing | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Fox Terrier (Wire) | Eye testing | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Finnish Lapphund | 1. Hip scoring 2. Eye testing 3. DNA test - prcd-PRA |
1. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating 2. DNA test - Glycogen storage disease (GSDII) |
| French Bulldog | Respiratory Function Grading Scheme | 1. DNA test - HC-HSF4 2. Eye testing 3. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating Breed club – Participation in the French Bulldog Health Scheme |
| German Shepherd Dog | 1. Hip scoring 2. DNA test - DM 3. Elbow grading |
1. Eye testing 2. Bitches under 2 years not to produce a litter 3. No stud dog to be used under 18 months of age 4. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating Breed club – haemophilia testing in males |
| German Shorthaired Pointer | Hip scoring | 1. Bitches under 2 years not to produce a litter 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| German Spitz (Klein) | None | 1. Eye testing 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| German Spitz (Mittel) | None | 1. Eye testing 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| German Wirehaired Pointer | 1. Hip scoring 2. Genetic status of breeding stock with respect to vWD should be known, either by direct DNA testing or by inference from parental DNA test results 3. Elbow grading |
Check inbreeding calculators for each mating Breed club – heart testing (echocardiogram) |
| Giant Schnauzer | Eye testing | 1. Hip scoring 2. Eye testing (litter screening) 3. DNA test - prcd-PRA 4. DNA test - DCM 5. DNA test PRA5 6. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Glen of Imaal Terrier | 1. DNA test - PRA (crd3) 2. Eye testing |
Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Gordon Setter | 1. Hip scoring 2. DNA test - PRA (rcd4) 3. Eye testing |
1. Bitches under 21 months not to produce a litter 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Grand Bleu De Gascogne (Imp) | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Great Dane | None | 1. Hip scoring 2. Bitches under 2 years not to produce a litter 3. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating Breed club – heart testing (cardiomyopathy) |
| Great Swiss Mountain Dog | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Greenland Dog | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Greyhound | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Griffon Bruxellois | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Griffon Fauve De Bretagne (Imp) | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
Breeds H to P
| Breeds | Requirements for health screening of breeding stock | Recommendations for health screening of breeding stock |
|---|---|---|
| Hamiltonstovare | None | 1. Bitches under 2 years not to produce a litter 2. Bitches not to produce more than one litter within a 12-month period 3. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Harrier | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Havanese | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Hovawart | Hip scoring | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating Breed club – thyroid function test |
| Hungarian Kuvasz (Imp) | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Hungarian Puli | 1. Hip scoring 2. Eye testing |
1. Bitches under 18 months not to be mated 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Hungarian Pumi | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Hungarian Vizsla | 1. Hip scoring 2. Eye testing 3. Eye testing - PLA (Gonioscopy) 4. Elbow grading |
1. Bitches under 2 years not to produce a litter 2. Bitches not to produce more than one litter within a 12-month period 3. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla | Hip scoring | 1. Bitches under 2 years not to produce a litter 2. Bitches not to produce more than one litter within a 12-month period 3. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Ibizan Hound | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Irish Red & White Setter | 1. Eye testing 2. DNA test - CLAD |
1. Hip scoring 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Irish Setter | 1. Hip scoring 2. DNA test - CLAD 3. DNA test - PRA (rcd1) 4. DNA test - PRA (rcd4) 5. Eye testing |
1. Bitches under 2 years not to produce a litter 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Irish Terrier | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Irish Wolfhound | Eye testing | 1. All hounds used for breeding take part annually in a heart testing scheme approved by the Irish Wolfhound Club: the minimum requirement being examination by stethoscope, ECG and ultrasound scan 2. Bitches under 2 years not to produce a litter 3. Bitches over 6 years not to produce a litter 4. Bitches not to produce more than one litter within a 12-month period 5. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating Breed club - liver shunt testing of all puppies prior to being sold |
| Italian Greyhound | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Italian Spinone | 1. Hip scoring 2. DNA (linkage) test - CA |
1. Bitches under 2 years not to produce a litter |
| Jack Russell Terrier | None | 1. DNA test - LOA 2. DNA test - PLL 3. DNA test - SCA 4. Eye testing 5. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Japanese Shiba Inu | 1. Eye testing - PLA (Gonioscopy) 2. Eye testing |
Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Japanese Chin | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Japanese Spitz | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Keeshond | 1.Hip scoring 2.Elbow grading |
1.Eye testing 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Kerry Blue Terrier | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| King Charles Spaniel | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Komondor | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Kooikerhondje | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Korean Jindo (Imp) | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Korthals Griffon (Imp) | None | 1. Hip scoring 2. Elbow grading 3. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Lagotto Romagnolo | DNA test - Juvenile Epilepsy (JE) | 1. Hip scoring 2. Elbow grading 3. DNA test - Lysosomal Storage Disease (LSD) 4. Eye testing 5. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Lakeland Terrier | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Lancashire Heeler | 1. Eye testing 2. DNA test - PLL 3. DNA test - CEA |
Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Large Munsterlander | 1. Hip scoring 2. Eye testing 3. Elbow grading 4. DNA test - HUU |
Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Leonberger | 1. Hip scoring 2. Eye testing 3. Eye testing - PLA (Gonioscopy) 4. Elbow grading 5. DNA test - LPN1 6. DNA test - LPN2 7. DNA test - LEMP |
1. Bitches under 2 years not to produce a litter 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Lhasa Apso | 1. DNA test - PRA4 | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Lowchen (Little Lion Dog) | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Maltese | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Manchester Terrier | DNA test - vWD | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Maremma Sheepdog | Hip scoring | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Mastiff | Hip scoring | 1. Elbow grading 2. Bitches under 20 months not to produce a litter 3. Bitches over 6 years not to produce a litter 4. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Miniature Pinscher | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating Breed club - patella testing |
| Miniature Schnauzer | 1. Eye testing 2. DNA test - MAC |
1. Eye testing (litter screening) 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Neapolitan Mastiff | None | 1. Hip scoring 2. Eye testing 3. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating Breed club – Seek breed club advice on heart testing |
| Newfoundland | 1. Hip scoring 2. DNA test - Cystinuria (CU) 3. Elbow grading |
1. Bitches under 2 years not to produce a litter 2. Bitches over 7 years not to produce a litter 3. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating Breed club – heart testing |
| Norfolk Terrier | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Norwegian Buhund | 1. Hip scoring 2. Eye testing |
1. DNA test - CA HCA 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Norwegian Elkhound | 1. Hip scoring 2. DNA test - prcd-PRA 3. Eye testing |
Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Old English Sheepdog | 1. Hip scoring 2. Eye testing |
1. DNA test - PCD 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Otterhound | 1. Hip scoring 2. Elbow grading |
Check inbreeding calculators for each mating Breed club – advice on epilepsy/ fitting |
| Papillon | 1. DNA test - pap-PRA1 2. Eye testing |
1. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating 2. DNA test - NAD Breed club – patella testing |
| Parson Russell Terrier | 1. DNA test - PLL 2. DNA test - Late Onset Ataxia (LOA) 3. DNA test - Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA) 4. Eye testing |
Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Pekingese | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Pharaoh Hound | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating Breed club – patella testing |
| Picardy Sheepdog (Imp) | None | 1. Hip scoring 2. Elbow grading 3. Eye testing 4. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Pointer | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Polish Lowland Sheepdog | Hip scoring | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Pomeranian | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Poodle (Miniature) | 1. DNA test - prcd-PRA 2. Eye testing |
Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Poodle (Standard) | 1. Hip scoring 2. Eye testing |
1. DNA test - prcd-PRA 2. DNA test - PRA (rcd4) 3.Check inbreeding calculators for each mating Breed club – sebaceous adenitis testing |
| Poodle (Toy) | 1. DNA test - prcd-PRA 2. Eye testing |
Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Portuguese Podengo | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Portuguese Pointer (Imp) | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Portuguese Water Dog | 1. Hip scoring 2. Elbow grading 3. DNA test - prcd-PRA |
1. DNA test - GM1 (gangliosidosis) 2.Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Pug | Respiratory Function Grading Scheme | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating Breed club – Hemivertebrae (HV) checking of parents by x-ray after 12 months of age Breed club – patella testing Breed club – National Pug Health Scheme* |
| Pyrenean Mastiff | None | 1. Hip scoring 2. Eye testing 3. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Pyrenean Mountain Dog | Hip scoring | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Pyrenean Sheepdog | None | 1. Hip scoring 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating Breed club – heart testing (puppies) for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) |
Breeds R to W
| Breeds | Requirements for health screening of breeding stock | Recommendations for health screening of breeding stock |
|---|---|---|
| Retriever (Chesapeake Bay) | 1. Hip scoring 2. Eye testing 3. Elbow grading 4) DNA Test - DM |
1. DNA test - prcd-PRA 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Retriever (Curly Coated) | Hip scoring | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Retriever (Flat Coated) | 1. Hip scoring 2. Eye Testing - PLA (Gonioscopy) 3. Eye testing |
1. Bitches under 2 years not to produce a litter 2. Bitches not to produce more than three litters in their lifetime 3. Bitches not to produce more than one litter within a 12-month period 4. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Retriever (Golden) | 1. Hip scoring 2. Eye testing 3. Elbow grading 4. Eye testing - PLA (Gonioscopy) |
1. Bitches under 18 months not to produce a litter 2. Bitches not to produce more than one litter within a 12-month period 3. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Retriever (Labrador) | 1. Hip scoring 2. Eye testing 3. Elbow grading |
1. DNA test - prcd-PRA 2. DNA test - CNM 3. DNA test - EIC 4. DNA test - HNPK 5. DNA test - SD2 6. DNA test - MCD 7. DNA test - STGD 8. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Retriever (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling) | 1. Hip scoring 2. DNA test - prcd-PRA 3. DNA test - CEA 4. DNA test - Degenerative Encephalopathy (DE) 5. Eye testing |
1. Bitches under 2 years not to produce a litter 2. Bitches not to produce more than one litter within a 12-month period 3. Dogs under 2 years not to be used at stud 4. DNA test - Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) 5. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Rhodesian Ridgeback | 1. Hip scoring 2. DNA test -JME |
1. Bitches under 2 years not to produce a litter 2. Bitches not to produce more than three litters in their lifetime 3. Bitches not to produce more than one litter within a 12-month period 4. Elbow grading 5. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating Breed club – dermoid sinus check (puppies) |
| Rottweiler | 1. Hip scoring 2. Elbow grading 3. Eye testing* |
1. Bitches under 2 years not to produce a litter 2. Bitches not to produce more than one litter within a 12-month period 3. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Russian Black Terrier | 1. Elbow grading 2. Hip scoring |
1. DNA test - HUU 2. Bitches under 2 years not to produce a litter 3. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating Breed club – Breeders should issue grooming advice |
| Russian Toy | None | 1. Eye testing 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating Breed club – patella testing |
| Saluki | None | 1. DNA test - Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL) 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Samoyed | Hip scoring | 1. Eye Testing 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating Breed club – Breeders should issue grooming advice |
| Schipperke | None | 1. DNA test - MPS IIIB 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Schnauzer | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Scottish Terrier | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Sealyham Terrier | 1. DNA test - PLL 2. Eye testing |
Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Shar Pei | Eye testing | 1. Bitches under 2 years not to produce a litter 2. DNA test - POAG/PLL 3. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Shetland Sheepdog | Eye testing | 1. Hip scoring 2. DNA test - CEA 3. DNA test - BBS2-PRA 4. DNA test - CNAGA1-PRA 5. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Shih Tzu | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Siberian Husky | 1. Hip scoring 2. Eye testing 3. Eye testing - PLA (Gonioscopy) |
Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Skye Terrier | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Sloughi | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer (Imp) | None | 1. Hip scoring 2. Bitches under 2 years not to produce a litter 3. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Small Munsterlander (Imp) | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier | None | 1. Hip scoring 2. Eye testing 3. Bitches under 2 years not to be mated 4. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating Breed club – kidney function test |
| Spaniel (American Cocker) | 1. Eye testing 2. Eye testing - PLA (Gonioscopy) |
1. DNA test - prcd-PRA 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Spaniel (Clumber) | 1. Hip scoring 2. DNA test - EIC |
1. DNA test - PDP1 2. Eye testing 3. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Spaniel (Cocker) | 1. Eye testing 2. DNA test - prcd-PRA 3. DNA test - FN 4. DNA test - AMS 5. Eye testing - PLA (Gonioscopy) |
Hip scoring Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Spaniel (English Springer) | 1. DNA test - PRA (cord 1) 2. Eye testing 3. Eye testing - PLA (Gonioscopy) 4. DNA test - Fuco |
1. Hip scoring 2. DNA test - PFK 3. Bitches under 20 months not to produce a litter 4. Bitches not to produce more than one litter within a 12-month period 5. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Spaniel (Field) | Hip scoring | 1. Eye testing 2. Bitches under 18 months not to produce a litter 3. Bitches not to produce more than one litter within a 12-month period 4. No stud dog to be used under 12 months of age 5. DNA of breeding stock to be held at The Kennel Club Genetics Centre (previously the Animal Health Trust) 6. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Spaniel (Irish Water) | 1. Hip scoring 2. Elbow grading |
1. Eye testing 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Spaniel (Sussex) | None | 1. Hip scoring 2. Eye testing 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Spaniel (Welsh Springer) | 1. Hip scoring 2. Eye testing - PLA (Gonioscopy) |
1. Eye testing 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Spanish Water Dog | 1. Hip scoring 2. Eye testing - PLA (Gonioscopy) 3. DNA test - prcd-PRA 4. Eye testing |
1. Bitches under 2 years not to produce a litter 2. Bitches not to produce more than one litter within a 12-month period 3. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| St Bernard | Hip scoring | 1. Bitches under 2 years not to produce a litter 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier | 1. Eye testing 2. DNA test - HC-HSF4 3. DNA test - L2-HGA |
1. Litter eye screening for PHPV 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Swedish Lapphund | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Swedish Vallhund | 1. Hip scoring 2. Eye testing |
1. DNA test - Retinopathy 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Tibetan Mastiff | Hip scoring | 1. Elbow grading 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Tibetan Spaniel | Eye testing | 1. Bitches not to produce more than one litter within a 12-month period 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Tibetan Terrier | 1. Eye testing 2. Hip scoring 3. DNA test - PLL 4. DNA test - NCL 5. DNA test - PRA (rcd4) 6. DNA test - PRA3 |
Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Turkish Kangal Dog | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Weimaraner | Hip scoring | 1. Bitches under 2 years not to produce a litter 2. Bitches not to produce more than one litter within a 12-month period 3. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Welsh Corgi (Cardigan) | 1. DNA test - PRA (rcd3) 2. Eye testing |
Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Welsh Corgi (Pembroke) | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Welsh Terrier | None | q. DNA test - PLL 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| West Highland White Terrier | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Whippet | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating Breed club – heart testing (auscultation) |
| White Swiss Shepherd Dog | 1. Hip scoring 2. Elbow grading |
1. DNA profiling 2. Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Xoloitzcuintle (Nex Hairless) Int (Imp) | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Xoloitzcuintle (Mex Hairless) Min (Imp) | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Xoloitzcuintle (Mex Hairless) Std (Imp) | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
| Yorkshire Terrier | None | Check inbreeding calculators for each mating |
* Breeds and health tests marked with an asterisk are either new additions to this list or have had a recent change to their requirements and/or recommendations. Existing Assured Breeders have a six-month period of grace before compliance with new requirements and/or recommendations comes into effect.
Request a PDF version of the breed-specific requirements and recommendations including health screening.
Important information about health tests and screening schemes
BAER testing
BAER (Brainstem auditory evoked response) testing is most commonly conducted on litters aged between 5½ and 6½ weeks, but can also be conducted on adults. It provides an accurate indication of the hearing status of the individual dog, which can be either bilaterally deaf (hearing impaired in both ears), unilaterally deaf (hearing impaired in one ear) or unaffected (normal hearing in both ears). Individual dogs must be microchipped and Kennel Club registered prior to testing.
View a list of BAER testing centres in the UK
CM/SM screening
BVA/KC CM/SM screening assesses MRI scans for signs of, and the degree to which, a dog may be affected by CM (Chiari-like malformation) and SM (syringomyelia). CM is a fault in the development of the skull, causing part of the brain to protrude at the back of the skull. SM refers to the presence of pockets that form in the spinal cord, called syrinxes. There are a number of veterinary centres that offer MRI scanning facilities using the protocol recommended by the scheme.
Read more about the CM/SM screening scheme.
DNA tests
There are various official DNA testing schemes depending on the condition concerned. Where a DNA test is a requirement for a breed, both parents must have either been tested, or have proven hereditary clear status. Breeders should never knowingly conduct matings that may produce puppies affected by a genetic condition that has a negative impact on health or welfare. Therefore, any dog or bitch that has an abnormal result (i.e. “affected” or “carrier”) for any DNA test should only be mated to an individual that is known to be clear from that condition.
Read more about DNA testing.
Read more about DNA testing.
Elbow grading
Elbow grading should be conducted under the elbow dysplasia screening scheme.
Eye testing
Eye screening should be carried out before breeding, using the BVA/KC/ISDS eye screening scheme or the ECVO scheme. Eye examinations should be within 12 months before the date of mating. This allows breeders to be aware of any conditions affecting their dog and to be assured they are breeding from dogs with optimal eye health. Gonioscopy is a separate eye test (for predisposition to glaucoma) and, where relevant, should be repeated every three years and, for litter registration purposes, must be within three years prior to the date of mating.
Find out more about eye screening.
Hip scoring
Hip scoring should be conducted under the hip dysplasia screening scheme
Inbreeding coefficients
All Assured Breeders should refer to inbreeding coefficient calculators to assist them in making balanced breeding decisions. Breeders can use our Inbreeding Coefficient calculators, or, if available, another database that contains more pedigree information. The inbreeding coefficient of the potential litter should be considered, rather than that of each individual parent. Current guidance is that, where possible, breeders should breed at or below the breed average inbreeding coefficient. Breeders should always take into consideration the number of generations used to produce the calculation and the number of offspring already sired by the male.
Find out more about inbreeding coefficients.
IVDD Scheme
The Kennel Club/Dachshund Health UK scheme is available for all varieties of Dachshund and uses x-ray to detect the presence and severity of IVDD (Intervertebral disk disease) in an individual. The scheme assesses for spine calcifications and gives guidance to breeders on how to reduce the risk of producing puppies affected by intervertebral disc disease.
Find out more about the IVDD health scheme, including participating centres.
Respiratory Function Grading Scheme
The Kennel Club and University of Cambridge scheme tests for breathing ability (brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, otherwise known as BOAS) and should be used for all breeding stock over the age of 12 months, and repeated every two years, for as long as the dog is being used for breeding.
View a list of regional assessors for the scheme.
The Kennel Club Heart Scheme for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
The Kennel Club Heart Scheme for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, supported by the Veterinary Cardiovascular Society, assesses Cavalier King Charles Spaniels for mitral valve disease and other potentially significant heart diseases. The scheme advises owners if their dog is affected by heart disease and gives guidance to breeders on how to lower the risk of producing affected puppies. The scheme should be used for all breeding stock over the age of 18 months, and repeated every two years, for as long as the dog is being used for breeding.
View a list of approved cardiologists (vets specially trained in heart conditions) who have been appointed to carry out heart grading on dogs.
Frequently asked questions
Do these requirements and recommendations only apply to the dog I own?
No, these apply to both dam and sire for every litter bred.
Can I be sent a paper copy of the requirements and recommendations?
Yes, click on the link to request a PDF version of the breed-specific requirements and recommendations including health screening.
Where can I find out more about testing and screening schemes for my breeds?
For more information, please visit our Breeds A to Z.
Who can I talk to about changing my breed's requirements and recommendations?
Requirements and recommendations are added at the request of a breed club or clubs. Contact details for all breed club secretaries are listed on Find a Club or alternatively you could contact your breed health co-ordinatior, whose details can be found in the health section of our Breeds A to Z.
Breed clubs and breed health co-ordinatiors can apply for a change to the their breeds requirements and recommendations through our online form.
Who can I contact for general enquiries about the Assured Breeders scheme?
Further information can be obtained via emailing