Insight into your breed’s health
Most breeds’ health testing requirements originate with an AKC Parent Club, the AKC-recognized national club devoted to that particular breed. AKC Parent Clubs represent experts of a single breed. The AKC approves only one national club per breed. AKC Parent Clubs generate Parent Club Health Statements to provide health testing recommendations for both sire and dam, and sometimes puppies.
Some breeds have no formal health statement, and may have health recommendations based on their parent club’s code of ethics, the parent club’s delegate, or the Canine Health Information Center. Some breeds parent clubs require no health test requirements, and some breeds have no parent clubs.
Parent Club Health Statements include both genetic (DNA) tests and phenotype tests, and both are important. Phenotype tests include hip evaluations, eye examinations, cardiac examinations, and other tests to determine the health of dams, sires, or offspring. These tests still help screen for conditions that can be passed on from parents to puppies.
Breeders that participate in AKC Breeder Programs certify that applicable health screens are performed on their breeding stock as recommended by their AKC Parent Club.
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AKC Breeder of Merit Program
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The AKC Breeder of Merit Program gives breeders a way to prove their dedication to preserving breed characteristics and producing healthy, well-socialized puppies.
Breeders that participate in the AKC Breeder of Merit Program certify that applicable health screens are performed on their breeding stock as recommended by their AKC Breed Parent Club.
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AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. Program
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AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. breeders pledge to uphold the program values of health, education, accountability, responsibility, and tradition.
Breeders that participate in the AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. Program certify that applicable health screens are performed on their breeding stock as recommended by their AKC Breed Parent Club.
A complete list of Breed Health Testing Requirements can be found here.