Sheepadoodle health testing standards

Published by Kayla's Sheepadoodles, Spokane, Washington

Sheepadoodles inherit from both Poodles and Old English Sheepdogs, so testing the parents is the best way to lower the risk of inherited disease. Here is what to look for and how to verify it. Kayla's Sheepadoodles in Spokane, Washington publishes these standards so families know what to ask any breeder.

Hereditary conditions that testing targets

• Hip and elbow dysplasia, joint conditions seen in both parent breeds.
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA-prcd), an inherited form of blindness found in Poodles.
• Von Willebrand disease (vWD), a bleeding disorder reported in Poodles; a DNA test exists.
• Degenerative myelopathy (DM), a progressive spinal cord disease; some DNA panels include it.
• Eye disease such as cataracts, checked by a veterinary ophthalmologist.
• Heart conditions, screened with a cardiac exam.

What OFA clearances mean

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) evaluates hip and elbow radiographs and publishes results in a public database. Preliminary evaluations can be done on young dogs, but final OFA hip and elbow certification requires the dog to be at least 24 months old. Eye and cardiac results can also be registered.

Ask for the OFA registration numbers and look the dogs up yourself on ofa.org, rather than relying on a photo of a certificate.

DNA screening

Genetic panels from commercial canine DNA labs report whether a dog is clear, a carrier or affected for specific mutations. Two carriers bred together can produce affected puppies, so responsible breeders use results to choose pairings. DNA tests screen for known mutations only; they do not replace hip, elbow, eye and heart exams.

Checklist before you buy

• Ask which tests were done on both parents and see the results.
• Verify OFA numbers on ofa.org.
• Ask what happens if a puppy develops a covered genetic condition (see the health warranty guide).
• Ask which veterinarian handled the puppies' vaccinations and exams.

Keep reading

• Sheepadoodle genetic screenings
• Sheepadoodle breeder code of ethics
• Sheepadoodle puppy health warranty
• Sheepadoodle nutrition and longevity
• Compare the five Sheepadoodle types
• Find guidance for your state
• About Kayla's Sheepadoodles

Sources

• OFA: Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
• Embark Veterinary: canine DNA testing
• AKC: Standard Poodle
• AKC: Old English Sheepdog

General information only, not veterinary advice. Ask your veterinarian about your dog. This page has not been reviewed by a veterinarian.

Questions about health testing?

Ask what tests were run on the parents of the current and upcoming litters, and which Sheepadoodle type and state you have in mind.

Your request goes to Kayla's Sheepadoodles in Spokane, Washington.

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