At Cheristone Doodles all our parents-to-be are health screened using DNA analysis and x-rays for conditions relevant to their heritage breeds. We make all health test paperwork available to new owners on Puppy Hub and available ahead of placing a reservation fee on request. Find out more about the health testing we do below.
DNA testing
DNA testing can be done to show whether a dog is affected by diseases or conditions passed down from their parents. If a puppy’s parents are free of these, then the puppy will be too.
All of our dogs are tested for the conditions relevant to their heritage breeds and we don't breed from dogs who are affected by diseases or genetic conditions.
Health tests relevant to heritage breeds
Hip and elbow assessment
Hip/elbow dysplasia can affect larger dogs and is when the hip or elbow joints don’t fit together properly, become unstable, and develop abnormally. It causes pain, swelling, stiffness and eventually arthritis. Dogs usually begin showing symptoms while they are growing (at around 5-6 months of age). It's a painful condition that needs lifelong treatment and possibly surgery.
Our adult dogs have their hips and elbows assessed – this is where x-rays are taken and scrutinised by a panel of veterinary experts at the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and given a ‘score’. Only allowing dogs with a good hip and elbow score to be used for breeding helps ensure puppies are at lower risk of inherited hip and elbow dysplasia.
Understanding the results
Hips - results are indicated on a scale of 0 to 53 for each hip (0 being the best and 53 being the worst). Adding the scores together gives the total hip score for the dog. Breed average (around 15) or lower is considered best for breeding.
Elbows - results are indicated on a scale of 0 to 3 (0 being the best and 3 being the worst). The highest grade of the two elbows is taken as the elbow grade for that dog. Zero or 1 is considered acceptable for breeding.
Eyes
Inherited eye disease can be screened for using DNA testing or by inspection of the eye by a specialist ophthalmic vet. We use this screening to ensure eye disease isn’t passed on to puppies.