There are 2 methods of hip testing available - the kennel club BVA traditional scheme which is a number out of a possible score of 106. A good average score is approximately 16 at present. The lower the score the better. The total is broken down on the scoresheet for example a score of 5/5 (left hip/right hip) would be a total of 10. Ideally the faults would be evenly distributed between the hips and no individual fault exceeding 3 on a specific part of the hip. A score of 9/9 would be less alarming than 17/1 though both total 18.

Pennhip program is growing in popularity internationally as its more comprehensive - 3 x-rays are taken rather than 1 by the vet. Also the test can be performed earlier - from 16 weeks as opposed to 12 month under the BVA scheme. Pennhip also informs breeders whether the dog has DJD. 0.7 is the higher risk score, with 0.3-0.4 being excellent, 0.55 being good. The lower the score the better.

All our breeding dogs are hip tested either with BVA or Pennhip or both.

Visit Link

The OptiGen prcd-PRA test is a DNA-based test that helps us avoid one form of Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). PRA refers to a group of diseases that cause the retina of the eye to degenerate slowly over time. The result is declining vision and eventual blindness. “prcd” stands for “progressive rod-cone degeneration” which is the type of PRA known in several breeds including poodle crosses.

We eliminate the risk by ensuring that at least one parent is Optigen Class A as BOTH parents need to be recessive or affected to produce a pup which will go blind. All our studs are Class A so its genetically impossible. It is vital that you ensure your breeder has undertaken Optigen screening as they hold the patent for prcd testing.

In addition to optigen testing we undertake the traditional CERF eye screening however this result is limited to whether the parent is affected, not whether they hold the recessive gene for an eye problem.

Visit Link