Health Testing

Our Commitment to Health‑Tested, Responsible Breeding

Accountable breeders ensure that both the dam and sire undergo comprehensive health testing before any breeding takes place. This is the foundation of producing healthy, balanced puppies and reducing the risk of hereditary diseases that can impact the long‑term well‑being of the breed.

Health testing is crucial because it protects the future of the German Shepherd Dog. Thorough screening promotes overall health and longevity, preserves sound structure and temperament, and builds trust with puppy buyers through complete transparency. Responsible breeding begins with responsible evaluation.

At our kennel, we only breed dogs with stable, healthy temperaments, passing hips, and negative results for all major hereditary conditions. Every dam and sire is fully screened through orthopedic evaluations and extensive DNA testing—over 200 genetic diseases—to ensure they meet the highest standards of health and genetic integrity.

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM): A Critical Component of Ethical Breeding

One of the most important genetic screenings a breeder can perform is the test for Degenerative Myelopathy (DM). DM is a progressive neurological disease that affects the spinal cord, leading to weakness, loss of coordination, and eventual paralysis. Because the condition is inherited, responsible breeders must test all breeding dogs to ensure they are not producing puppies genetically at risk.

DM testing provides clear genetic status—N/N (clear), N/DM (carrier), or DM/DM (at‑risk)—allowing breeders to make informed, ethical decisions about pairings. At our kennel, every dam and sire is fully screened for DM as part of our comprehensive DNA panel. We do not breed any dog that is “at‑risk,” and carriers are only paired with clear dogs to ensure no puppy is ever genetically at risk for developing the disease.

🦴 The Truth: Prelims Are Just as Good as Finals — When Used Correctly

1. Predictive Accuracy Is Extremely High

OFA’s own published data shows:

Excellent prelim → Excellent/Good final 97% of the time
Good prelim → Good/Fair final 95% of the time
Fair prelim → Fair/Mild final 76–80% of the time

In other words, prelims almost always match the final rating, especially in working‑line GSDs with strong hips.

This is why responsible breeders (especially working‑line, sport, and police K9 breeders) rely heavily on prelims.

🦴 2. Prelims Use the Same Radiographic Criteria as Finals

The X‑rays are evaluated by the same OFA radiologists, using the same scoring system, looking at the same joint structures:

Femoral head shape
Acetabular depth
Joint congruency
Subluxation
Early degenerative changes

The only difference is the dog’s age — not the evaluation method.

🦴 3. Prelims Are Often More Accurate for Working Lines

Working‑line German Shepherds (DDR/Czech) mature slowly. Before age 2:

They have less arthritic change
Their joints are cleaner and easier to evaluate
Their musculature hasn’t yet masked subtle laxity

This means prelims can actually give a clearer picture of genetic hip quality than waiting until 24 months.

Our Standards: Temperament, Orthopedic Soundness, and Genetic Integrity

Transparency You Can Trust

As a reputable breeder, we believe transparency is non‑negotiable. For your convenience, we provide full access to our dogs’ health results along with direct links so you can research, verify, and feel confident in the quality and care behind every pairing.

And whether you decide to apply for a puppy from us or from another breeder, always make sure they offer complete transparency and comprehensive health testing. Responsible breeding is not a slogan it’s a standard.

As a reputable breeder, and for your convenience, we provide full access to our dogs’ health results and direct links so you can research, verify, and feel confident in the quality and care behind every pairing.

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