What is health testing?

Every breed is susceptible to certain inherited conditions. Just like humans, dogs inherit predispositions from their parents. Responsible breeders screen their breeding dogs for these conditions and make informed mating decisions to reduce the risk passed on to puppies.

Can health testing guarantee a healthy puppy?

No — but it's the strongest tool we have. Diet, exercise, environment, and genetics all contribute to whether a dog develops a condition. When breeders use the right tests to identify risk in potential parents, the likelihood of many conditions appearing in the puppies drops significantly.

Health issues vary widely across breeds

There's no one-size-fits-all here. For the American Cocker Spaniel we track 5 mandatory tests plus 0 additional recommended ones. The specific tests and passing thresholds are detailed further below.