Breeding suitability guide — Cairn Terrier
For breeders: which tests, which thresholds, which mating rules apply
1. Mandatory tests for parents
Klub für Terrier e.V. (KfT) requires these tests for breeding approval — they must be on file for every breeding animal.
| Test / condition | Scoring scheme | Passing result | Inheritance | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DNA-Identitätsnachweis | Blutprobe (DNA-Profil) | DNA-Typisierung durchgeführt | — | Klub für Terrier e.V. (KfT) |
| Patellar Luxation (PL) | Physical examination | PL 0–1 | Polygenic | Klub für Terrier e.V. (KfT) |
2. Mating rules
When one parent has a borderline result, the other parent must meet specific criteria.
Patellar Luxation (PL)
See the mating rule in your club's regulation.
Klub für Terrier e.V. (KfT)Cataract (HC)
See the mating rule in your club's regulation.
3. Recommended additional tests
Sensible additions for line planning.
| Test / condition | Scoring scheme | Passing result | Inheritance | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cataract (HC) | Eye examination | clear | Complex | — |
| Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG) | Eye examination | clear | Autosomal recessive | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) (PRA) | — | clear or carrier | Autosomal recessive | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
| Craniomandibular osteopathy ("lion jaw") (CMO) | X-ray | clear or carrier | Autosomal dominant | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
| Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) | X-ray | — | Complex | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
| Mitral valve dysplasia (MVD) | Ultrasound | normal | Complex | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
| Globoid cell leukodystrophy (galactocerebrosidosis) (GCL) | DNA test | clear or carrier | Autosomal recessive | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
| Hydrocephalus | X-ray | — | Complex | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
| Hemophilia | Body-fluid analysis | clear | X-linked | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
| Portosystemic hepatic encephalopathy (PSS) | — | normal | Complex | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
| Pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency (PK) | DNA test | clear or carrier | Autosomal recessive | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
4. HonestDog verification
- Upload a legible certificate (PDF or photo) per test in the breeder dashboard
- Certificate must show date, examining vet, and FCI/VDH logo
- Certificates older than 36 months are flagged as stale
- We extract the results from each upload using AI and check them for consistency with the dog's profile — the profile tile then shows 'verified'