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Health Testing Guide
Which tests are mandatory, how to spot responsible breeders — and what it costs when things go wrong.
For the Corgipoo we have compiled 0 mandatory and 18 recommended health tests, drawn from breed-club regulations, the University of PEI (CIDD), and OMIA — weighted by severity and heritability.
What this grade means
As a crossbreed between a Poodle and a Welsh Corgi Pembroke, the Corgipoo combines the genetic traits of both parent breeds. Genetic risks include degenerative myelopathy, von Willebrand disease, and eye conditions such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. Due to the Corgi's dwarfism proportions, there is also an increased risk of intervertebral disc disease as well as joint issues like hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. Responsible breeding relies on comprehensive genetic testing of the parent dogs and orthopedic examinations to minimize the occurrence of these breed-specific diseases in puppies.
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.
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.
There's no one-size-fits-all here. For the Corgipoo we track 0 mandatory tests plus 18 additional recommended ones. The specific tests and passing thresholds are detailed further below.
Keep in mind
Reliable screening tests still don't exist for many hereditary conditions, and tests for complex polygenic conditions are not always predictive of severity in the puppies. Even so, they're a powerful tool used by every responsible breeder.
There are two main types of health tests:
Screen the dog's DNA for known disease-causing mutations. Can be performed from puppyhood and give a binary result (clear / carrier / affected).
Clinical and imaging exams like X-ray, ultrasound, or ophthalmoscopy. They show how a predisposition actually manifests — usually only conclusive after 12–18 months.
We group breeding programs into three levels based on testing depth. Ask your breeder directly which level they meet.
A breeder at the Great level performs all mandatory tests plus 18 additional clinically recommended screenings that reduce risk in this breed.
In addition to mandatory tests:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)(PRA)
Augen
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an inherited eye disease that affects the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. In this condition, the specialized cells responsible for detecting light, known as photoreceptors, gradually degenerate and die. Because these cells cannot recover or be replaced, the disease slowly but inevitably leads to complete blindness.
Progressive rod-cone degeneration (PRCD-PRA)(PRA-prcd)
Augen
This is an inherited eye disease where the light-sensitive cells in the retina, called rods and cones, slowly break down over time. The rods, which handle vision in dim light, degenerate first, followed by the cones, which are responsible for bright light and color vision. This gradual degeneration of the eye's sensory layer eventually leads to complete blindness.
Passing: Frei oder Anlageträger (N/N oder N/prcd)
Retinal Dysplasia(RD)
Augen
Retinal dysplasia is a congenital condition affecting the eyes, where the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye) does not develop properly during growth in the womb. This abnormal development leads to structural defects like folds or gaps in the retinal layers. Because the retina is responsible for sending visual signals to the brain, these imperfections can impair normal vision.
Augen
Corneal dystrophy(CD)
Augen und Sehvermögen
Corneal dystrophy is an inherited eye disorder where abnormal, opaque materials like fats or calcium build up in the cornea, which is the clear outer layer of the eye. This accumulation typically affects both eyes and is non-inflammatory, meaning it does not cause immediate swelling or redness. Over time, these deposits can disrupt the smooth surface of the eye.
Augen
Cataract(HC)
Augen und Sehvermögen
A cataract is a progressive clouding of the lens inside the dog's eye, which is the clear structure that focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye. When the lens becomes cloudy or opaque, it blocks light from entering, gradually impairing the dog's vision. If left untreated, this condition can eventually lead to complete blindness in the affected eye.
Augen
Persistent pupillary membranes (PPM)(PPM)
Augen und Sehvermögen
Persistent pupillary membranes (PPM) occur when tiny blood vessels that nourish the eye's lens before birth fail to break down and disappear as they normally should. This leaves behind delicate strands of tissue that stretch across the iris, which is the colored part of the eye, and the pupil. In some cases, these strands can attach to the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, or the lens.
Augen
Elbow Dysplasia(ED)
Bewegungsapparat
Elbow dysplasia is a developmental disorder of the musculoskeletal system where the three bones forming the elbow joint do not fit together properly. This misalignment causes abnormal friction and wear on the joint cartilage, eventually leading to painful, chronic joint inflammation and arthritis. It is a complex genetic condition influenced by multiple genes.
Roentgen · Passing: Grad 0 (frei) oder Grad I (Grenzfall)
Hip dysplasia(HD)
Bewegungsapparat
Hip dysplasia is an inherited skeletal disorder where the ball and socket of the hip joint do not fit together properly. Instead of sliding smoothly, the bones rub and grind against each other, wearing down the protective cartilage. Over time, this chronic friction causes joint instability, painful inflammation, and progressive arthritis, which is the gradual wear and tear of the joint.
Roentgen · Passing: FCI Grad A oder B (Frei / Übergangsform) / OFA Fair or better
Patellar Luxation(PL)
Bewegungsapparat
Patellar luxation, also known as a luxating patella, is a physical condition affecting the knee joint where the kneecap slips out of its normal groove. This misalignment interferes with the mechanical movement of the hind leg and can cause the joint to lock. Over time, this abnormal friction can lead to painful joint wear and tear, known as osteoarthritis.
Physisch · Passing: Grad 0 (frei)
Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA)(CDA)
Haut und Fell
Color Dilution Alopecia is a genetic skin disorder that affects dogs with diluted coat colors, such as blue, fawn, or lilac. It is caused by an abnormal distribution of pigment within the hair shafts, which makes the hair brittle and prone to breaking. This structural weakness leads to progressive hair loss and leaves the skin more vulnerable to irritation.
Haut
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (Cutaneous asthenia)(EDS)
Haut und Fell
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, also known as cutaneous asthenia, is an inherited connective tissue disorder that affects the skin and joints. It is caused by a genetic defect in collagen, which is the primary structural protein that provides strength and elasticity to tissues. Because of this defect, the skin lacks its normal structural integrity, making it unusually fragile, thin, and loose.
Haut
Sebaceous Adenitis(SA)
Haut und Fell
Sebaceous adenitis is an inflammatory skin disorder where the dog's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the sebaceous glands, which are the glands responsible for producing natural skin oils. Without these oils, the skin loses its protective moisture barrier, leading to severe dryness and damage to the hair follicles.
Intervertebral disc disease(IVDD)
Nervensystem
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a degenerative condition affecting the spine, where the cushioning discs between the vertebrae harden and rupture. When these discs herniate, meaning they bulge or burst, they press against the spinal cord and surrounding nerves. This compression disrupts the nervous system, causing pain and potentially blocking signals between the brain and the limbs.
Degenerative Myelopathy(DM)
Nervensystem
Degenerative Myelopathy is a progressive disease of the spinal cord where the protective sheath around the nerves slowly breaks down. This deterioration disrupts the vital communication signals between the brain and the muscles of the hind limbs. Over time, this lack of signal transmission leads to a complete loss of muscle control in the back legs.
DNA · Passing: Frei oder Anlageträger (N/N oder N/DM)
Degenerative Myelopathy Early-Onset Modifier (Pembroke Welsh Corgi)
Nervensystem
This genetic modifier, abbreviated as DMRM, is a variation in the SP110 gene that accelerates the onset of Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) in Pembroke Welsh Corgis. DM is a severe, progressive disease of the spinal cord where the protective sheath around the nerves degrades, disrupting the signals between the brain and the body. Dogs carrying this modifier experience this neurological decline much earlier in life than those without it.
DNA
Neonatal Encephalopathy with Seizures(NEWS)
Nervensystem
This is a severe, inherited brain disorder that affects newborn puppies, caused by an autosomal-recessive genetic mutation. It leads to abnormal development and degeneration of the central nervous system, which controls the body's movements and mental functions. Because it is inherited recessively, a puppy must inherit the mutated gene from both parents to be affected.
Roentgen · Passing: Frei oder Anlageträger (N/N oder N/NEWS)
Familial Nephropathy(FN)
Nieren und Harnwege
Familial Nephropathy (FN) is an inherited kidney disease caused by a genetic defect in collagen, which is a vital structural protein. This defect damages the kidneys' filtering units, preventing them from properly removing waste products from the blood. Over time, this leads to progressive and irreversible kidney failure.
Koerperfluessigkeiten
Von Willebrand disease type I(vWD1)
Von Willebrand Disease Type I is an inherited bleeding disorder that affects the blood's ability to clot properly. It is caused by a deficiency in von Willebrand factor, a specific protein that helps blood platelets stick together to plug damaged blood vessels. Because this is an autosomal-dominant condition, a dog only needs to inherit one copy of the mutated gene to potentially show symptoms.
Passing: Frei oder Anlageträger (N/N oder N/vWD1)
These levels are a comparison framework, not an official certification. They help compare breeding programs at a glance.
A complete checklist with every mandatory and recommended test plus identity and rearing questions — take it with you.
Open the full checklistFor breeders
Machine-readable mating rules, minimum ages, scoring schemes, and what's required for HonestDog verification — as a printable guide.
Example rule — Hip dysplasia (HD-FCI)
Both parents must be tested for Hip dysplasia (HD-FCI) and show a passing result.
We compile mandatory tests from official breed regulations and veterinary databases — and cross-check every uploaded certificate against the dog's profile using AI.
L1 = mandatory under breed-club regulations. L2 = recommended or clinically indicated. L3 = lower prevalence. Every assignment carries a source and confidence rating.
VDH breeding regulations, CIDD (University of PEI), OMIA (University of Sydney), curated veterinary input.
Uploaded certificates are AI-extracted and checked for date, result, and consistency with the dog's profile — with our team reviewing anything inconclusive.
0 tests are currently mandatory under the relevant breed-club regulations. The most common are —. Every test must be completed before mating, and the result must fall within the threshold defined by the regulation.
Self-check
Answer 6 quick questions about your everyday life and see how well the Corgipoo fits you — including an honest cost estimate per month, per year, and across the dog's lifetime.
See breeders who have already uploaded their mandatory tests for verification.
View verified breeders