Breeding suitability guide — Hovawart
For breeders: which tests, which thresholds, which mating rules apply
1. Mandatory tests for parents
These tests must be on file for every breeding animal.
| Test / condition | Scoring scheme | Approved from | Inheritance | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia (HD) | Roentgen | B or better | Polygenic | VDH |
| Wesensbeurteilung | Verhaltenstest | Passed | — | VDH |
2. Mating rules
When one parent has a borderline result, the other parent must meet specific criteria.
We currently have no structured mating rules for this breed. Please consult your club's regulation.
3. Recommended additional tests
Sensible additions for line planning.
| Test / condition | Scoring scheme | Approved from | Inheritance | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocular anomalies | Physisch | Free of hereditary eye diseases | Complex | Legacy |
| Heart disease | Physisch | No signs of hereditary heart disease | Complex | AI-Vet |
| Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) | DNA | Clear or Carrier | Autosomal recessive | AI-Vet |
| Primary hypothyroidism | — | Normal thyroid values | Complex | AI-Vet |
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 check each upload for authenticity — the profile tile then shows 'verified'