Our health testing levels for the Laika (Russian-European)
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 8 additional clinically recommended screenings that reduce risk in this breed.
In addition to mandatory tests:
Ocular anomalies
Augen
Ocular anomalies are a group of congenital malformations, meaning they are present from birth, that affect various structures of the dog's eye such as the retina, lens, or cornea. These developmental defects alter the normal structure of the visual system, potentially impacting how light is focused or how the eye functions. The condition is complex and can range from minor physical irregularities to severe structural changes.
Physisch · Passing: CLEAR
Ectropion / Entropion
Augen
These are structural eyelid abnormalities affecting a dog's eyes. In cases of entropion, the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes or fur to rub painfully against the surface of the eyeball. In ectropion, the eyelid sags or rolls outward, leaving the sensitive inner lining of the eye exposed and unprotected.
Passing: Unaffected
Pectinate ligament dysplasia(PLD)
Augen
Pectinate ligament dysplasia is an inherited eye condition where the tiny, comb-like tissue fibers in the drainage angle of the eye do not develop normally. This malformation restricts the natural outflow of fluid from the eye, causing fluid to build up. Over time, this buildup can lead to a dangerous increase in pressure within the eye, a condition known as glaucoma.
Augen · Passing: Unaffected
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.
Passing: CLEAR
Distichiasis
Augen und Sehvermögen
Distichiasis is an eye condition where extra eyelashes grow from the meibomian glands, which are the oil glands along the edge of the eyelid. These abnormal hairs point inward and rub directly against the cornea, the clear outer surface of the eye. This constant friction causes mechanical irritation and can damage the sensitive ocular surface.
Augen · Passing: Unaffected
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 · Passing: Unaffected
Lens luxation(PLL)
Augen und Sehvermögen
Lens luxation is an inherited eye disorder where the lens slips out of its normal position because the supporting fibers holding it in place weaken or break. When the lens shifts, it can block the natural drainage of fluid within the eye. This blockage causes a rapid, painful buildup of pressure called glaucoma, which can lead to permanent blindness if left untreated.
Augen · Passing: CLEAR
Persistent Hyperplastic Tunica Vasculosa Lentis (PHTVL) and Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous (PHPV)(PHTVL/PHPL)
Augen und Sehvermögen
This is a congenital eye disorder where the temporary blood vessel network that nourishes the lens before birth fails to shrink and disappear as it normally should. Instead, this embryonic tissue remains and grows abnormally behind and around the lens. This can cause cloudiness in the lens, known as cataracts, and other structural changes inside the eye.
Augen · Passing: Unaffected
These levels are a comparison framework, not an official certification. They help compare breeding programs at a glance.