Breeding suitability guide — Old English Sheepdog
For breeders: which tests, which thresholds, which mating rules apply
1. Core standard for parents
Tests marked “Club standard” are required by Deutscher Old English Sheepdog Club e.V. for breeding approval — they must be on file for every breeding animal. The others are part of the recommended health standard and should be on file as well.
| Test / condition | Scoring scheme | Passing result | Inheritance | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DNA-Identitätsnachweis | Blutprobe (DNA-Profil) | — | — | Curated by HonestDog |
| Wesensbeurteilung Club standard | Verhaltenstest | Erfolgreiche Körung / angekört | — | Deutscher Old English Sheepdog Club e.V. |
| Zahn- und Bissbewertung Club standard | Gebissbescheinigung | Keine erheblichen Zahnfehler oder Kieferanomalien | Unknown | Deutscher Old English Sheepdog Club e.V. |
| Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), NME5-related (PCD) | — | clear or carrier | Autosomal recessive | Curated by HonestDog |
| Eye conditions (ophthalmological eye exam) (ECVO) Club standard | Eye examination | clear | Complex | Deutscher Old English Sheepdog Club e.V. |
| Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC) | DNA test | clear or carrier | Autosomal recessive | Curated by HonestDog |
| Hip dysplasia (HD) Club standard | X-ray | HD A–B | Polygenic | Deutscher Old English Sheepdog Club e.V. |
| Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) | DNA test | clear or carrier | Autosomal recessive | Curated by HonestDog |
| Hypothyroidism | Body-fluid analysis | normal | Complex | Curated by HonestDog |
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 | Passing result | Inheritance | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleft palate | Physical examination | clear | Complex | — |
| Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) (IMHA) | Body-fluid analysis | clear | Complex | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
| Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (IMT) | Body-fluid analysis | — | Complex | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) (PRA) | — | clear or carrier | Autosomal recessive | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
| Cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy (CVCM) | X-ray | normal | Complex | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
| Tricuspid valve dysplasia (TVD) | Ultrasound | normal | Complex | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
| Atrial septal defect (ASD) | — | normal | Complex | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
| Epilepsy (IE) | Physical examination | no epilepsy | Complex | — |
| MDR1 gene mutation (drug sensitivity) (MDR1) | — | clear or carrier (carriers only with a clear partner) | Autosomal recessive | Curated by HonestDog |
| Deafness | Hearing test | hearing in both ears | Complex | — |
| Cerebellar abiotrophy (CA) | 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'