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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 1 additional clinically recommended screenings that reduce risk in this breed.
In addition to mandatory tests:
Spondylosis(SP)
Zähne und Knochen
Spondylosis is a degenerative disease of the skeletal system, specifically affecting the spine. It occurs when the body creates bony spurs or bridges between the vertebrae, which are the individual bones of the spine, in an attempt to stabilize local joint instability. Over time, these bony growths can cause the spine to become stiff and less flexible.
Roentgen · Passing: Grade 0
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 — Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Both parents must be CARRIER or better.
We compile mandatory tests from official breed regulations and veterinary databases — and check every uploaded certificate for authenticity.
L1 = mandatory under breed-club regulations. L2 = recommended or clinically indicated. L3 = lower prevalence. Every assignment carries a source and confidence rating.
VDH-Zuchtordnungen, CIDD (University of PEI), OMIA (University of Sydney), curated veterinary input.
Uploaded certificates are AI-extracted and reviewed by our team for authenticity, date, and result.
14 tests are currently mandatory under the relevant breed-club regulations. The most common are Cleft palate, Monorchidism, Dental abnormalities. Every test must be completed before mating, and the result must fall within the threshold defined by the regulation.
See breeders who have already uploaded their mandatory tests for verification.
View verified breedersHealth Testing Guide
Which tests are mandatory, how to spot responsible breeders — and what it costs when things go wrong.
For the Dutch Shepherd (Wire-Haired) we have compiled 14 mandatory and 1 recommended health tests, drawn from breed-club regulations, the University of PEI (CIDD), and OMIA — weighted by severity and heritability.
What this grade means
The Dutch Shepherd (Rough-haired) is fundamentally a robust working dog, yet it requires an above-average number of mandatory health tests in breeding. Important concerns such as hip dysplasia (HD) and degenerative myelopathy (DM) are monitored through testing, but they require a careful review of the parent animals. Additionally, the risk of epilepsy remains a topic of concern, which is why buyers must pay very close attention to the health of the breeding line.
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 Dutch Shepherd (Wire-Haired) we track 14 mandatory tests plus 1 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.