Breeding suitability guide — Canadian Shepherd

For breeders: which tests, which thresholds, which mating rules apply

HonestDog · Canadian ShepherdVersion: 2026-06-24

1. Mandatory tests for parents

These tests must be on file for every breeding animal.

Test / condition	Scoring scheme	Approved from	Inheritance	Source
DNA-Identitätsnachweis	Blutprobe (DNA-Profil)	DNA-Probe auf der zentralen DNA-Bank des RWS hinterlegt	—	VDH
Zahn- und Bissbewertung	Gebissbescheinigung	Kein Fehlen von Zähnen (Ausnahme: P1 und M3)	Unknown	VDH
Elbow Dysplasia (ED)	Roentgen	Borderline or better	Polygenic	VDH
Hip dysplasia (HD)	Roentgen	B or better	Polygenic	VDH
Pituitary dwarfism (PD)	Koerperfluessigkeiten	Clear or Carrier	Autosomal recessive	VDH
Deafness	Hoeren	Nachweis ohne Befund	Complex	VDH
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)	DNA	Clear or Carrier	Autosomal recessive	VDH
MDR1 gene mutation (drug sensitivity) (MDR1)	—	Clear or Carrier	Autosomal recessive	VDH
Cerebellar hypoplasia (CH)	Roentgen	N/N oder N/n (Träger dürfen nur mit freien Partnern verpaart werden)	Autosomal recessive	VDH
Wesensbeurteilung	Verhaltenstest	Bestandener Wesenstest mit mindestens der Bewertung "Gut"	—	VDH

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.

Sensible additions for line planning.

Test / condition	Scoring scheme	Approved from	Inheritance	Source
Malignant Hyperthermia (MH)	DNA	CLEAR	Autosomal dominant	AI-Vet
Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VII (MPS VII)	—	CARRIER	Autosomal recessive	AI-Vet

Source: https://www.honestdog.de/en/breed/pastor-canadense/health-testing-guide · Version: 2026-06-24