Our health testing levels for the Rat Terrier
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 5 additional clinically recommended screenings that reduce risk in this breed.
In addition to mandatory tests:
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
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease(LCPD)
Bewegungsapparat
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is a serious orthopedic condition affecting the hip joint, primarily in small breed dogs. It occurs when the blood supply to the head of the thigh bone, known as the femur, is spontaneously disrupted. Without blood, this bone tissue dies and collapses, leading to severe joint inflammation and pain.
Roentgen · Passing: A
Deafness
Nervensystem
Deafness is a partial or complete loss of hearing that affects the nervous system and auditory pathways. It is often hereditary and frequently linked to specific coat pigmentation genes, such as the merle or piebald genes, which can affect the development of the inner ear. This genetic form of deafness results from a lack of pigment cells in the inner ear, leading to the degeneration of vital sensory cells.
Hoeren · Passing: Normal
Degenerative Myelopathy(DM)
Nervensystem
Degenerative Myelopathy is a progressive disease of the spinal cord where the protective sheath around the nerves slowly breaks down. This deterioration disrupts the vital communication signals between the brain and the muscles of the hind limbs. Over time, this lack of signal transmission leads to a complete loss of muscle control in the back legs.
DNA · Passing: CARRIER
Familial goitre(CHG)
Stoffwechsel
Familial goitre is an inherited disorder of the endocrine system where the thyroid gland is unable to produce essential thyroid hormones. This genetic defect causes the thyroid gland in the neck to enlarge significantly as it tries to compensate for the hormone deficiency. Without immediate treatment, this lack of hormones severely disrupts normal growth and body functions.
Passing: CARRIER
These levels are a comparison framework, not an official certification. They help compare breeding programs at a glance.