Our health testing levels for the Gordon Setter
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 7 additional clinically recommended screenings that reduce risk in this breed.
In addition to mandatory tests:
Gastric dilatation-volvulus(GDV)
Andere
Gastric dilatation-volvulus, commonly known as bloat, is a severe condition affecting the stomach and digestive system. It occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, trapping the gas and blocking blood flow to vital organs. This twisting can rapidly lead to tissue damage and cardiovascular shock if not treated immediately.
Roentgen · Passing: B
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: CLEAR
Progressive Retinal Atrophy, rod-cone dysplasia 4(PRA-rcd4)
Augen
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (rcd4) is an inherited eye disease that causes the gradual degeneration of the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. Over time, the specialized photoreceptor cells responsible for detecting light and color slowly die off. This progressive loss of cells eventually leads to complete blindness in both eyes.
DNA · Passing: Clear or Carrier
Retinal Dysplasia(RD)
Augen
Retinal dysplasia is a congenital condition affecting the eyes, where the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye) does not develop properly during growth in the womb. This abnormal development leads to structural defects like folds or gaps in the retinal layers. Because the retina is responsible for sending visual signals to the brain, these imperfections can impair normal vision.
Augen · Passing: CLEAR
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: CLEAR
Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA)(CDA)
Haut und Fell
Color Dilution Alopecia is a genetic skin disorder that affects dogs with diluted coat colors, such as blue, fawn, or lilac. It is caused by an abnormal distribution of pigment within the hair shafts, which makes the hair brittle and prone to breaking. This structural weakness leads to progressive hair loss and leaves the skin more vulnerable to irritation.
Haut · Passing: CARRIER
Cerebellar abiotrophy(CA)
Nervensystem
Cerebellar abiotrophy is an inherited neurological disorder affecting the brain, specifically the cerebellum, which regulates balance and movement coordination. In affected dogs, the nerve cells in this region prematurely degenerate and die off. This progressive cell loss disrupts the brain's ability to control smooth physical movements.
DNA · Passing: CARRIER
These levels are a comparison framework, not an official certification. They help compare breeding programs at a glance.