Breeding suitability guide — Shih Tzu
For breeders: which tests, which thresholds, which mating rules apply
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) | Mikrochip-Kennzeichnung auf der linken Halsseite | — | VDH |
| Wesensbeurteilung | Verhaltenstest | positive „Zuchttauglichkeitsbewertung“ | — | VDH |
2. Mating rules
When one parent has a borderline result, the other parent must meet specific criteria.
Heart disease
Polygenisch — beide Elterntiere sollten mindestens das Ergebnis "NORMAL" erreichen. Idealerweise besser. Phenotypen aus belasteten Linien sollten nicht für die Zucht herangezogen werden.
Legacy3. Recommended additional tests
Sensible additions for line planning.
| Test / condition | Scoring scheme | Approved from | Inheritance | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleft palate | Physisch | CARRIER | Complex | CIDD |
| Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) (BOAS) | Physisch | CARRIER | Complex | CIDD |
| Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) - "dry eye" (KCS) | Augen | CLEAR | Complex | CIDD |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) (PRA) | — | Free of PRA (DOK/ECVO) | Autosomal recessive | CIDD |
| Cataract (HC) | Augen | Free of hereditary cataract (DOK/ECVO) | Complex | CIDD |
| Dermoid sinus (DS) | Physisch | CLEAR | Complex | CIDD |
| Heart disease | Physisch | NORMAL | Complex | Legacy |
| Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) | — | A | Complex | CIDD |
| Hydrocephalus | Roentgen | A | Complex | CIDD |
| Familial Nephropathy (JEB) | Koerperfluessigkeiten | CLEAR | Autosomal recessive | CIDD |
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 check each upload for authenticity — the profile tile then shows 'verified'