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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 4 additional clinically recommended screenings that reduce risk in this breed.
In addition to mandatory tests:
Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG), ADAMTS17-related(POAG)
Augen
Primary open angle glaucoma is an inherited eye disorder where fluid inside the eye cannot drain properly, causing pressure to build up. This increased pressure damages the optic nerve and retina, which are the structures responsible for sending visual information to the brain. Over time, this pressure buildup leads to progressive and irreversible vision loss.
Passing: CLEAR
Hip dysplasia(HD)
Bewegungsapparat
Hip dysplasia is an inherited skeletal disorder where the ball and socket of the hip joint do not fit together properly. Instead of sliding smoothly, the bones rub and grind against each other, wearing down the protective cartilage. Over time, this chronic friction causes joint instability, painful inflammation, and progressive arthritis, which is the gradual wear and tear of the joint.
Roentgen · Passing: B or better
Patellar Luxation(PL)
Bewegungsapparat
Patellar luxation, also known as a luxating patella, is a physical condition affecting the knee joint where the kneecap slips out of its normal groove. This misalignment interferes with the mechanical movement of the hind leg and can cause the joint to lock. Over time, this abnormal friction can lead to painful joint wear and tear, known as osteoarthritis.
Physisch · Passing: 1
Factor VII Deficiency(F7)
Herz und Kreislauf
Factor VII deficiency is an inherited blood clotting disorder affecting the circulatory system. It occurs when the body does not produce enough Factor VII, which is a specific protein essential for forming blood clots. Without enough of this protein, the normal process that stops bleeding is delayed, leading to prolonged bleeding after injuries or medical procedures.
Koerperfluessigkeiten · Passing: CARRIER
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 — Chondrodystrophy
Both parents must be CLEAR 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.
1 tests are currently mandatory under the relevant breed-club regulations. The most common are Chondrodystrophy (CDDY). 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 Swiss Low Running Dog (Jura Low Running Dog) we have compiled 1 mandatory and 4 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 Schweizer Niederlaufhund is considered a very robust hunting breed with a low incidence of known hereditary diseases. Nevertheless, prospective buyers should be aware of breed-specific vulnerabilities such as hip dysplasia (HD) and patellar luxation, which can occur in active scent hounds. Additionally, due to their anatomy, their long, hanging ears are prone to painful ear infections (otitis), which require regular monitoring.
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 Swiss Low Running Dog (Jura Low Running Dog) we track 1 mandatory tests plus 4 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.