Our health testing levels for the Scottish 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 9 additional clinically recommended screenings that reduce risk in this breed.
In addition to mandatory tests:
Lens luxation(PLL)
Augen und Sehvermögen
Lens luxation is an inherited eye disorder where the lens slips out of its normal position because the supporting fibers holding it in place weaken or break. When the lens shifts, it can block the natural drainage of fluid within the eye. This blockage causes a rapid, painful buildup of pressure called glaucoma, which can lead to permanent blindness if left untreated.
Augen · Passing: CLEAR
Persistent pupillary membranes (PPM)(PPM)
Augen und Sehvermögen
Persistent pupillary membranes (PPM) occur when tiny blood vessels that nourish the eye's lens before birth fail to break down and disappear as they normally should. This leaves behind delicate strands of tissue that stretch across the iris, which is the colored part of the eye, and the pupil. In some cases, these strands can attach to the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, or the lens.
Augen · Passing: CLEAR
Craniomandibular osteopathy ("lion jaw")(CMO)
Bewegungsapparat
Craniomandibular osteopathy, often called "lion jaw," is a temporary bone disease affecting the skull and jaw of growing dogs. It causes abnormal, non-cancerous bone growth on the lower jawbone and surrounding joints. This swelling is painful and can restrict normal movement of the jaw during the puppy's development.
Roentgen · Passing: Clear or Carrier
Scotty cramp
Bewegungsapparat
Scotty cramp is an inherited neurological disorder affecting how the central nervous system processes serotonin, a chemical messenger that helps regulate muscle movement. This metabolic issue causes temporary, painless muscle spasms, primarily in Scottish Terriers. Because the specific genetic mutation causing this autosomal-recessive condition is currently unidentified, there is no commercially available genetic test for it.
DNA · Passing: CARRIER
Atopy(CAD)
Haut und Fell
Atopy is a chronic allergic skin disease where a dog's immune system overreacts to common environmental substances like pollen, mold spores, and dust mites. This inappropriate immune response damages the natural protective barrier of the skin, leading to persistent inflammation and irritation. It primarily affects the skin, which is the body's largest organ system.
Haut
Histiocytoma
Haut und Fell
A histiocytoma is a non-cancerous (benign) skin growth that originates from Langerhans cells, which are part of the dog's immune system. These cells normally help protect the skin, but they can sometimes overgrow to form a small, harmless lump. In the vast majority of cases, these tumors are completely benign and will shrink and disappear on their own.
Haut
Pulmonary stenosis(PS)
Herz
Pulmonary stenosis is a congenital heart defect characterized by a narrowing of the pulmonary valve or the outflow tract leading from the heart to the lungs. This narrowing restricts blood flow, forcing the right side of the heart to work much harder to pump blood. Over time, this constant strain can lead to thickening of the heart muscle and potential heart failure.
Passing: NORMAL
Hemophilia
Herz und Kreislauf
Hemophilia is an inherited blood clotting disorder affecting the circulatory system, where the body lacks specific proteins needed for coagulation, which is the process of blood clotting. Because the blood cannot clot properly, even minor injuries can lead to prolonged internal or external bleeding. This condition is inherited through an X-linked genetic trait, meaning it primarily affects male dogs.
Koerperfluessigkeiten · Passing: CLEAR
Congenital deafness(CHSD)
Nervensystem
Congenital deafness is a hereditary hearing loss present from birth that affects the inner ear's sensory cells, preventing sound signals from reaching the brain. It is often linked to specific genetic variants, such as those associated with certain coat patterns like merle or piebald, or breed-specific conditions like Early Onset Adult Deafness (EOAD). This genetic defect causes the vital blood supply to the inner ear to fail, leading to the permanent degeneration of the hearing nerve cells.
Physisch · Passing: BILATERAL_HEARING
These levels are a comparison framework, not an official certification. They help compare breeding programs at a glance.