The Kennel Club (KC) and the British Veterinary Association (BVA) currently operate health schemes for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and inherited eye diseases.
The schemes have been developed over more than 30 years, and aim to provide scientifically based expert opinion on these inherited conditions. The KC/BVA screening programmes help conscientious breeders to identify those dogs that are clinically free of such diseases so that the best possible choices for breeding programmes may be made.
DNA Testing
In addition to the Health Schemes listed above, breeders are now able to take advantage of a range of DNA services, these can be used to identify those genes responsible for a number of conditions, including PRCD-PRA and Glycogen Storage Disease (GSD II). Additionally, DNA tests can be used to identify other traits (eg colour) and levels of inbreeding.