Importance of Health Testing

     Health testing is an important part of ethical dog breeding. When dogs are health tested, breeders are decreasing the likelihood of the produced offspring to develop preventable diseases. Reputable breeders understand and value the importance of health testing guidelines by AKC breed parent clubs. Early detection of hereditary conditions in breeding pairs is important, as it can allow breeders to prevent producing affected offspring or allow for early medical intervention if needed. Health testing is not always dependable, however it does provide breeders with data to make the best, most ethically compatible breeding pair to avoid health conditions later on in life. American Bullies and French Bulldogs are known to have various breed-specific health related conditions that it is important to test for and breed out. Diseases can destroy puppies and young adults, and significantly shorten their lives; when dogs are bred to avoid these breed-related diseases they are less likely to develop them and live longer, healthier lives. 
     Common health tests include hips, elbows, eyes, heart, thyroid, hearing, DNA and temperament. Routine health care includes vaccinations, wellness exam and brucellosis testing but it is not completed health testing. Temperament tests serve as a guide for the type of lifestyle, family and environment a puppy is most likely to flourish in. Health testing is most commonly certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHIPP), and done at specialty vets or health clinics at dog shows. 
     Dogs have to be 12 months old or older in order to receive certification for most OFA/PennHip health testing, so it is crucial breeding stock is health tested prior to breeding. Puppies are not health tested, but do have an updated examination by a licensed vet, fecal and first set of vaccinations. 

Kilo's OFA Hip X-Ray

more information on the importance of health testing can be found here