What Health Testing Tells Us
Health testing gives breeders more information about the dogs behind a pairing and can help identify inherited risks that may be important when planning future litters. No test can guarantee that a puppy will never develop a health problem, but thoughtful screening can help breeders make more informed decisions and avoid certain known genetic combinations.
DNA Testing and Genetic Screening
DNA testing can provide information about inherited health conditions, coat traits, color genetics, furnishings, shedding, and other traits that may influence a pairing. We use genetic information as one part of the bigger picture when evaluating our dogs and planning future litters.
Genetics are a tool, not a shortcut. We also consider temperament, structure, health history, pedigree, and the qualities we want to preserve in future generations.
Hank is one example of how we use detailed genetic results to understand ancestry, coat traits, color genetics, ALX4 status, and other inherited traits.
Beyond DNA Testing
DNA testing is only one part of responsible health screening. Depending on the breed, age, and individual dog, additional evaluations may include hips, elbows, eyes, heart, and other screenings that help breeders better understand overall health and structure.
Why Testing Can Differ Between Dogs
Not every breeding dog will have the exact same testing history. Testing may vary based on breed, generation, age, pedigree, and the information already available about parents and previous generations. What matters is understanding the available results and using them thoughtfully when evaluating a potential pairing.
We are happy to share and explain the health and genetic testing available for our breeding dogs so families can understand the information behind our pairing decisions.
Learn how genetics can influence the appearance of Tricolor Bernedoodles, including traditional and merle tricolor patterns.
OAP Breeding Dog Health Testing at a Glance
Our breeding decisions are guided by health testing, genetics, temperament, structure, and the individual strengths of each dog. We believe families deserve transparency, so we make verified health and genetic information available whenever possible.
How We Use Test Results When Planning a Pairing
Health and genetic results help us look at how two dogs may complement one another. We consider known inherited risks, coat and color genetics, expected size, temperament, structure, and pedigree before deciding whether a pairing fits the goals of our program.
What Families Can Ask to See
We encourage families to ask about the testing completed on the parent dogs of a litter. Depending on the dog, this may include DNA results, orthopedic evaluations, eye or cardiac testing, and other available health information. We are happy to explain what testing has been completed and what those results mean.
What Health Testing Cannot Guarantee
Health testing can help reduce known risks and guide more informed breeding decisions, but it cannot guarantee that every puppy will remain free from all health conditions throughout life. Genetics are complex, and environment, development, and other factors can also influence a dog’s long term health.
Coat, Color, and Trait Genetics
Genetic testing can also help us understand traits such as furnishings, shedding, coat type, color, merle, and certain eye color genetics. These results can help us plan more predictable pairings while keeping health and temperament at the center of our breeding decisions.
Thoughtful Breeding Starts With Information
Our goal is to use the information available to us responsibly, ask good questions, and continue learning as canine health and genetic research evolves. Every pairing at O’Hearon’s Amazing Puppies is considered individually with the long term health and quality of our program in mind.
Health Testing & Genetics FAQ
Does health testing guarantee a healthy puppy?
No health test can guarantee that a dog will never develop a health condition. Testing helps identify certain known risks and gives breeders better information when making pairing decisions.
What is the difference between DNA testing and OFA testing?
DNA testing looks for specific inherited genetic variants and traits. OFA evaluations are used for physical health screenings such as hips, elbows, eyes, heart, and other areas depending on the breed and individual dog. They provide different types of information and can complement one another.
Can families see the parents’ health testing?
Yes. We are happy to share the health and genetic testing available for the parents of a litter and explain what those results mean when you are considering an OAP puppy.