Healthy puppies start with healthy parents. Ethical German Shepherd breeders don’t “hope for the best”—they verify. Before a breeding ever happens, they screen for known breed risks and share the proof with you.
Core Conditions Reputable Breeders Screen For
- Hip Dysplasia (HD): Evaluated via radiographs with OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) or German SV (Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde) certifications.
- Elbow Dysplasia (ED): Also radiograph-based with OFA/SV grading.
- Degenerative Myelopathy (DM): Typically a DNA test (SOD1) that helps classify dogs as clear, carrier, or at-risk.
Tip: Some programs also assess spine (LTV/LSA), cardiac, thyroid, or eyes (CAER) depending on their breeding goals—nice-to-have signals of diligence.
Why OFA/SV Matters
An OFA or SV certificate isn’t a marketing badge—it’s documentation that qualified readers reviewed the dog’s radiographs to judge joint health. Ask for:
- The OFA/SV certificate numbers (or links to public records where available).
- Both parents’ hip and elbow grades.
- The DM DNA report for each parent (and how results are combined to avoid at-risk pairings).
What You Should See in the Paperwork
- Health certificates: OFA/SV hips & elbows, DM DNA results; any extra tests the breeder performs.
- Veterinary records: Vaccination dates, deworming schedule, parasite preventives, recent physical exam notes.
- Breeding rationale: How the breeder balanced structure, health, and temperament—not just titles or looks.
Questions to Ask a Breeder (Copy/Paste Checklist)
- Can I see OFA/SV hip and elbow certifications for both sire and dam?
- Do you DNA-test for DM? What are the parents’ results and planned pairings?
- Will you share vet records for the puppy and parents (vaccines, deworming, exams)?
- What additional screenings (if any) do you perform (spine, cardiac, thyroid, eyes)?
- Do you offer a written health guarantee/contract and what does it cover?
- How do you temperament-test or socialize puppies before placement?
How Health Testing Protects Your Puppy
- Reduces risk of inheritable orthopedic and neurologic issues.
- Improves predictability for mobility and quality of life.
- Signals transparency: Breeders who test also tend to track outcomes and stand behind their dogs.
Red Flags to Avoid
- “Parents never had issues, so we didn’t test.”
- “We’ll do X-ray after breeding.” (Testing should be before.)
- Vague claims like “hips good” without traceable certificate numbers.
- No willingness to share full records.
Bottom Line
Health testing is the backbone of responsible German Shepherd breeding. Look for OFA or SV hip and elbow certifications, DM DNA results, and complete veterinary documentation. When a breeder prioritizes testing—and shows you the evidence—you’re taking a proactive step toward a sound, happy companion.
