Kennel Club Launches New Health Standard

The Kennel Club’s Health Standard consolidates all relevant health tests in one place, providing clear guidance on which tests to undertake before breeding and how to do so.

The ‘Good Practice’ category highlights the most critical tests as a starting point, while all breeders are encouraged to aim for the ‘Best Practice’ level by completing all recommended tests.

Although designed primarily for breeders, the Health Standard is also a valuable resource for puppy buyers, to help verify whether a puppy’s parents have undergone the appropriate health tests.

The Kennel Club Health Standard

Whether you’re looking for a puppy or breeding a litter, understand the health issues and how they can be managed or avoided.

Good Practice (Minimum)
Evidence indicates these conditions are a significant concern:

• Prioritising genetic diversity
• Hip scoring (for hip dysplasia) using the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme
• Elbow grading (for elbow dysplasia) using the BVA/KC Elbow Dysplasia Scheme

Best Practice (In addition to all of the above)
These conditions are still significant, they might be less common or newly identified:

• Eye testing using the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme (including litter screening)
• Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) DNA Test
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA5) DNA Test
• Progressive retinal atrophy (prcd-PRA) DNA Test

All breeders are encouraged to aim for the ‘Best Practice’ level by completing all recommended tests

Priorities can change
As new evidence emerges, the Health Standard will be reviewed and updated. Breeders should check it regularly before each litter to stay informed about potential changes.