Dogs

What type of tests are available? Do each breed of dogs require different tests? At what age should the tests be done?

The tests vary considerably by breed, yes.

Ages at which the tests are reliable vary based upon the test.

You need to contact the National Breed Club for the breeds that interest you to learn about the tests that are recommended for your breed, what agencies can certify those tests, and the ages at which they can be reliably performed.

The tests range from orthopedic soundness to hearing, eyesight, blood abnormalities, thyroid function, etc. Varies greatly by breed.

The importance is that good breeders are trying to avoid health issues of all kinds in the dogs they produce, and testing helps there. Dogs who do not pass the tests (or who consistently throw pups who do not pass) are eliminated from breeding programs, increasing the likelihood that pups produced will be healthy.

In my family’s breed (Engish Setters), you’d want to see all of the following:

-BAER testing before pups go home and certainly on the parents. This is a hearing test. It is certified by OFA.

-OFA certification for hips. This must be performed at 2 yrs old or later to be reliable.

-OFA certification for elbows. Again, done at 2 yrs. (Elbow dysplasia is not common in this breed, but more and more breeders are testing anyway.)

-OFA certification for thyroid function. I’d have to look up the proper testing age for this one, sorry.

Different breeds have different potential health problems.

While exploring health testing, you’ll probably hear a lot about CERF a vision test, also, as it’s another very common test in many breeds. But again, recommended testing depends on breed.

You can find a lot of information on health testing here: http://offa.org/

ETA: I should mention that I am answering from a USA perspective. In other countries, you will find different certification agencies! Again, check with your National Breed Club for specific information for your preferred breed and your country of residence.