11/10/2026
🐾 Genetic Testing of Parent Dogs: Why It Matters for the Health of Future Puppies
When choosing a purebred puppy, we look at pedigree, titles, appearance and the breeder’s reputation. But there is something even more important: the health of both parents and their screening results.
🧬 Why test both the mother and the father?
A puppy inherits genetic material from both parents. Many inherited diseases are autosomal recessive, so a dog can look completely healthy while carrying a disease-causing variant.
If both parents carry the same recessive variant, each puppy has:
🔴 A 25% chance of inheriting two copies of the variant;
🟡 A 50% chance of being a healthy carrier;
🟢 A 25% chance of inheriting no copies.
That is why both parents’ genetic status matters, even when they look perfectly healthy. Being a carrier does not automatically exclude a dog from breeding: for many autosomal recessive diseases, a Carrier + Clear pairing prevents puppies from inheriting two copies. The key is understanding the results.
🐕 What does “Clear by Parentage” mean?
If both parents were DNA-tested for a specific inherited disease and both are Clear, their puppies are also clear of that variant, because neither parent can pass it on. This is Clear by Parentage.
Can this status continue through generations? Genetically, yes, if parentage is correct and the ancestors’ results are accurate. However, official recognition rules vary by kennel club, laboratory and testing programme. Some limit the generations recognised without new DNA testing; others require parentage verification. So always check the organisation’s requirements before assuming puppies will be officially Clear by Parentage.
🧬 Example: Hereditary Ataxia
Certain forms of hereditary ataxia are linked to specific genetic variants. A dog may carry one without any symptoms, but if two carriers of the same variant are bred together, some puppies may inherit two copies. Ataxia is not a single disease: different forms have different causes and inheritance patterns, so tests must be chosen according to the breed and the disease.
🦴 What about hip dysplasia?
This is different. Hip dysplasia is a complex condition influenced by multiple genes, as well as growth, nutrition, activity and other environmental factors. Even excellent hip results in both parents do not guarantee that puppies will never develop it. Still, screening helps breeders assess risk. DNA testing and clinical screening do not replace one another: they provide different information.
❤️ What should you ask a breeder?
✅ Have both parents had the health screenings recommended for their breed?
✅ Which DNA tests were performed, and for which diseases?
✅ Are the results Clear, Carrier or Clear by Parentage?
✅ If a status is based on ancestry, are supporting documents available, and is it recognised by the relevant organisation?
✅ Were other recommended examinations completed, such as hip, eye or heart screening?
Responsible breeding does not mean promising that a puppy will never become ill. It means understanding inherited risks, selecting pairs carefully, being transparent about testing and working to reduce disease in future generations.
At NeedBreed, we believe trust does not begin with the words “our dogs are healthy.” It begins with information that can be verified.
🐾 Did you know that a dog can be perfectly healthy while still carrying a genetic variant associated with an inherited disease?
