Health Testing Overview
 

We complete a full panel of recommended health testing on every breeding dog before they are ever paired. Below is a summary of the testing we perform. 
 

• Hips: OFA or PennHip 
  Preliminary: 1 year of age
  Final evaluation: 2 years of age
   

• Elbows: OFA
  Preliminary: 1 year of age
  Final evaluation: 2 years of age
   

• Eyes: CAER by ACVO Ophthalmologist 
  First at 8 weeks
  Annually thereafter, including regular checks after retirement from breeding. 
   

• DNA Screening: PRA, PFK, Fucosidosis, DM, etc.
  PRA at 4 weeks of age
  PFK, Fuco, DM, etc. at 4 months
   

You can view each dog’s individual test results and certificates on their profile page, along with direct OFA links where applicable.

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Why Health Testing Matters

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Recent research continues to affirm that genetic and orthopedic testing play a vital role in reducing inherited disease and improving overall breed welfare. Breeding without testing not only risks heartbreak for families but also compromises the future of the breed.

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At Ivy Hill, we adhere to the testing standards recommended by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), ESSFTA, and leading canine health researchers. Our decisions are data-driven and guided by both science and ethics.

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 Transparency You Can Trust

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We’re proud to make our health results easy to find and easy to understand.
You’ll see health testing listed on each dog’s individual page, along with links to their OFA and DNA certificates whenever available. We welcome questions about any aspect of our program and are happy to share complete documentation upon request.

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 Going Beyond the Basics

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Health is about more than just test results — it’s also about how each puppy is raised.
In addition to formal screening, our puppies benefit from a thoughtful rearing program that includes structured socialization, early handling, and environmental enrichment during their critical early weeks.

Learn more about our approach on our Puppy Raising Philosophy page.

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 References​

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• Tiira K., et al. (2023). Early-life socialization and later behavioral outcomes in dogs. Phys.org summary, University of Helsinki.

• Canine Welfare Science Group, Purdue University (2024). Puppy Development and Socialization Guidelines.

• OFA: Orthopedic Foundation for Animals – ESS Health Testing Guidelines
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Our Promise

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We test, we verify, and we publish. Because our families deserve the peace of mind that comes from knowing their puppy’s health is their breeder's top consideration.