Health Testing
Health Testing at Ember Hills Poodles
At Ember Hills Poodles, the health and well-being of every puppy begins long before they are born. We believe responsible breeding starts with comprehensive health testing, careful selection of breeding dogs, and a commitment to producing healthy, sound companions for generations to come.
Our breeding program follows the health testing recommendations established for Toy and Miniature Poodles through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC), and the Poodle Club of America. These organizations help breeders identify inherited conditions and make informed breeding decisions that support the long-term health of the breed.
Why Health Testing Matters
Health testing helps identify hereditary conditions that may not be visible through a physical examination alone. By testing our breeding dogs before they are bred, we can significantly reduce the risk of passing inherited diseases to future generations.
While no breeder can guarantee that a dog will never develop a health issue, comprehensive health testing greatly improves the likelihood of producing healthy puppies and provides valuable information for making responsible breeding decisions.
Health Testing We Perform
DNA Health Screening
In addition to OFA testing, our dogs undergo comprehensive genetic screening through Embark and other recognized laboratories. These tests provide valuable information regarding inherited diseases, genetic diversity, and overall breeding suitability.
OFA Patella Evaluation
Toy and Miniature Poodles are predisposed to luxating patellas (kneecap instability). Our breeding dogs receive OFA patella evaluations to ensure healthy knee structure and function before entering our breeding program.
OFA CAER Eye Examination
Our breeding dogs receive annual eye examinations performed by board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists. These exams screen for inherited eye diseases and help ensure ongoing ocular health.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA-prcd) DNA Testing
PRA is an inherited eye disease that can eventually lead to vision loss. Through DNA testing, we can identify whether a dog is clear, a carrier, or affected, allowing us to make responsible breeding decisions and avoid producing affected puppies.
Hip Evaluation (Miniature Poodles)
When applicable, our Miniature Poodles undergo hip evaluations through OFA or PennHIP to assess hip joint health and reduce the risk of hereditary hip dysplasia.
Transparency Matters
We believe health testing should be transparent. Health testing results for our breeding dogs are available upon request, and many OFA certifications can be verified through the public OFA database. Our goal is to help families feel confident in the health and quality of the puppies we produce.
Our Commitment
At Ember Hills Poodles, health testing is not a marketing tool—it's a responsibility. Every breeding decision is made with the goal of preserving the intelligence, temperament, beauty, and health that make Poodles such exceptional companions.
When you bring home an Ember Hills puppy, you can have confidence knowing that extensive care, planning, and health screening went into every litter we produce.
Because healthy puppies begin with healthy parents.