Dog care tool

Matchmaker for Breeders

Check genetic health compatibility between two dogs before breeding. Assess health test results and reduce the risk of heritable conditions in puppies.

Add the item, symptom, or label term you want to review in Matchmaker for Breeders, along with any timing or context you know. The result helps you organize the next question more clearly.

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Matchmaker for Breeders

Describe the household factor you want to compare, including resident pets, time, space, activity, and routine. The result is a starting point for adoption research.

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Breeding goal or trait

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Temperament, health, or pedigree notes

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Dog • Checker / DNA Tool

Responsible breeding requires more than selecting two dogs that look attractive together. Informed pairing decisions integrate health testing results, genetic diversity, temperament profiles, structural soundness, and pedigree analysis to produce litters with the best possible foundation for health and longevity. The Matchmaker for Breeders tool helps breeders evaluate potential pairings by assessing health clearance compatibility, estimated inbreeding coefficient, and complementary structural and temperament profiles.

The Foundation of a Responsible Breeding Program

Use the table below to compare The Foundation of a Responsible Breeding Program.

Pillar	Requirements	Standards Body
Hip and joint health	OFA hip and elbow evaluation; BVA hip scoring for UK-registered breeds	OFA (US); BVA (UK); FCI (International)
Cardiac health	Cardiologist-performed auscultation annually for breeds at risk; echocardiogram for specific breeds (CKCS, Boxer, Doberman)	OFA cardiac registry; breed-specific protocols
Eye health	CAER (Canine Eye Registry Foundation) examination annually	OFA/CAER; ECVO for Europe
DNA genetic testing	Breed-specific panel testing for known mutations	Embark, Wisdom Panel, UC Davis, PennGen, Animal Genetics
Temperament	Breed-appropriate behavioral assessment; no known aggression history	AKC Canine Good Citizen; C-BARQ or equivalent; breed club requirements
Structure/conformation	Breed standard compliance; functional soundness evaluation	Breed-specific judge evaluation; working title in sporting breeds

Health Testing Requirements by Popular Breed

Use the table below to compare Health Testing Requirements by Popular Breed.

Breed	Minimum Health Tests Required	Additional Recommended
Labrador Retriever	OFA hips, OFA elbows, CAER eyes, PRA DNA test	EIC DNA test, HNPK DNA, DM DNA
Golden Retriever	OFA hips, OFA elbows, CAER eyes, cardiac (cardiologist)	PRA DNA, Ichthyosis DNA, NCL DNA
German Shepherd	OFA hips, OFA elbows, cardiac	DM DNA test; temperament evaluation essential
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel	MVD cardiac (cardiologist) - MANDATORY, MRI for CM/SM	Breed-specific MVD breeding protocol strictly followed
Bulldog	Respiratory function test (BOAS assessment), eye examination	Hip evaluation; spine assessment
Dachshund	OFA patella; CAER eyes	Spine health assessment; disc disease risk
Border Collie	OFA hips, CEA/CH DNA test, TNS DNA test, MDR1 test	CL DNA, PRA DNA
Bernese Mountain Dog	OFA hips, OFA elbows, cardiac	DM DNA; cancer family history assessment

Evaluating a Potential Pairing

Use the table below to compare Evaluating a Potential Pairing.

Evaluation Criteria	Ideal	Acceptable	Avoid
Inbreeding coefficient (F)	Below 3%	3-6%	Above 12.5%
Health test results	Both parents clear for all tested conditions	One parent carrier if other is clear (for recessive conditions)	Both parents affected or affected x carrier
Structural complement	Both parents structurally sound; different structural strengths to compensate weaknesses	Minor structural compromise if strong elsewhere	Both parents sharing same structural fault
Temperament compatibility	Both parents with excellent, breed-appropriate temperament	One parent with minor temperament reservation if other is exceptional	Any pairing involving known aggression history in either parent

Understanding DNA Test Results for Breeding

Use the table below to compare Understanding DNA Test Results for Breeding.

Result	Meaning	Breeding Decision
Clear / Normal	Dog has two normal copies of the tested gene	Can be bred to any dog for that condition
Carrier / Het	Dog has one normal copy and one mutant copy	Can be bred to a 'Clear' dog safely; never breed two carriers together
Affected	Dog has two mutant copies	Should not be bred for conditions causing suffering; some benign carrier conditions differ

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I breed two dogs that are both carriers of a recessive disease?

No. Breeding two carriers of a simple autosomal recessive condition produces a statistically predicted 25% affected offspring per litter. Affected animals with serious diseases experience unnecessary suffering. Always breed at least one parent that is DNA-tested clear for any serious recessive condition.

Is it unethical to breed a dog that is a carrier of a genetic disease?

A carrier of a recessive disease that is paired with a DNA-clear partner produces no affected offspring and is therefore ethically acceptable. Removing all carriers from a small breed gene pool would exacerbate inbreeding depression. The key is transparent disclosure of carrier status and responsible pairing.

Note: Breeding compatibility depends on health testing, pedigree, temperament, breed standards, and responsible planning.