Navigating Dog Breeder Health Testing Pages: Evaluate With Confidence and Ask Questions That Get Clear Answers

When you start looking for a puppy, one of the most important steps is understanding the health testing information breeders share. But breeder websites can be confusing. You might see vague phrases like “Parents are healthy,” or partial mentions such as “DNA tested,” without clear details. This can leave you wondering what’s missing and how to be sure the breeder is responsible. You want to protect your future dog’s health, but you also want to communicate respectfully with breeders.

This guide will help you learn how to read breeder health testing on their website, understand what you’re seeing, and feel confident moving forward.. You’ll learn practical steps to compare what you see with official health recommendations, verify results, and ask clear, polite questions that get you the answers you need. By the end, you’ll feel confident advocating for yourself and your puppy’s health while building a positive relationship with breeders.

Understanding What You See on Breeder Health Testing Pages

Breeders often list health testing information in different ways. Here are some common examples and what they might mean:

• Vague statements like “Parents are healthy” or “Health tested”

These phrases don’t specify which tests were done or the results. They can mean the breeder did some testing but didn’t share details. It’s a signal to ask for more information.

• Partial testing mentions such as “DNA tested”

DNA testing can cover many conditions, but not all breed-specific health issues. This might mean the breeder tested for a few genetic diseases but skipped others important for the breed.

• Incomplete lists of tests

Sometimes breeders list some tests but leave out others recommended by the breed’s Parent Club or health organizations. Missing tests could be a red flag or simply an oversight.

• No documentation or links to results

Responsible breeders usually provide proof of health testing, like certificates or links to databases such as the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals). If you don’t see this, it’s okay to ask.

Knowing these common patterns helps you spot what’s missing or unclear. It’s not about accusing breeders but about understanding what you need to know.

How to Compare Breeder Information With Official Recommendations

Every breed has a Parent Club or official organization that recommends specific health tests. These recommendations are based on the breed’s common health risks. Here’s how to use that information:

1. Find the Parent Club’s health testing recommendations

   Visit the official website of your breed’s Parent Club or national kennel club. They usually list required or suggested tests for responsible breeders.

   
   

2. Make a checklist of these tests

   Write down the key tests recommended for your breed. For example, hip and elbow evaluations, eye exams, cardiac screenings, or specific DNA tests.

   
   

3. Compare the breeder’s health testing page to your checklist

   Check if the breeder lists all or most of these tests. If some are missing, note which ones.

   
   

4. Look for proof of testing

   See if the breeder provides certificates, registration numbers, or links to databases like the OFA health test checklist. This helps verify the results.

   
   

5. Understand what’s missing or unclear

   If the breeder you are interested in working with uses vague terms or has not mentioned key tests, you can and should reach out to ask for clarification.

   
   

This process helps you evaluate breeder websites with confidence and avoid confusion.

How to Ask a Dog Breeder Questions Without Sounding Confrontational

Once you know what you want to ask, the next step is communicating with breeders in a way that feels respectful and positive. Here are some tips and sample phrases to help you:

Tips for Responsible Breeder Communication

• Be specific about what you want to know  

  Mention the exact tests or documents you are interested in.

• Be polite and curious, not accusatory

Use language that shows you want to understand, not challenge.

• Express appreciation for their work

Acknowledge the breeder’s effort in raising healthy puppies.

• Ask for clarification, not proof of wrongdoing

Phrase questions as requests for more information.

• Keep your tone warm and friendly

This builds trust and encourages open communication.

Sample Scripts and Phrases

• When you see vague statements:

“I noticed the website mentions the parents are healthy. Could you please share which specific health tests were done on the parents? I want to understand more about their health background.”

• When testing information is partial:

“I saw that the parents were DNA tested. Could you let me know which conditions were included in the testing? I’m trying to learn about the breed’s common health concerns.”

• When tests are missing from the list:

“I’m reviewing the breed’s Parent Club recommendations and noticed that [specific test] isn’t listed on your health page. Has this test been done on the parents?”

• When no documentation is provided:

“Would it be possible to see copies of the health test results or certificates? I find it helpful to review them as part of my puppy search.”

• When you want to verify results:

“Do you have OFA or equivalent registration numbers for the parents’ health tests? I’d like to check the official records if that’s okay.”

Using phrases like these shows you are informed and respectful, and it invites breeders to share more information.

Putting It All Together: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a simple plan to follow when you visit a breeder’s website and want to understand their health testing:

1. Identify your breed’s Parent Club health testing recommendations.

   Bookmark or print their official list.

   
   

2. Review the breeder’s health testing page carefully.

   Note any vague terms, missing tests, or lack of documentation.

   
   

3. Make a list of questions based on what’s unclear or missing.

   Use the sample phrases above to draft your message.

   
   

4. Reach out to the breeder by email or phone.

   Keep your tone warm and curious.

   
   

5. Request copies or links to health test results if not provided.

   This helps you verify the information independently.

   
   

6. Compare the breeder’s answers with your checklist.

   If they provide clear, complete information, that’s a good sign.

   
   

7. Trust your instincts and keep communication open.

   Responsible breeders welcome questions and want to work with informed buyers.

   
   

Health testing is a key part of finding a healthy, happy puppy. By learning how to read breeder health testing pages and how to ask a dog breeder questions to get the answers you need, you take control of your puppy search. You protect your future dog’s well-being and build respectful relationships with breeders who care.

But doing that research can be time-consuming, especially when breeder websites vary so much in detail and organization. If you'd like someone to handle the research for you, Puppy Due Diligence offers a fully managed service. I contact breeders, collect health testing information, and prepare a comprehensive report to support your decision-making. Explore my services to see how I can support you in finding a happy, healthy, and responsibly bred puppy.