This is where things get more specific — and more important. Different breeds are predisposed to different inherited conditions, and responsible breeding means knowing what risks exist in your breed and testing for them.

For Dog Breeders

Dogs are the most well-documented when it comes to heritable conditions, and the testing landscape is well-established in Australia.

Hip and Elbow Scoring Conditions such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are common among many breeds of medium to large size (German Shepherdy, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and others). X-rays of these breeds are submitted to an authorised scheme (such as the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA)) for evaluation by specialists on a scale. Only dogs that score within an acceptable range based upon their breed should be bred.

Eye Testing Testing for hereditary eye conditions including PRA and hereditary cataracts is performed through a specialist ophthalmologist examination. Breeds like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Border Collies, and many others are known to have these hereditary eye conditions.

Heart Testing Certain breeds of dog, especially Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are predisposed to developing heart conditions like mitral valve disease. Cardiac evaluations by a specialist cardiologist are recommended prior to breeding (and often required by breed clubs) for these dogs.

DNA/Genetic Testing More and more hereditary conditions can be identified through DNA testing. These tests will allow you to discover if your animal is clear of specific genetic mutations, a carrier, or affected by those mutations. Examples include:

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) — multiple breeds
• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) — German Shepherds and others
• Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC) — Labrador Retrievers
• Hereditary Cataract (HC) — various breeds
• Von Willebrand’s Disease — Dobermanns and others

DNA tests can be done via a simple cheek swab and are relatively affordable. They’re one of the most powerful tools available to new breeders.

Breed Club Requirements Many breed clubs in Australia have their own mandatory or recommended health testing protocols. Before breeding, check with your relevant breed club to understand what is expected — and register your results through their scheme.

For Cat Breeders

HCM Screening (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) HCM is the most common heart disease in cats, and it has a heritable component in certain breeds of cats.  breeds of cats that are genetically predisposed to HCM include Maine Coons, Ragdolls, and Sphynx. All breeding cats should be screened annually by a cardiologist using echocardiography.

DNA Testing Genetic tests are available for conditions including:

• PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) — Persian and related breeds
• PRA-b (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) — Abyssinian and Somali breeds
• HCM gene mutations — Maine Coon (MyBPC3 mutation), Ragdoll (R820W mutation)
• Blood type — to prevent neonatal isoerythrolysis in kittens

Infectious Disease Screening Cats used for breeding should be tested for FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) and FeLV (Feline Leukaemia Virus) before entering a breeding program, as both are transmissible and can be devastating to a breeding colony.

For Other Species

If you’re breeding rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, or other animals, consult with a veterinarian who has experience with that particular species. The principles are the same – you must find the condition that is known to be heritable or infectious to that species and breed or variety of animal, then perform the tests to determine if the animal has that condition.