What Does “Health-Tested” Really Mean in Working Dog Breeding?

“Health-tested” has become a popular phrase in the dog world.

It appears in advertisements, on websites, and in social media posts.

But what does it actually mean?

And more importantly - what should it mean in responsible working dog breeding?

Health Testing Is Not a Marketing Tool

True health testing is not decoration. It is not a checklist for selling puppies.

For working Labradors and White Swiss Shepherds, health screening is the foundation of long-term stability and performance.

A working dog must not only perform - it must remain sound for years.

The Basics: Orthopedic Screening

For both Labradors and White Swiss Shepherds, responsible breeders evaluate:

• Hip Dysplasia (HD)

• Elbow Dysplasia (ED)

• Additional structural evaluations when relevant (LTV, OCD, etc...)

An HD rating of A and ED 0/0 indicate clear joints with no signs of dysplasia.

But numbers alone are not the whole picture.

The dog must also demonstrate:

• Balanced movement

• Correct structure

• Functional build

Radiographs are data. Movement is reality.

Genetic Testing and DNA Screening

Modern responsible breeding goes beyond X-rays.

DNA testing allows breeders to identify inherited diseases before they appear - and prevent passing them to future generations.

For working Labradors and White Swiss Shepherds, this may include screening for:

• Breed-specific hereditary conditions

• Eye-related genetic disorders

• Degenerative diseases

• Coat and color genetics (when relevant)

DNA testing does not mean a dog must be “perfect.”

It means we understand what the dog carries.

Responsible breeding is not about avoiding every carrier. It is about making informed pairings.

Two dogs are selected carefully so that:

• No affected puppies are produced

• Genetic diversity is preserved

• Health risks are minimized

Genetic testing is a tool - not a marketing badge.

Used correctly, it protects the long-term health of the breed.

Health Is More Than Joints

A truly health-tested working dog should also be evaluated for:

• Stable temperament

• Strong nerves

• Environmental resilience

• Trainability

Mental stability is part of health.

A dog that cannot handle stress is not sound - even if its hips are perfect.

Responsible Breeding Is Long-Term Thinking

Health testing requires:

• Time

• Patience

• Investment

• Honest evaluation

Not every dog should be bred.

Responsible breeding means selecting only those individuals that meet both structural and mental standards.

Because breeding is not about producing puppies.

It is about producing stable, healthy dogs that can live, work, and perform for years.

Our Standard

At Sylvestris et Salix, health testing is non-negotiable.

Our Labradors and White Swiss Shepherds are evaluated carefully before entering any breeding program.

We believe health is not a selling point. It is the minimum requirement.

Sound body. Stable mind. Long-term vision.