HEALTH TESTING AND STANDARDS
At AZ Doxies, we believe responsible breeding starts long before puppies are born. Our goal is not simply to produce beautiful dachshunds, but to produce healthier dachshunds through thoughtful selection, extensive health testing, and long-term planning.
WHAT WE TEST FOR
Every breeding dog in our program undergoes comprehensive DNA testing prior to being included in our breeding program. This allows us to identify genetic traits and health risks before making breeding decisions.
Our program specifically screens for many breed-relevant conditions, including:
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PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
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Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
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Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI)
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Lafora Disease
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Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL)
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Cord1-PRA
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CDDY/IVDD risk markers
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Additional dachshund-specific inherited conditions
OFA CERTIFIED TESTING
All breeding dogs in our program complete health evaluations through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
Our health testing includes:
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Patella evaluations
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Cardiac examinations
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Annual eye exams by board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists
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Additional health testing as recommended for the breed
Spinal Screening Program
Because back health is critically important in dachshunds, all sires and dams in our breeding program undergo spinal radiographic screening once they reach two years of age.
These evaluations help identify calcifications and provide additional information that assists us in making responsible long-term breeding decisions aimed at improving the future health of the breed.