As an ethical caring breeder, we have always taken the health of our foundation dogs and their offspring seriously! We always search high and low for the healthiest and most sound foundation males and females to join our program . . . then after careful research to be sure they weren't inbred with any of our existing pack, we bring them into our group.
We register them with AKC (American Kennel Club) and CKC (Continental Kennel Club) so we can register the offspring with CKC should our clients request it.
We also begin the testing we feel is a very necessary part of things, at least on our part - we do Embark testing (you can google this for more details) along with AKC's DNA Program Plus Health Kit that includes 201 markers for genetic identify and 328 markers health and traits (we will be happy to share them or again you can go to the AKC Store for more info. We feel between both of these tests, we have covered everything necessary to determine if the puppy/dog we have brought into our program is worthy.
Our local vet clinic has several veterinarians, who specialize in different areas - we are very lucky to have one that is very good with Ophthalmology and always checks our dogs' eyes, there is one that is very good with Orthopedics should we need it and of course, we have our Reproduction vet that we rely on . . there are several others on staff but these are the main three for our needs.
At one year of age, we begin the preliminary OFA xrays of the hips/elbows of our dogs, just to see what we have developing and can make the necessary decision based on what is seen at this time. At age two, we do the final testing of thyroid, cardiac, hip/elbow, patella. At anytime, we feel that our foundation dog is showing us, for any reason, he or she, should not be breeding, we promptly remove them from our program and spay/neuter them and they become a pet (or are rehomed if we see fit to do so).
If you are interested in purchasing one of our puppies and are talking with us, we will gladly share any information with you that you would like, we are an open book as we feel in this day and age, you need to be.