Health testing for the Yorkshire Terrier is actually quite minimal. There are only two tests required.
When someone asks "have you done health testing", I just want to giggle — because usually people ask that question simply to try and dismiss a breeder's legitimacy. When in fact, both of these hereditary problems become apparent easily in the breed early in the life of a dog, and good lines have had them bred out for 10-plus generations.
As a breeder, when I buy into a good line with a reputation, I know I'm not going to have the problems these two tests are recommended for — negating the need to do them. These issues also show up before it's time to breed, and I would not breed a dog who showed these hereditary problems.
So Who Are These Tests Really For?
Why would a breeder who is ethical and spends the money to get good lines even do them? It is only to satisfy the buyer. Some people will not buy a dog unless health testing has been done — even if the buyer doesn't even know what tests those might be.
Note: Even if both parents have had health testing done — 5 generations back can actually affect the puppy you are buying. Having both parents health tested is good, and greatly indicates the health of a pup. But know that it is still not a guarantee, because if great-great-grandpa had luxating patellas, that could pop up in the puppy you are looking at. In breeding, that is called a "Throwback."
Buying from good lines that are trusted is key. It's what I as a breeder rely on when investing thousands of dollars into breeding stock. Make sure not only does your breeder know the two tests that are a concern for the Yorkie breed, but also has a guarantee that covers those genetic concerns.
Our Commitment to Health Testing
Mine does. I am very confident in my lines. I have invested well in good breeding lines. But here at Doll Face Pups, I am dedicated to giving a better guarantee and maintaining a higher standard. That is why we are investing in health testing. It's one thing for me as a breeder to know pedigrees and know the reputations attached to those pedigrees. It is another to have my clients have complete confidence that the puppy they are taking home will live a healthy life. That peace of mind for my clients is enough of a reason for me to invest in health testing.
Health Tests — Required and Optional (AKC / OFA / YTCA)
✦ Eye Examination by a boarded ACVO Ophthalmologist — Required. Recommended evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 years of age. Results registered with OFA.
✦ Patellar Luxation — Required. OFA Evaluation.
✦ Legg-Calvé-Perthes — Optional. OFA Evaluation.
✦ Autoimmune Thyroiditis — Optional. OFA evaluation from an approved laboratory. Recommended testing at ages 1, 3, and 6 years of age.
✦ Cornell DNA Bank — Optional. Participation in the Cornell DNA Bank (blood sample required).
✦ DNA Repository — Optional. Participation in the OFA/CHIC DNA Repository (blood sample required).
✦ Hip Dysplasia — Optional. OFA Evaluation.
