Choosing a dog
What health certificates should a breeder show me?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Ask for the specific health testing certificates relevant to that breed, such as hip and elbow scoring for larger breeds, eye examination results for breeds prone to inherited eye conditions, and any DNA test results for disorders known to affect the breed. Certificates should clearly show the tested dog's identification, the date, and the result, and should belong to the actual mother and father of the litter, not just the breed in general.
Matching certificates to the breed
Different breeds carry different known risks, so the relevant tests vary: a breed prone to hip dysplasia should have hip scoring on both parents, while a breed with a known inherited eye condition should have current eye examination results. Ask the breeder which tests are recommended for their specific breed if you are unsure, and compare their answer against what independent breed club or veterinary sources say.
Checking the certificate matches the dog
Look for the dog's microchip number or registered name on the certificate, and cross check it against the parent you are told it belongs to. It is reasonable to ask the breeder to point out exactly where this information appears, since a genuine certificate will show it clearly and a breeder with nothing to hide will not mind the question.
What to do if certificates seem incomplete
If a breeder can only produce testing for one parent, or the results are old enough that a repeat test would normally be expected, ask directly why. There can be reasonable explanations, but a breeder who becomes defensive or vague under a polite, specific question is worth treating with real caution.
Independent ways to confirm results
Many health testing schemes maintain a searchable public database where you can look up a dog's registered name and see recorded results directly, independent of anything the breeder tells you. Cross checking this way, when available, gives you confidence that separate from trusting the breeder's word alone.
Key takeaways
- Ask for the specific tests recommended for that breed, not just general proof of testing.
- Certificates should show the dog's identification, date, and result clearly.
- Confirm the certificate genuinely belongs to the parent you are told it does.
- Vague or defensive answers about missing or outdated results are a real warning sign.