🐾 Health & Testing

At Asherah White Swiss Shepherds, the health and wellbeing of our dogs is a top priority.

We are committed to responsible breeding practices, ensuring all dogs used in our program are carefully assessed for health, temperament, and soundness.

🦴 Hip & Elbow Scoring

All breeding dogs are hip and elbow scored through recognised schemes.

This involves X-rays that are independently assessed to evaluate joint structure and quality. These scores help guide breeding decisions and aim to reduce the risk of hereditary joint conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia.

As a large, active breed, maintaining strong joint health is especially important for long-term comfort and mobility.

🧬 DNA Testing

Our dogs undergo DNA testing for breed-specific genetic conditions.

These tests allow us to determine whether a dog is:
• Clear
• A carrier
• Or affected

This enables informed breeding decisions and helps ensure that no affected puppies are produced.

🐾 Our Approach

Health testing is just one part of our program.

We also place strong emphasis on:
• Temperament
• Structure and soundness
• Overall health and wellbeing

Our goal is to produce well-balanced White Swiss Shepherds that thrive as family companions.

🧬 Genetic Conditions We Test For

Our dogs are DNA tested for a number of breed-relevant genetic conditions. These tests allow us to make informed breeding decisions and ensure no affected puppies are produced within our program.

MDR1 (Multi-Drug Resistance)

MDR1 is a genetic mutation that affects how certain medications are processed in the body. Dogs with this mutation may have adverse reactions to commonly used drugs. making testing important for both safe treatment and responsible breeding.

DM (Degenerative Myelopathy)
DM is a progressive neurological condition that affects the spinal cord, typically later in life. It can lead to weakness and loss of coordination in the hind limbs. While it is late onset, DNA testing allows us to avoid producing dogs that may be affected.

vWD (von Willebrand Disease)
vWD is a hereditary blood clotting disorder that can result in excessive bleeding following injury or surgery. Through DNA testing, we can ensure this condition is not passed on to future generations.

PD (Pituitary Dwarfism)
Pituitary Dwarfism is a rare inherited condition that affects growth, development, and overall health. Affected dogs remain small and may experience additional health complications. Testing allows us to prevent affected puppies.

CH (Cerebellar Hypoplasia)
CH is a neurological condition that affects the development of the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for coordination and balance. Affected dogs may show uncoordinated movement from a young age. DNA testing helps guide responsible breeding decisions.

ONH (Optic Nerve Hypoplasia)
ONH is a condition where the optic nerve does not fully develop, which can impact vision to varying degrees. Testing allows us to better understand genetic risk and make informed pairings.

Some of these conditions have only more recently been identified within the breed, and we are committed to incorporating testing for these into our future breeding stock.

Health testing is an important part of our program, but it sits alongside temperament, structure, and overall wellbeing in every breeding decision we make.