Health Testing

The Importance of Comprehensive Health Testing in Rottweilers

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For responsible breeders and owners in Arizona

Responsible Rottweiler breeding begins with rigorous, science‑based health testing. Because Rottweilers are a powerful working breed with known hereditary conditions, the American Rottweiler Club (ARC) and leading veterinary genetic programs outline clear testing requirements to protect the long‑term health of the breed. These tests help breeders make informed decisions, prevent avoidable suffering, and ensure that puppies have the healthiest possible start.

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❤️ Cardiac Screening by a Board‑Certified Cardiologist

The American Rottweiler Club requires that breeding dogs have a cardiac evaluation recorded with OFA, and strongly recommends that this exam be performed by a board‑certified cardiologist using echocardiography.

• Cardiologists can detect subtle congenital or hereditary heart conditions that general practitioners may miss.

• Early identification prevents passing serious cardiac disease to future generations.

 

🦴 OFA Hip and Elbow Certification

Hip and elbow dysplasia remain significant concerns in the breed. ARC’s mandatory practices require:

• OFA hip certification (Excellent, Good, or Fair) from radiographs taken at 24 months or older

• OFA elbow certification, with results publicly recorded regardless of pass or fail

 

These orthopedic evaluations help breeders avoid producing puppies predisposed to painful, lifelong joint disease.

 

👀 Eye Certification (CAER/CERF)

ARC requires that breeding dogs have an OFA CAER or CERF eye exam performed by a board‑certified veterinary ophthalmologist at 24 months or older, with re‑examination every three years.

• These exams detect hereditary eye diseases that can impair vision or quality of life.

• Regular re‑certification ensures that late‑onset conditions are not overlooked.

 

🦷 Dentition Verification

Correct dentition is part of the Rottweiler breed standard and is important for function, comfort, and structural soundness. While OFA does not certify dentition for Rottweilers specifically, many breed clubs—including ARC—expect breeders to verify full dentition and proper bite as part of responsible breeding practices.

 

🧬 Genetic Testing: JLPP and the UC Davis Rottweiler Health Panel

JLPP (Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy)

JLPP is a fatal hereditary neurological disease. ARC mandates that breeders DNA test all breeding stock and ensure that two carriers are never bred together.  Click here to see video of JLPP affected puppy.

• At least one parent in every breeding must be clear of the mutation.

• Results must be recorded with OFA.

 

UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) Rottweiler Health Panel

UC Davis offers a comprehensive panel specifically for Rottweilers that includes multiple neurological and hereditary conditions relevant to Rottweilers, including:

• POANV (formerly JLPP)

• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

• LEMP

• NAD

• XLMTM

This panel bundles several tests into one submission, making it efficient and reliable for breeders.

 

Long Coat Gene Testing

Long coat in Rottweilers is caused by a recessive mutation. Dogs can be:

• L/L (short coat, non‑carrier)

• L/l (short coat, carrier)

• l/l (long coat)
  Testing identifies carriers so breeders can avoid producing long‑coated puppies, which are outside the breed standard.

 

🏆 Why This Matters for Arizona Breeders and Owners

In Arizona, where Rottweilers are popular working, sport, and family dogs, comprehensive health testing:

• Protects the breed’s reputation

• Reduces preventable disease

• Ensures puppies are healthy and structurally sound

• Supports ethical breeding practices aligned with ARC and national standards

 

🌟 The Bottom Line

Health testing is not optional—it is the foundation of responsible Rottweiler stewardship. By following ARC guidelines and utilizing modern genetic tools like the UC Davis panel, breeders help ensure that every Rottweiler in Arizona is healthier, sounder, and better prepared for a lifetime of work, companionship, and joy.