Does Pedigree Registration Guarantee Health Testing?

Purchasing a pedigree puppy is a considerable commitment, both financially and emotionally. Naturally, prospective owners want to be confident that their new furry family member is healthy and well-bred. However, it’s essential to grasp exactly what Kennel Club pedigree registration signifies—and just as importantly, what it doesn’t guarantee in the United States.

Across the U.S., many purebred dog breeds are prone to specific inherited health issues and conformation problems. Recognizing these breed tendencies is key for potential buyers to make informed choices and to support breeding practices that promote healthier dogs.

Many of these inherited diseases can be detected through health screenings and DNA tests, which breeders use to assess the health of parent dogs prior to mating. Committed breeders in America conduct these tests conscientiously and openly, providing test results to potential puppy buyers to instill confidence in their pup’s genetic health background.

Unfortunately, not all breeders share this level of responsibility. Some skip testing due to the cost or worry that unfavorable results might impact puppy prices, meaning the onus falls on buyers to ask the right questions and insist on documentation evidencing health testing.

It's a common misconception that Kennel Club registration implies parents have undergone health evaluations, but in reality, registration primarily verifies the puppy’s purebred lineage. The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not mandate health screenings for all breeds or their breeders as a condition of pedigree registration.

What Are the Requirements for AKC Pedigree Registration?

For a puppy to receive AKC pedigree registration, these criteria must be fulfilled:

• Both parents must be registered purebreds of the same recognized breed.
• The puppy must be eligible for registration without restrictions or endorsements that block it.
• The breeder must submit the puppy’s information to the American Kennel Club for official registration.

It is crucial to understand this registration confirms status as a purebred dog but does not assure the health or quality of the puppy or its lineage. There are cases where puppies from pedigree parents might not qualify for registration due to health-related endorsements imposed by breeders or the club.

The AKC has guidelines to protect breed health, such as restrictions on registering litters from very young or senior dams, limitations on breeding frequency, and controls on problematic coat colors linked to genetic disorders, similar to the merle gene issues.

Does AKC Registration Mean Health Tests Have Been Done?

Pedigree registration alone does not confirm that health tests have been completed on the puppy or its parents. While health testing is highly recommended by many breed authorities and veterinary professionals, it is not an obligatory requirement for most breeds or breeders registered with the AKC. Certain breed clubs affiliated with the AKC may impose their own health testing prerequisites, but this is independent from AKC litter registration.

Category 3 Breeds and Health Testing Recommendations

The American Kennel Club recognizes certain breeds as higher risk with regard to hereditary health problems, similar to the UK’s Category Three classification. Examples in the U.S. include breeds like the Pug puppies and German Shepherd puppies, which have well-documented genetic predispositions. For these breeds, it is strongly encouraged that health testing be conducted on breeding dogs beforehand to improve overall breed health.

Despite these recommendations, testing is still not mandatory for every breeder in these groups. Buyers considering puppies from these breeds should proactively request health testing documentation from breeders before completing any purchase.

The AKC Assured Breeder Program and Required Health Tests

Breeders participating in the AKC’s Assured Breeder Program are required to perform certain mandatory health screenings on their breeding dogs to maintain their good standing within the program.

If you acquire a puppy from an Assured Breeder, there is an added layer of confidence that essential breed-specific health tests have been conducted before breeding. This is especially relevant for breeds vulnerable to inherited disorders.

However, not all recommended health tests under this program are obligatory. Prospective owners should verify exactly which screenings have been completed and request supporting documentation rather than assuming all pertinent tests were done.

Tips for Selecting and Purchasing a Healthy Pedigree Puppy

Keep in mind that AKC registration is not a substitute for carefully evaluating a breeder’s health testing records. Puppies claimed to be pedigrees but lacking registration—or with problematic endorsements that prevent registration—should prompt further investigation.

Always discuss health exams with breeders, insist on seeing proof of parental health clearances, and educate yourself about common health concerns specific to your chosen breed. This proactive approach not only supports responsible breeding but also greatly increases your odds of bringing home a healthy, thriving puppy.

For example, a reputable breeder of German Shepherd puppies in Texas might provide comprehensive hip and elbow evaluation results, while a dedicated Pug breeder in California could share detailed respiratory health screenings.