Each breed’s health testing requirements originate with a “parent club,” the AKC-recognized national club devoted to a particular breed. To assist breeders in fulfilling these requirements, AKC has compiled the health testing requirements for each breed, organized by group on the left navigation of this page.
AKC Breeder Programs that Require Health Testing:
Breeders that participate in AKC Breeder Programs certify that applicable health screens are performed on their breeding stock as recommended by their AKC Breed Parent Club.
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AKC Breeder of Merit Program
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The AKC Breeder of Merit Program gives breeders a way to prove their dedication to preserving breed characteristics and producing healthy, well-socialized puppies.
Breeders that participate in the AKC Breeder of Merit Program certify that applicable health screens are performed on their breeding stock as recommended by their AKC Breed Parent Club.
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AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. Program
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AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. breeders pledge to uphold the program values of health, education, accountability, responsibility, and tradition.
Breeders that participate in the AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. Program certify that applicable health screens are performed on their breeding stock as recommended by their AKC Breed Parent Club.
For questions regarding your breed(s) health testing requirements:
Please contact your AKC Breed Parent Club. Find your Breed Parent Club contact information via our National Club Search and Directory.
Looking for more information about the different groups?
AKC has a wealth of knowledge on group traits, as well as a break down of each breed within the Sporting Group, Hound Group, Working Group, Terrier Group, Toy Group, Non-Sporting Group, Herding Group, Miscellaneous Class, and Foundation Stock Service (FSS). Learn more about why specific breeds are grouped together here.