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Health Testing Guide
Which tests are mandatory, how to spot responsible breeders — and what it costs when things go wrong.
For the Affenpinscher we have compiled 6 mandatory and 10 recommended health tests, drawn from breed-club regulations, the University of PEI (CIDD), and OMIA — weighted by severity and heritability.
What this grade means
The Affenpinscher is rated with a grade C. Among the most well-known health concerns are patellar luxation (a misalignment of the kneecap) as well as various hereditary eye conditions, which are monitored through mandatory health tests in breeding programs. Additionally, due to the breed's short skull, attention should always be paid to clear airways to prevent respiratory issues.
Every breed is susceptible to certain inherited conditions. Just like humans, dogs inherit predispositions from their parents. Responsible breeders screen their breeding dogs for these conditions and make informed mating decisions to reduce the risk passed on to puppies.
No — but it's the strongest tool we have. Diet, exercise, environment, and genetics all contribute to whether a dog develops a condition. When breeders use the right tests to identify risk in potential parents, the likelihood of many conditions appearing in the puppies drops significantly.
There's no one-size-fits-all here. For the Affenpinscher we track 6 mandatory tests plus 10 additional recommended ones. The specific tests and passing thresholds are detailed further below.
Keep in mind
Reliable screening tests still don't exist for many hereditary conditions, and tests for complex polygenic conditions are not always predictive of severity in the puppies. Even so, they're a powerful tool used by every responsible breeder.
There are two main types of health tests:
Screen the dog's DNA for known disease-causing mutations. Can be performed from puppyhood and give a binary result (clear / carrier / affected).
Clinical and imaging exams like X-ray, ultrasound, or ophthalmoscopy. They show how a predisposition actually manifests — usually only conclusive after 12–18 months.
We group breeding programs into three levels based on testing depth. Ask your breeder directly which level they meet.
A breeder at the Great level performs all mandatory tests plus 10 additional clinically recommended screenings that reduce risk in this breed.
In addition to mandatory tests:
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)(BOAS)
Atmung
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is a severe respiratory condition affecting short-muzzled dog breeds, where the physical shortening of the skull leaves insufficient space for the upper airways. This structural compression forces tissues like the soft palate and nasal passages into a restricted area, significantly obstructing the flow of oxygen to the lungs. Over time, the increased effort required to breathe puts chronic strain on the dog's respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
Physisch · Passing: CLEAR
Ectropion / Entropion
Augen
These are structural eyelid abnormalities affecting a dog's eyes. In cases of entropion, the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes or fur to rub painfully against the surface of the eyeball. In ectropion, the eyelid sags or rolls outward, leaving the sensitive inner lining of the eye exposed and unprotected.
Passing: CLEAR
Optic nerve hypoplasia and micropapilla(ONH)
Augen
This condition involves the congenital underdevelopment of the optic nerve, known as optic nerve hypoplasia, or an abnormally small optic disc, called micropapilla. These structures are crucial parts of the eye's visual pathway, and their underdevelopment impairs the transmission of visual signals from the eye to the brain. It is a congenital defect of the visual system that is present from birth.
Augen · Passing: AFFECTED
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma(POAG)
Augen und Sehvermögen
Primary open-angle glaucoma is an inherited eye disease where the natural fluid inside the eye cannot drain properly. This fluid buildup causes a gradual increase in pressure within the eyeball, which eventually damages the optic nerve, the connection between the eye and the brain. Without management, this pressure leads to permanent blindness.
Augen · Passing: CLEAR
Cataract(HC)
Augen und Sehvermögen
A cataract is a progressive clouding of the lens inside the dog's eye, which is the clear structure that focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye. When the lens becomes cloudy or opaque, it blocks light from entering, gradually impairing the dog's vision. If left untreated, this condition can eventually lead to complete blindness in the affected eye.
Augen · Passing: CLEAR
Lens luxation(PLL)
Augen und Sehvermögen
Lens luxation is an inherited eye disorder where the lens slips out of its normal position because the supporting fibers holding it in place weaken or break. When the lens shifts, it can block the natural drainage of fluid within the eye. This blockage causes a rapid, painful buildup of pressure called glaucoma, which can lead to permanent blindness if left untreated.
Augen · Passing: CLEAR
Patellar Luxation(PL)
Bewegungsapparat
Patellar luxation, also known as a luxating patella, is a physical condition affecting the knee joint where the kneecap slips out of its normal groove. This misalignment interferes with the mechanical movement of the hind leg and can cause the joint to lock. Over time, this abnormal friction can lead to painful joint wear and tear, known as osteoarthritis.
Physisch · Passing: Grade 0 or 1
Cystinuria, type III
Nieren
Cystinuria type III is an inherited metabolic kidney disorder where the kidneys fail to reabsorb the amino acid cystine, which is a building block of proteins, back into the bloodstream. Instead, this substance accumulates in the urine, where it can crystallize. These crystals eventually clump together to form painful stones within the bladder or kidneys.
DNA · Passing: CLEAR
Cystinuria Type 3 Variant 2 risk factor(Cyst3-2)
Nieren und Harnwege
This is an inherited metabolic disorder of the kidneys where the organ fails to properly reabsorb the amino acid cystine from the urine. Excess cystine then builds up and forms painful crystals or stones in the bladder and urinary tract. This specific Type 3 variant is complex and influenced by hormones, primarily putting intact male dogs at risk.
DNA · Passing: CARRIER
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (prcd-PRA)(PRA)
Progressive rod-cone degeneration (prcd-PRA) is an inherited eye disease that causes the light-sensitive cells in the retina, which lines the back of the eye, to gradually break down and die. This degeneration affects both eyes and eventually leads to complete blindness. Because the retina cannot process light properly, the dog's brain stops receiving visual information.
Passing: CARRIER
These levels are a comparison framework, not an official certification. They help compare breeding programs at a glance.
A complete checklist with every mandatory and recommended test plus identity and rearing questions — take it with you.
Open the full checklistFor breeders
Machine-readable mating rules, minimum ages, scoring schemes, and what's required for HonestDog verification — as a printable guide.
Example rule — Ocular anomalies
Both parents must be Free of hereditary eye diseases or better.
We compile mandatory tests from official breed regulations and veterinary databases — and check every uploaded certificate for authenticity.
L1 = mandatory under breed-club regulations. L2 = recommended or clinically indicated. L3 = lower prevalence. Every assignment carries a source and confidence rating.
VDH breeding regulations, CIDD (University of PEI), OMIA (University of Sydney), curated veterinary input.
Uploaded certificates are AI-extracted and reviewed by our team for authenticity, date, and result.
6 tests are currently mandatory under the relevant breed-club regulations. The most common are DNA-Identitätsnachweis, Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), Ocular anomalies. Every test must be completed before mating, and the result must fall within the threshold defined by the regulation.
See breeders who have already uploaded their mandatory tests for verification.
View verified breeders