Health Testing at Meraki Great Danes
Health testing informs breeding decisions. Those decisions influence structure, and structure is revealed through movement. While no single test can define a dog, together these pieces help guide us toward producing healthy, functional Great Danes that can do the jobs they were bred to do.
Photo: Ch Wil-Joi La Belle Espionne at Meraki TKA ATD
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Our CommitmentAt Meraki Great Danes, health is never left to chance. Every breeding dog undergoes comprehensive health screening before being considered for our breeding program. We believe responsible breeding requires more than loving our dogs; it requires objective health testing and careful pedigree research to help preserve the future of the Great Dane.
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Why Health Testing Matters in Great DanesChoosing a Great Dane puppy is about much more than finding a beautiful dog. Responsible health testing helps reduce the risk of inherited diseases and gives breeders valuable information when planning future generations. Understanding what health testing is—and what it is not—can help puppy buyers make informed decisions and recognize responsible breeding practices.
Great Danes are predisposed to several inherited conditions. Health testing helps breeders make informed decisions and reduce the risk of passing hereditary diseases to future generations. Health testing does not guarantee a puppy will never develop a health issue, but it significantly improves the likelihood of producing healthy, sound dogs. Tests Performed on Our Breeding DogsCardiac Evaluation (Echocardiogram)
Great Danes are at increased risk for heart disease, including Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) Our breeding dogs receive: - OFA Advanced Cardiac Certification - Echocardiogram performed by a veterinary cardiologist Eye Examination Eye examinations are performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist and submitted to OFA Thyroid Testing OFA thyroid screening helps identify inherited thyroid disorders that can affect overall health and reproduction. Hip Evaluation Hip dysplasia can affect mobility and quality of life. Our breeding dogs receive: - OFA Hip Certification Elbow Evaluation Elbow dysplasia is another orthopedic condition that can impact soundness. Our breeding dogs receive: - OFA Elbow Certification Breed-Specific Genetic Testing Genetic testing helps identify inherited conditions and allows informed breeding decisions. We do our diversity and genetic testing through the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Lab. |
This is what an Advanced Cardiac Examination report for the OFA looks like. It is submitted to OFA for verification and results are posted on their database where anyone can look them up.
Example of OFA Hip xrays. These hips were rated Excellent by OFA's radiologists and belong to CH Meraki's Magnificent Black Pearl.
This elbow also belongs to CH Meraki's Magnificent Black Pearl and shows what normal elbows look like on xray.
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Beyond Health Testing
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Health testing is only one piece of the puzzle.
We also evaluate: - Temperament - Structure - Movement - Longevity within pedigrees - Performance ability - Overall Breed Type Our goal is to produce Great Danes that excel as family companions, performance partners, and representatives of the breed standard. |
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Transparency
Health testing results for our breeding dogs are available upon request and can be independently verified through the OFA database.
We encourage all breeders to submit their health testing results to OFA for public verification, and we encourage prospective puppy buyers to independently verify all OFA results when researching breeders.
Many responsible breeders also pursue CHIC (Canine Health Information Center) certification. A CHIC number does not mean a dog passed every test. Rather, it confirms that all breed-specific health testing recommended by the parent breed club has been completed and the results have been made publicly available through OFA.
We encourage all breeders to submit their health testing results to OFA for public verification, and we encourage prospective puppy buyers to independently verify all OFA results when researching breeders.
Many responsible breeders also pursue CHIC (Canine Health Information Center) certification. A CHIC number does not mean a dog passed every test. Rather, it confirms that all breed-specific health testing recommended by the parent breed club has been completed and the results have been made publicly available through OFA.
Great Danes should always have an Advanced Cardiac Examination done prior to breeding. A Basic Cardiac Exam can looked similar on OFA but it is not the same.
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What We Do NOT Consider Health TestingMany people are told a dog is "vet checked" and assume this means health tested.
Vet checked ≠ health testing Embark ≠ complete health testing DNA testing alone ≠ health testing "Parents are healthy" ≠ health testing A veterinary examination is an important part of responsible dog ownership, but it is not a substitute for breed-specific health testing, which include: - Echocardiograms - OFA certifications - Thyroid Testing - Eye certifications These are the core breed-specific health screenings recommended by the OFA and the Great Dane Club of America. Responsible breeding requires objective health testing beyond routine veterinary care. |
Looking for a Responsibly Bred Great Dane?
At Meraki Great Danes, health testing is only one part of our commitment. We carefully evaluate health, temperament, structure, and pedigree before every breeding decision.