Health and Genetic Testing

Maintaining the health of a breeding population is extremely important. For basset hounds, several genetic tests exist. These tests are important but not the only consideration when breeding. 

Genetic testing for basset hounds as recommended by the Basset Hound Club of America is essential to ensuring the integrity of the breed. 

Health issues can be categorized in three ways:

  1. Clear - Dogs in this category do not have the genetic markers associated with a health issue for those problems where a genetic tests exists. From a strictly genetic standpoint, clear dogs are ok to breed. 
  2. Carrier - A genetic test is available and the dog was tested as a carrier of genes associated with a health issue but does not have the health issue, or one of the parents (dam/sire) has a health issue for which a genetic test does not exist but the dog does not show signs of the health issue. Depending on the health issue for which the dog is a carrier, these dogs may or may not be suited for breeding. 
  3. Affected - A genetic test exists, the test found the genetic markers for a health issue, and the dog has the health issue. Note some affected dogs might not show the health issue even though they are affected. It is recommended these hounds be removed from the breeding pool and only after very careful consideration chosen for breeding (depending on the size of the gene pool/genetic diversity of the breed). 

Sometimes a breeding goes wrong. Sometimes the issue is genetic. Sometimes the whole breeding program must end due to the gravity of the health problem. 

Choose breeding dogs based on sound overall health, the breed standard, your personal breeding goals (that fit within the breed standard), quality of life, and longevity. 

Genetic tests the BHCA recommends are:

  • Thrombopathia
  • Glaucoma (POAG)
  • MPS1
  • Lafora

The BHCA strongly discourages using an affected hound in a breeding program. If your hound is affected with a health issue, remove it from your breeding program. Carriers of health issues should be carefully evaluated for continued use in a breeding program. Find a mate that is clear and make decisions only after careful consideration of the health traits (good or bad) of your breeding stock.

You can obtain a test kit from Orivet. 

Discounts may be available. Check with the Basset Hound Club of America Health and Research Committee.