Canadian Mastiff Club

Testing Requirements

All of our members adhere to our strict Code of Ethics, which includes mandatory health testing of both the sire and dam made public on this website before a breeding takes place.

All documentation can be e-mailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or sent by regular post to Connie Hachey, 652 Solanum Way, RR#3, Millbrook, ON, L0A 1G0.

Bitches born before January 01, 2007 and dogs born before June 01, 2007 only required a passing grade from an orthopedic registry, however, all other testing is welcome and encouraged. Passing results are not required, only full disclosure.

Required documents for bitches born on or after January 01, 2007 and dogs born on or after June 01, 2007 are:

1. A copy of the registration papers - not only to verify ownership, but also any testing that might be available online with another registry.

2. Hips & Elbows - OFA, OVC &/or PennHip after the age of 18 months. The CMC encourages its members to complete testing after 24 months of age. If the mastiff resides outside Canada/US, then the registry in the country of origin will be accepted. If the results are available on the OFA or OVC website, then only a copy of the mastiff's registration papers is required. At this time, Pennhip results will have to either be scanned and e-mailed or photocopied and sent by regular post. Please visit each of the websites below to learn how each registry evaluates the x-rays and for submission requirements.

OFA       OVC       PennHip
OFA Hip/Elbow Dysplasia Application       OVC Application

3. Cardiac - OFA certification or a cardiologist's report. Testing must be done after 12 months of age. OFA certification can be done either by a practioner, specialist or a cardiologist. This means that your regular vet may do the exam; provided they feel comfortable doing so and follow the OFA guidelines. Again, if the results are available on the OFA website, then only a copy of the mastiff's registration papers is required.

OFA Cardiac Information
OFA Congenital Cardiac Application

4. CERF - board approval required for members unable to access a CERF approved vet to use an ophthalmologist exam. CERF exams need only be done once if done after 24 months of age. If the results are available either on the CERF or OFA website, then only a copy of the mastiff's registration papers is required.

CERF OFA/CERF Information

5. PRA DNA - either the test results or through parentage. The onus is on the breeder to provide evidence through parentage - this mean that somewhere down the line ancestors must have been tested on all sides. The CMC recommends that testing be done every 3-4 generations. PRA DNA testing can be obtained from Optigen. If the results are available on the OFA website, then only registration papers must be submitted.

OPTIGEN Optigen Application Form (online and printable)

6. Cystinuria - a basic urinalysis, a nitroprusside test or a amino acid quantitation. A basic urinalysis can be done at your vet's, and a letter from the same verifying the absence or presence of cystine in the sample is adequate. A nitroprusside test is more accurate and can be done through PennGen Laboratories (University of Pennsylvania). Thirdly, an amino acid quantitation is the most accurate and can also be done through PennGen or at a human laboratory. Please note, that a negative results does not guarantee the absence of the disease or that the dog will not develop it in the future, therefore, the CMC recommends routine re-testing. Results are not currently available online, so a scanned copy or photocopy will have to be submitted.

PENNGEN
PennGen Online Application Form (You will have to create an account if you have not done so before). Instructions on filling out the form is on the Help Page.

 

There are other screening tests that breeders may want to look into:

  • OFA Patellas - this is an evaluation of the knee, done awake by either a practioner. Results can be verified on the OFA website.
  • CMR - Canine Multi-focal Retinopathy - done through Optigen. Results can be verified on the OFA website.
  • THYROID - either a letter/results from your vet verifying the results, or results from the OFA website
  • vWd - a letter/results from your vet verifying the results
  • DNA PROFILE