Health Clearances

Because most breeds are prone to various health issues, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), in conjunction with AWSC, has developed a list of the three dominant health issues for the AWS. The AWSC recommends that all breeders have their dogs tested to ensure that they limit any chance of passing on hereditary traits that limit our breed’s ability to perform whether in the field, the show ring or on the couch. After testing and grading, a responsible breeder can provide health clearance results to the prospective puppy buyer who should be informed.

Hips
Screenings for Hip Dysplasia are performed by a veterinarian with x-rays sent to OFA for grading and certification.  The OFA classifies hips into seven different categories: Excellent, Good, Fair (all within normal Limits), Borderline, Mild, Moderate and Severe (last three are considered dysplastic).  Parents with ratings  within normal limits range help decrease the chance of their offspring presenting with, or developing, Hip Dysplasia. This OFA screening is conducted at the age of 2 or older and classified as “Normal”.

Eyes
The eyes are examined by a board certified ophthalmologist and certified through the CAER (Companion Animal Eye Registry) within one year prior to breeding and up to eight (8) years of age. The ophthalmologist is looking for such diseases as cataracts, retinal problems, and glaucoma.

Heart  
The heart is examined preferably by a Veterinary Cardiologist or OFA certified veterinarian. The following is recommended: OFA Basic Cardiac Exam within one year prior to breeding OR Advanced Cardiac Exam at least once, at one year of age or older. The veterinarian checks for heart murmurs, heart valve malfunctions, heart rates, etc.

The American Water Spaniel breed-specific screenings (hips, eyes, hearts) are maintained in a database for future research and provide information to both breeders and buyers in an effort to produce healthier dogs.

A dog achieves CHIC Certification by completing the three AWSC recommended health clearances. Adult dogs will receive a CHIC number once all the above tests have been completed and the dog has been microchipped or tattooed for permanent identification. This Certification records the results of these tests, both passes and failures.

These screenings should not be taken to mean that these are the only health issues that may be found in the AWS. Owners and breeders may perform other heritable or non-inheritable tests such as thyroid, degenerative myelopathy (link), temperament, Brucellosis (link), etc.

It is recommended that prospective owners review health clearances on the OFA website for both dam and sire, as well as grandparents, before buying a puppy you are interested in.

Prospective buyers, depending on the purpose of getting a puppy, should also consider coat density, bone structure, temperament, size, etc.

The long term benefits of raising a healthy, structurally sound, well adjusted puppy is priceless. By reviewing all aspects, you are not only ensuring you are purchasing a good puppy, but you are also promoting and supporting the breed for the future.