Anyone included eye screening as part of their Rottie's health tests? Will of course be having full blood work, hip and elbow scoring done, but saw BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme also recommended. Haven't seen any other rotties with this testing done...

Eye testing is uncommon in my breed in the UK but I have found many breeders in mainland Europe do eye testing as standard, perhaps it's the same in Rotties.

Personally I would say that ALL breeds should be eye tested. I eye tested my Papillons before anyone knew of any problems in that breed.

I've done lots of searching on this one, and although the KC list it, on their breed-specific health test recommendation they say just an annual eye check? Will check with vet and breed club. I know the eye scheme is a must for Border Collies, but never heard of it in Rotties. Will dig further :)

Yes, I think for the sake of an additional £50 or so I'd just have it done to be honest.

I agree, until people including a friend of mien with both a Goenenedael and a Tervueren tested hers at a ringcraft organised session, the breed had no idea that they had Hereditary Cataract.

Eye problems occur in so many breeds it would be wise to assume that they are likely to occur in most if not all to some degree.

Surely better to know before the problem becomes widespread.

I think at very least all breeds should be Hip Scored and eye tested, all small breeds patella tested and all large ones Elbow Scored.

Yes there is a BVA eye test which should be done for MRD, just a regular test done under the scheme.

Further to that it's a one off test from speaking to Prof Bedford because the dog either has it or doesn't and can't develop the condition over time, it's a case of affected or unaffected. I think it's worth doing because it also covers the rest of re eye and eyelids and they will mark on the form any abnormalities.

http://www.bva.co.uk/uploadedFiles/Content/Canine_Health_Schemes/Schedule%20A%202015.pdf

Rotts are under schedule A

http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/media/17406/mrd_open_register_-_rotties.pdf

Thanks to everyone for your replies.

I will be including the eye test with all of the other tests - better to be safe than sorry, and you cannot put a price on a healthy dog (she is my pet, after all) and potential future progeny :)

Heart testing is also recommended too if you've not seen that, for AS so auscultation and ECG needed :-)

Here is a list of those dogs who have been heart tested and sent them into the club who are compiling a list
http://www.therottweilerclub.co.uk/health/heart-certificates-tested-clear/

Thanks suejaw, I'm getting a full work up on her done, so elbows, hips, heart, eyes and full blood work. Will see if she enjoys showing as well and how she does.

Only after that am I going to weigh up if I should breed from her. Then I'll need to start saving for the stud I've researched, as he's no ordinary boy. My princess needs a prince

I wish everyone was going about planning to breed as responsibly as this! WELL DONE!! Researching, showing, all health testing, not rushing into it -you will make a good breeder!

Thanks :)

Don't forget DNA test for her coat length as to whether she carries the long coat gene, unless you know both her parents were clear and non carriers.
Temperament tests too, 3 excellents at different locations with different assessors will gain the certificate of excellence.

How old is your girl? :-)

Dad is clear for long coat but mum wasn't tested , so I'll be having her tested to ensure she's not a carrier.

Her temperament is superb, really do want to have her independently tested and certified for it. If there wasn't such a stigma regarding her breed, I'd have her  registered as a Therapet too, as a few of my other dogs are and they adore their volunteering.

She's still a baby really, only 15 months old. She is one of the calmest and most obedient dogs I've ever had the pleasure of owning and I'm incredibly proud of her and the wonderful bond we have. She's in season at the moment, so as soon as she's completely out I'll be taking her to ring craft to see if she likes it. I think she will though as she's a fantastically sociable girl who loves showing off!

There are a few Rotts who are pets as therapy dogs.
Good luck with Ringcraft :-)