Health Tested.
Ethically Bred.
Loved for Life.
Your puppy’s health begins long before they’re born. Behind every wagging tail and cuddly face is a history of thoughtful breeding, science-based decisions, and a commitment to doing things the right way.
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At Selah Springs, health testing isn’t optional... it’s essential.
What We Test For
To ensure we’re raising strong, healthy puppies, all of our breeding dogs go through comprehensive genetic and physical health screenings. We partner with top veterinary and canine science organizations to evaluate every dog before they’re ever considered for breeding.
Embark and Animal Genetics DNA Testing helps us screen for 200+ genetic health conditions. This gives us a full picture of each dog’s genetic background and helps us avoid passing down preventable conditions.
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OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) health testing includes:
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Hip, elbow, patella evaluations
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Heart screenings
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Certified eye exams (CAER)
This combined approach ensures our dogs meet high standards for both genetic and structural health.
Why It Should Matter to You
When you’re searching for a puppy, you’re not just picking out a pet, you’re adding a new family member. Choosing a breeder who prioritizes health testing means you’re giving your puppy the best possible chance at a long, happy life.
By testing through Embark, Animal Genetics and OFA, we reduce the risk of common inherited conditions and support the long-term health of our puppies and their future families.
When you choose one of our puppies, you’ll receive:
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Transparency in our breeding decisions
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The peace of mind that comes with a well-bred, responsibly raised puppy
Why Health Testing Matters: The Risks of Skipping It
While it’s tempting to focus on price or convenience when choosing a puppy, it’s so important to understand what’s at stake when breeders don’t prioritize genetic and health testing. Without proper screening, you’re taking on significant risks, many of which don’t appear until months or years after you bring your puppy home.
Hidden Genetic Conditions
Many genetic disorders aren’t visible in young puppies. A breeder who doesn’t use DNA testing or health screenings may unknowingly produce litters at high risk for:
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Hip and elbow dysplasia (painful joint malformations requiring expensive surgery)
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Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and other eye diseases leading to blindness
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Heart defects
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Degenerative myelopathy and other neurological conditions
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Autoimmune disorders
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Severe allergies and skin issues
These health problems can lead to chronic pain, a shortened lifespan, and thousands of dollars in veterinary bills.
Poor Breeding Practices
Breeders who don’t health test are often skipping other important steps, too, like:
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Temperament evaluations
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Early socialization
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Responsible pairing of breeding dogs
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Careful record keeping
This lack of care can lead to puppies with unstable temperaments, behavioral issues, or preventable health problems.
We Don’t Just Talk Health, We Prove It!
We know how much your puppy will mean to you. That’s why we invest in:
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Embark and Animal Genetic testing to screen for hundreds of known inherited conditions
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OFA health certifications for hips, elbows, patellas, heart, and eyes
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As a certified GANA breeder at the Gold level, GANA checks all of our health certifications.
This commitment helps ensure you bring home a puppy who has been thoughtfully bred, properly screened, and set up for a healthy future.
We don’t leave health to chance. Through careful genetic testing and responsible pairing, we work hard to raise puppies who are:
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Structurally sound
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Genetically clear
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Beautiful in coat and color
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And most importantly great personalities so ready to thrive in your home
We’re happy to walk you through our breeding process, explain our health standards, and answer any questions. Because when it comes to your future puppy, you deserve confidence... not guesswork.