How to Track Genetics and Health Testing for Breeding
Health testing isn't optional for responsible breeders. But tracking test results, remembering renewal dates, and sharing documentation with buyers? That's where systems fail. This page covers how to manage genetics and health testing properly.
The health testing challenge
Health testing creates management complexity:
- • Different tests for different breeds
- • Some tests are one-time (DNA), some need renewal (eyes, cardiac)
- • Results live in different places (OFA database, lab reports, vet records)
- • Buyers want proof, but finding it takes time
- • Breeding decisions depend on having current information
- • Forgetting a renewal can affect sales and reputation
A breeder who does health testing but can't prove it easily has the worst of both worlds: the cost without the credibility.
How breeders typically track health testing
Paper files
A folder per animal with test results stuffed inside. Finding a specific result means digging through papers. Sharing with a buyer means scanning or photographing.
Email folders
Lab results in email. OFA certificates in another email. Scattered across years of messages.
OFA database
The official record for many tests. But it doesn't include everything, and you can't attach your own notes or track pending tests.
Memory
"I know she's been tested." "I think that was last year?" Memory fails exactly when you need it.
Spreadsheets
A list of tests and dates. No connection to the animal's other records. No attached documents. No reminders.
Why health testing tracking fails
Results are scattered
DNA results from one lab. OFA results from the database. Eye exam from the veterinary ophthalmologist. Cardiac clearance from a cardiologist. Each in a different format, stored in a different place.
Renewals are missed
Eye exams need annual renewal. Cardiac clearances may need renewal. Easy to forget when you're managing multiple animals with different test dates.
Sharing is painful
A buyer asks for proof of health testing. You spend 30 minutes finding documents, scanning them, and sending them. Multiply by every serious buyer inquiry.
Breeding decisions lack information
You're planning a breeding. What's the genetic compatibility? Is her cardiac clearance current? When was his last eye exam? If this information isn't instantly accessible, you're guessing.
Genetics tracking is complex
Coat color genetics. Health marker genetics. Carrier status. What happens when you breed two carriers? The information exists, but is it organized enough to use?
What proper health tracking requires
All results in one place per animal
- • DNA panel results attached to the animal
- • OFA and equivalent results with dates
- • Specialist exam results (eyes, cardiac, patella)
- • Expiration dates tracked where applicable
Documents attached
- • Actual certificates and reports stored
- • Accessible without digging
- • Shareable with a link or download
Reminders for renewals
- • Tests that expire flagged before expiration
- • No manual reminder setting
- • Proactive notification, not reactive panic
Genetics organized
- • Coat color genetics recorded
- • Health marker status (clear, carrier, affected)
- • Breeding compatibility visible
Buyer access
- • Share relevant documentation through buyer portal
- • Professional presentation
- • No scanning and emailing for each inquiry
BreederHQ organizes health testing
All test results attached to the animal. Documents stored and accessible. Renewal reminders automated. Genetics tracked and visible. Buyer portal access so you're not scanning documents for every inquiry.
Health testing done right, finally organized.
This matters for breeders who:
- • Do health testing (obviously)
- • Have multiple animals with different test schedules
- • Share results with buyers
- • Make breeding decisions based on genetics
- • Want to stop losing track of documents
This might be overkill if:
- • You don't do health testing
- • You have one or two animals and paper files work
- • You're not sharing documentation with buyers
Frequently asked questions
Can I store actual documents (PDFs, images)?
Yes. Attach certificates, lab reports, and exam results directly to the animal's record.
Does it remind me when tests expire?
Yes. Tests with renewal requirements are tracked and flagged.
Can buyers see health testing?
Yes. The buyer portal shows what you choose to share. You control visibility.
Does it track genetics?
Yes. Color genetics, health markers, carrier status.
What about OFA integration?
You enter OFA results manually. BreederHQ doesn't pull from OFA automatically, but your records can link to OFA for verification.