Cynology
Breeding and health, in short
This is a plain-language overview. The binding text is the Breeding and Health Regulation (Board of Directors Decision no. 181/13-08-2026); in case of any discrepancy, the regulation prevails.
Rules that apply to all breeds
Who may be used for breeding (Art. 5): a dog identified by microchip, holding a certificate of origin issued by the association or by an organisation whose documents are recognised, and not under a breeding exclusion measure. A dog with a typicity certificate (type C) may be used for breeding; its puppies, declared through a DMF, receive at least type B.
Age (Art. 6–7):
- the bitch: mated only after 18 months and not after 8 years; between 8 and 9 years, once only, with a veterinarian’s written opinion sent to the registry before mating;
- the dog: after 12 months; if used before 15 months, the DNA profile is filed before the DMF.
Rest of the bitch (Art. 8): at least 10 months between two whelpings and at most 3 litters in 24 months.
Caesarean section (Art. 9): a bitch that has whelped twice by caesarean section may no longer be used for breeding. The caesarean is declared with the DMF; failing to declare it is a disciplinary offence.
Inbreeding (Art. 11–14): matings between close relatives are prohibited or allowed only with declaration, according to the degrees in the regulation; a frequently used sire is monitored by the registry.
Puppies (Art. 23–24): not to be handed over before 8 weeks; at handover they are microchipped, dewormed, vaccinated according to age, with a health record completed by the veterinarian; raised in conditions allowing movement, cleanliness and contact with people.
Health tests
Recognised tests (Art. 15) and favourable results (Art. 17):
| Test | Accepted results | Favourable |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia (HD) | A, B, C, D, E | A, B, C |
| Elbow dysplasia (ED) | 0, 1, 2, 3 | 0, 1 |
| Eye examination | clear, affected | clear |
| DNA profile | filed | filed |
| Breed-specific genetic test | the laboratory’s result | assessed only against a breed requirement |
Tests are performed by a veterinarian and proven with the document issued by the veterinarian or the laboratory, carrying the dog’s microchip. They are filed online, in the breeder’s area; the registry verifies and marks them. An unverified test has no effect. Only the test badge (type and result) is shown publicly, never the document (Art. 16, 20).
Breeding recommendation (Art. 19): a dog with at least one verified favourable test and no unfavourable test receives the public note “Recommended for breeding — CFC-Royal”. The note is not a health guarantee and does not replace veterinary advice.
What is mandatory and what is optional, by group
The regulation introduces health requirements gradually, breed by breed (Art. 4 and 18): the Board of Directors may set, by published decision, the tests mandatory before mating for a given breed, with at least 12 months’ notice. Until such a decision, tests are optional and only produce the breeding recommendation.
| WDF group | Tests mandatory before mating (Board decision) | Optional, recognised tests |
|---|---|---|
| 1 — Sheepdogs and cattle dogs | none set yet | HD, ED, eye, DNA, breed genetic |
| 2 — Pinschers, schnauzers, molossoids, mountain dogs and Swiss cattle dogs | none set yet | HD, ED, eye, DNA, breed genetic |
| 3 — Terriers | none set yet | HD, ED, eye, DNA, breed genetic |
| 4 — Bull-type dogs | none set yet | HD, ED, eye, DNA, breed genetic |
| 5 — Primitive-type dogs | none set yet | HD, ED, eye, DNA, breed genetic |
| 6 — Scent hounds and blood-tracking dogs | none set yet | HD, ED, eye, DNA, breed genetic |
| 7 — Pointing dogs | none set yet | HD, ED, eye, DNA, breed genetic |
| 8 — Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs | none set yet | HD, ED, eye, DNA, breed genetic |
| 9 — Companion and toy dogs | none set yet | HD, ED, eye, DNA, breed genetic |
| 10 — Sighthounds | none set yet | HD, ED, eye, DNA, breed genetic |
Decisions setting mandatory tests are published on the site and collected in an annex to the regulation; the table above is updated with them.
What happens in case of non-compliance
Breaches are examined under the Disciplinary Procedure. The Board may order a written warning, rejection of the DMF for the litter concerned, suspension of the right to declare litters (3 months – 2 years), exclusion of a dog from breeding, or suspension or cancellation of the affix (Art. 25). A measure is taken only after the breeder has been notified in writing and given at least 10 days to reply. Certificates issued on false data are cancelled; descendants keep their documents (Art. 26).